The day-to-day operations of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago focus on improving access to services for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and other chronic illnesses; this vision emerges from AFC’s 27-person Board of Directors. These community leaders bring a variety of skills and interests to cast the vision for the organization and lead it in achieving its mission. In 2018, the Board welcomed seven new members to its fold; we invite you to meet them below!

If you have any questions for the AFC Board or want to learn about how you can join, please reach out to AFC President & CEO John Peller. 

Geoffrey E. Brown, CAE, is the CEO of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). In this role, he is responsible for the association’s strategic direction, external relations, and ensuring its operational success. He is also a member of the Association Forum of Chicagoland, where he serves on the Board of Directors as Secretary-Treasurer. Brown also serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values.

Lance Glass is the Manager of Cost Accounting for Luster Products. Previously, he served as Vice President of Finance for There is a Need, a nonprofit he cofounded to support the African American community to combat HIV/AIDS. There is a Need developed programs to help individuals with all their needs, including everything from medical to shelter. He also works as the chairperson of the men’s chorus at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, where he manages the daily operations of this $60,000 ministry area.

Paris Mullen is a Community Liaison for Merck. In this role he provides capacity building support for case managers and other allied health professionals who serve communities living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C. He is also the CEO and founder of Hope for US (parismullen.org). This organization is dedicated to developing hope and self-worth for individuals dealing with psychological, spiritual and emotional challenges of living with trauma.

Mary Pounder serves as the Program Director at the Comer Family Foundation. Here, she directs the grant making and relationship management for the organization and collaborates with over 180 non-profits to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities throughout Chicago and nationwide. She has a distinct dedication to harm reduction among people who inject drugs and expresses her commitment to equity and justice as a Committee Member of Human Rights Watch. 

Tom Sondergeld is currently the Vice President of Global HRIS, Benefits & Mobility for Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA). Tom has directed employee benefits for over 20 years. He has spoken at many local and national events on topics ranging from benefit plan design, wellness integration, and on-site health centers. He is currently the acting Chair for Midwest Business Group on Health.

Tony Tintinalli has had a very successful career in banking since 1998. He joined BMO Harris Bank from Canadian P&C in January 2017 when he stepped into the newly created role of Head, U.S. Premier Sales to deepen relationships with customers with investable assets between $250,000 and $1 million. Previously, Tony served as Regional Vice President for Toronto Downtown, which is the largest retail banking market in Canada.

Dr. Karriem S. Watson, DHSc, MS, MPH, is a Senior Research Scientist with the University of Illinois Cancer Center and the Director of Community Engaged Research for the UI Cancer Center at UIC and the Mile Square Health Center. Dr. Watson’s work has resulted in the creation of community-based cancer screening, prevention and navigation programs. His work afforded him recognition by the Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force as a “Community Champion.”