Chicago Executive Directors United

In September 2016, Arcus Foundation convened the Chicago LGBT/HIV/Social Justice Allied Executive Director Support Group. The goals are to foster positive relationships and best practices among executive directors and ideally result in increased sustainability in their roles. The model is one of peer support, with a facilitator to ensure equity and coordinate logistics. The group has always prioritized racial and gender justice with regards to membership, focusing on the recruitment of people of color, women and gender expansive leaders.  

Since 2016, this group has consistently met monthly. Membership in the group has varied by year, but on average there are 20+ member organizations of varying sizes. The model has been extremely successful in providing practical tools, emotional validation and encouragement for executive directors at every level.  

After Arcus Foundation seed money ran out, Polk Brothers, Crossroads Fund and other Chicago foundations have supported the group. AIDS Foundation Chicago serves as the fiscal agent. Funding covers facilitation by Jackie Boyd and her colleagues.  

Every monthly Wednesday meeting starts with a check-in led by the facilitator to see how participants are feeling and to collect topics for discussion. Each individual then has an opportunity to present the challenge they are facing and ask their peers for solutions. Examples include: 

• Staff management and coaching 
• Board relationships 
• Funding and financial challenges 
• Self care and leadership skill building 

If you would like to refer yourself or someone else to the group, please email the facilitator Jacqueline Boyd of The Care Plan at [email protected].