Leadership

Board of Directors 2023—2024

Officers

Sara Elsasser ’02

Board Chair
Chair, Advancement

Rob Faurot ’77

Why did you join the NTEF Board?
I joined the NTEF board because I was inspired by the opportunity to fund innovative and interesting initiatives that not only make an impact on New Trier and its students and community but also have the opportunity to impact education more broadly. When the organization funds interesting projects, the educational community has the opportunity to learn from these projects and then scale them at New Trier and beyond. I feel privileged to learn about the creative ideas our New Trier faculty are implementing on a daily basis.

What is the most rewarding thing about being on the NTEF Board?
I love having the opportunity to have a strong understanding of the impressive work happening at New Trier. I am always excited to learn how thoughtful and strategic the school is in thinking about opportunities for our students—both from an academic and social-emotional perspective.

What was your favorite movie in high school and why?
Ferris Bueller's Day Off—I attended New Trier and loved seeing the Chicago suburbs and City of Chicago featured in the movie.

Jackie Avitia-Guzman

Treasurer

Erika Joyce ’94

Secretary
Chair, Community Engagement

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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.

Directors

Doug Ackerman

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Rob Faurot ’77

Why did you join the NTEF Board?

I want to continue to give back to New Trier because it was such a wonderful experience for our kids.

What was your favorite movie in high school and why?

The Terminator, because it was awesome!

Neha Biggs

Joan Criswell

Chair, Marran Grants

Lenny Feller

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!