Meet the Development Team
Every day, our Development team is hard at work to ensure Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana can continue to provide families with much-needed support during their children’s medical journeys. It’s tough, emotional, inspiring, wonderful, and incredibly rewarding work.
This team – like all of our staff members – is continually inspired by you, our volunteer community, who so graciously give your time to make the mission of the organization come to life each day. So, read on to get to know our Development team.
Tim Kennedy, Chief Development Officer
Why RMHC-CNI: I worked for the global RMHC office for 15 years, and after nearly a 10-year break, getting an opportunity to return, especially with the local chapter here in Chicago, was where I felt I could have an impact. I’ve always loved the brand and the mission of keeping families close and helping them get better together.
Fun Fact: I’m the youngest of eleven children (yes, I’m still referred to as the baby) and a twin.
Megan Kuehl, Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations
Why RMHC-CNI: I started my career as a social worker, and our mission deeply resonates with me and the experience my family has had with pediatric illness. I love our family-centered care approach and our ability to break down barriers for families to access world-class healthcare.
Fun Fact: I have two young daughters, so any weekend you can find me exploring activities in Chicago and the burbs! And… I am a new pickleball player.
Molly Gilbride, Director, Individual & Major Gifts
Why RMHC-CNI: Because I wanted to work with an organization where I was close to a mission that is near and dear to my heart, both personally and professionally.
Fun Fact: My husband (Ryan), son (Max), dog, and I moved to Chicago 4 years ago from Ohio and are loving the experience of raising our son in the city. It truly is a wonderful community, and we love calling it home.
Jack Gilhooly, Associate Director, Corporate Partnerships
Why RMHC-CNI: As a parent blessed with three healthy kids, I have always been touched by the mission of RMHC, which not only brings comfort and care to the families we serve, but also provides an opportunity for those families to access the best possible medical care for their children. As a parent, if my child were sick, I would do whatever it took to get the best possible treatment for them. No parent should ever be precluded from doing so simply because they can not afford a place to stay while their child receives that care. Ronald McDonald House provides access to that life changing/saving medical care that parents might not otherwise be able to afford.
Fun Fact: I started out as a volunteer myself at our Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s back in 2016, volunteering one day a week while transitioning out of a 25-year career practicing law. That great experience opened my eyes to the incredible things that happen at RMHC and ultimately led to an employment opportunity as the Evening/Weekend House Manager, a position I held for nearly two years before transitioning to the Development Team.
Karyn Schuler, Associate Director, Fundraising & Stewardship Events
Why RMHC-CNI: Ronald McDonald House serves as the perfect marriage of blending my passion and skills in the events industry with purposeful and mission-driven impact.
Fun Fact: I’ve traveled to both Hawaii and Alaska.
Kendra Fortenberry, Manager, Prospect Research & Portfolio Management
Why RMHC-CNI: RMHC has an easy mission to get behind. The organization’s approach to serving families is forward-thinking and holistic with the level of consideration given to families. RMHC has a wonderful reputation that makes me proud to be a member on the team.
Fun Fact: A Chicago celebrity gave me the cold shoulder once at a local Walgreens. Do you want to guess who?
Meg Usher, Development Coordinator
Why RMHC-CNI: I majored in Accounting in college and worked in the corporate world for about four years after graduation. I soon realized I wanted to shift careers and pursue something I’m passionate about. I was introduced to the fundraising world while volunteering on the Young Professional Board for Make-A-Wish and decided I wanted to transition to a career in development. My main reason for choosing RMHC-CNI is because I’m passionate about helping others, especially families and children who are affected by critical illnesses.
Fun Fact: I’ve traveled to 22 countries outside of the United States!
Now it’s your turn – the Development team would love to hear from you! We have a fun little questionnaire to get the conversation started and would love for you to click here and introduce yourself, ask a question, or simply share more about your connection to RMHC-CNI.
On behalf of the entire Development team, a HUGE thank you for all you do for RMHC-CNI and the families we serve. We appreciate you!