Leadership

Board of Directors 2022—2023

Officers

Rob Faurot ’77

Vice-Chair

Rob Faurot ’77

Why did you join the NTEF Board?
I loved my time at New Trier and want to support New Trier so it can continue to afford and provide outstanding opportunities for current and future students.

What is the most rewarding thing about being on the NTEF Board?
Being close to New Trier’s students, staff, and administration and seeing the gifts of the foundation being put to great use.

What was your favorite movie in high school and why?
Movies made by Mark Romanek, Chuck Trotter, and by Kevin Dole and seen many times in Kevin Dole’s Cinematography class at New Trier.

Sara Elsasser '02

Vice-Chair

Jackie Avitia-Guzman

Treasurer

Erika Joyce ’94

Secretary

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Erika Joyce ’94

Why did you join the NTEF Board?
I consider my rewarding New Trier experience as a student and its motto “To commit minds to inquiry, hearts to compassion, and lives to the service of humanity” as having laid an important foundation for being a lifelong learner both inside and outside the classroom even after high school. When I was presented with the opportunity to serve on the NTEF Board, I viewed it both as an honor and an opportunity to give back to the school and community that provided me with an exceptional education.

What is the most rewarding thing about being on the NTEF Board?
The NTEF enriches the overall New Trier experience for students in a myriad of ways from providing expanded opportunities for special education students to supporting the fine arts program to enhancing extracurricular programs such as the Robotics Club. It is very exciting to be a part of this wonderful organization that is making a difference in diverse ways for our New Trier community.

What was your favorite movie in high school and why?
This may sound very trite coming from a New Trier alum, but I have to say it was the classic John Hughes film, “The Breakfast Club” which is purportedly about New Trier. The cast was representative of different prototypes of students ranging from the intellectual to the athlete. I think the movie nicely depicts (maybe not accurately) the high school experience from these very different student perspectives.

Committee Chairs

Sara Elsasser '02

Advancement

Erika Joyce '94

Community Engagement

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Erika Joyce ’94

Joan Criswell

203 Grants

Directors

Emma Atou '24

Neha Biggs

David Buyer '85

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David Buyer '85

Why did you join the NTEF Board?
Involvement and giving back. When my eldest daughter was a sophomore I was approached with the opportunity to join the Foundation Board. It has been an excellent way to be more involved with her in addition to cheering her on at tennis matches. The Board also presents a way to give back to New Trier after having graduated in 1985.

What is the most rewarding thing about being on the NTEF Board?
There are many rewarding aspects to Foundation Board membership. First, the other Directors are terrific people to meet and work with. Besides the raw talent everyone possesses, the kindness in each of the Directors is incredible.

It is wonderful to see the results from Foundation grants. As my wife and I walk through the school for conferences or other events, we see and hear about things the students are doing. I often turn to her and say, “that is a project we sponsored.”

It is also amazing to get to know and work with the administration. Their knowledge of high school education and ability to visualize from the students’ perspective makes each one of them experts in their fields.

What was your favorite movie in high school and why?
The Princess Bride. It is a timeless lighthearted adventure that transported me away from thinking about schoolwork.

Larry Dickman

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Larry Dickman

Why did you join the NTEF Board?
I joined because my children attended New Trier and I wanted to do a little extra to help out the New Trier Community.

What is the most rewarding thing about being on the NTEF Board?
I enjoyed working on the Grant Committee the most because I could see firsthand where our fundraising was being allocated.

What was your favorite movie in high school and why?
"One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest." Great performances by the whole cast, especially Jack Nicholson.

Lenny Feller

Randy Hack

Ashley Kain Silver '02

John McGuinness ’77

Cathy Shaw '79

Honorary Directors

Janet Hersh ’74

Chris West ’68

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Chris West ’68

Why did you join the NTEF Board?
Being fortunate enough to participate in the New Trier experience and its lasting impact, I want to ensure that this tradition continues providing a current and relevant experience.

What is the most rewarding thing about being on the NTEF Board?
The opportunity to positively influence and impact the lives of young people who will actively participate in their own way in shaping our future.

What was your favorite movie in high school and why?
“Bonnie and Clyde” is one of my favorite films. A film or story can be viewed on multiple levels, as I have matured, I have come to realize the relevancy of this classic film to our society.

Ex-Officio

Nicole Dizon
Director. Marketing & Communications

Jean Hahn
Board of Education Representative

Denise Dubravec
Winnetka Campus Principal

Chris Johnson
Associate Superintendent

Katie Kritek
Kinetic Wellness Faculty

Liz Mayer ’02
Executive Director, NTEF

Meghan Mills
Co-Chair, New Trier Parents Association

Bridget Orsic
Co-Chair, New Trier Parents Association

Wendy Parks
Special Education Faculty 

Paul Sally, EdD
Superintendent

Brittany Sievers
Business Education Faculty 

Peter Tragos
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Paul Waechtler
Northfield Campus Principal

Executive Director

Liz Mayer ’02, CFRE

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Liz Mayer ’02

Why did you join the NTEF Board? 
I knew working for the NTEF was the right fit for me the very first day I walked back onto campus. In so many ways, this is home for me. Seeing the commitment of our Board to the students and the desire NTEF Board members have to truly impact the educational opportunities of students is inspiring.

What is the most rewarding thing about being on the NTEF Board? 
For me, being able to see and experience the impact of our work with the students on a regular basis is the most rewarding thing. Seeing the dedication of our teachers and administrators constantly reminds me how proud I am to be a Trevian!

What was your favorite movie in high school and why?
 I’ll have to go with Bring It On, I was a high school and competitive cheerleader!