Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is made up of recognized and respected leaders in the business and civic community. Their dedicated counsel provides guidance, insight and accountability as we strive to assure the best for all babies’ development.
CHAIR
Shirley W. Ryan
Shirley Welsh Ryan is a nationally recognized advocate for the gift of early detection of children’s physical, sensory, and communication issues and for the hope of early intervention and prevention.
In 1985, she co-founded and has chaired Pathways clinic, an outpatient pediatric clinic, and in 1996, founded the popular pathways.org website whose videos illustrate the children’s abilities and inform parents and professionals. Shirley has been appointed by two United States Presidents to the National Council on Disability in Washington which advises Congress on issues of disability.
Shirley is a member of the board of the University of Notre Dame. She is a member of the executive committee, or a board member, of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the Alain Locke Charter Academy, and the Art Institute of Chicago. She has chaired the Chicago Community Trust. Shirley has received honorary doctorates from the University of Illinois Chicago and the Catholic Theological Union. Shirley has received the Northwestern University Alumna Service Award, the Harvard Club of Chicago Statesman Award, and the Kids Count Award from the Voices of Illinois Children.
