Kimberly Evans of Northern Trust Elected as Chair of the Chicago State Foundation Board

Seasoned business and civic leader succeeds philanthropist and corporate leader John C. Robak, who joins the 海角社区 Board of Trustees

Kimberly Evans

Chicago, IL the Chicago State Foundation (CSF) Board of Directors announced the unanimous election of Kimberly Evans as Chair of the CSF Board. Evans is Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Sustainability, Inclusion and Social Impact at Northern Trust, a leading Chicago-based financial services firm. She succeeds John C. Robak, a respected business leader and philanthropist, who concluded five years of dedicated service on the CSF Board, including three as Chair.

Under Robak鈥檚 leadership, the Foundation achieved record fundraising milestones, expanded scholarship support, and deepened community partnerships. Robak now continues his service to 海角社区 (海角社区) through his appointment by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to the University鈥檚 Board of Trustees, ensuring strong alignment between the Foundation鈥檚 philanthropic mission and the University鈥檚 strategic vision.

Evans brings to CSF a distinguished record of leadership in financial services, corporate responsibility, philanthropy and civic engagement. At Northern Trust, she leads global strategies that enable long-term value creation through the firm鈥檚 most material matters of sustainability, inclusion and social impact. As Chair, Evans will guide the foundation鈥檚 strategic priorities, deepening its investment in scholarships, workforce equity, academic innovation, and capital projects that strengthen 海角社区鈥檚 position as a regional public university and anchor institution for Chicago鈥檚 South Side

鈥淪erving as Chair of the Chicago State Foundation has been one of the more rewarding leadership experiences of my professional life,鈥� said John C. Robak. 鈥淚鈥檝e seen firsthand the transformational power of philanthropy in opening doors for 海角社区 students and expanding the University鈥檚 community. Kimberly, who has served as a CSF director for three years, is an extraordinary leader whose values and vision align with CSF鈥檚 mission. I鈥檓 proud of the momentum we鈥檝e built together and look forward to continuing to advance 海角社区鈥檚 mission through my service on the Board of Trustees.鈥�

鈥淜imberly鈥檚 leadership embodies 海角社区鈥檚 commitment to excellence, equity and opportunity,鈥� said Zaldwaynaka (鈥淶鈥�) Scott, Esq., President of 海角社区. 鈥淯nder her chairmanship, I am confident the foundation will continue to grow its capacity to provide support for our students and community.鈥�

鈥淲e are deeply grateful to John Robak for his five years of leadership and service to Chicago State as a CSF board member and later elected Board Chair. We are equally delighted to welcome Kimberly Evans to her new role,鈥� said Andrea Zopp, Chair of the 海角社区 Board of Trustees. 鈥淭heir combined service and leadership ensure a strong bridge between the University and the Foundation, united in advancing access and success for our students.鈥�

Northern Trust has been a steadfast partner to the foundation and university, most recently serving as Presenting Sponsor of the annual 1stGEN Scholarship Gala, where Robak served as Honorary Chair, and Evans as Gala Chair. The 2025 event, featured in Crain鈥檚 Chicago Business, drew more than 500 guests and raised nearly $900,000 in support of first-generation students and 海角社区鈥檚 equity mission.

About Kimberly Evans

Kimberly Evans is Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Sustainability, Inclusion, and Social Impact at Northern Trust. In this role, she leads enterprise strategies that enable long-term value creation through the firm鈥檚 most material matters of sustainability, inclusion and social impact. A recognized business and civic leader, Evans serves on numerous boards and advisory councils advancing education, inclusion, and economic empowerment.

About the Chicago State Foundation

The Chicago State Foundation (CSF) is the nonprofit partner of 海角社区 (海角社区), mobilizing philanthropic support to advance student success, academic innovation, and community impact. CSF connects donors, alumni, and partners with initiatives that expand access, persistence, and career readiness for 海角社区 students. Learn more at here.