Candidates for the Old Town Triangle Board for 2025

Here are the Slated Candidates for the Old Town Triangle Board for 2025.

On October 31, 2024, the Nominating Committee Chair submitted to the OTTA Secretary the list of candidates the Committee slated for the 2025 Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee is an ad hoc group comprising 3-5 members, including at least one current Board Member, selected annually by the Board in September. The Committee’s primary task is to recommend a slate of candidates for open Officer and Director positions from among members who express interest in serving in a Board capacity.

Once the slate of candidates has been picked by the Committee, the slate is presented to and approved by the OTTA Membership in an open vote that takes place on January 23, 2025, at the OTTA’s Annual Dinner & Meeting. Members interested in opposing the slate and running for a Board position can do so by following the process set forth in the By-Laws. Details on that process are described below.

This year, the Committee had the pleasure of reviewing applications and conducting interviews with many candidates. After thorough and thoughtful deliberation, the Committee unanimously endorsed a slate that, alongside the continuing Board members, is best positioned to:

• Fulfill both individual and collective Board responsibilities in alignment with the new OTTA mission, vision, and values.
• Advance OTTA’s strategic priorities collaboratively.
• Build a strong foundation for the long-term success of the Board and OTTA.

We extend our gratitude to all the applicants for their interest in serving in a Board role.

Brief bios for each candidate are included below. Here is the nominated slate:

President: Ray Clark*
Vice-President: Matt Langer
Secretary: Harrison (Sony) Oliff
Treasurer: Drew Roesch*
Director: Ben Wolfe
Director: Kim Thorstenson

*Indicates served on 2024 OTTA Board

Returning Directors:
Beth Burke
Elaine Frei
Lotika Pai
Aneta Tomaszkiewicz

Ray Clark, President   

Ray looks forward to continuing the work he began as OTTA President, leading the implementation of the new strategic priorities. Ray is an architect and structural engineer with extensive experience leading teams, organizations, and projects. Demonstrating a strong commitment to service and community building since moving to the area, he has volunteered for a wide variety of OTTA events and activities and has participated in or chaired various committees. Most recently, as chair of the Capital Improvements Committee, he is overseeing the Triangle building renovation project, aiming to enhance the building’s functionality and usability. As a member of the Neighborhood Improvement Committee, he is leading a study aimed at improving community accessibility. Ray is committed to guiding the Board in alignment with the new OTTA strategic priorities, valuing the volunteer base, and supporting OTTA’s mission.

Matt Langer, Vice President  

Matt brings a diverse range of experiences from his professional and volunteer roles to the role of vice president. He has contributed to various community organizations and has a background in public administration and urban public policy and holds a law degree. His career spans teaching, state government, and healthcare. His dedication to public service and passion for strategic development position him well to support OTTA’s mission. Since moving to Old Town with his family in 2021, Matt has enjoyed volunteering at the Old Town Art Fair. He is eager to use his expertise to collaborate and advance the organization’s priorities.

Harrison (Sony) Oliff, Secretary 

Sony brings rich experience to the role of Secretary. As a Human Capital Consultant, Sony drives projects focused on the adoption of transformational change, leveraging his expertise in organizational development, strategic planning, and community engagement. He recently contributed to OTTA strategic planning work and has volunteered at the Old Town Art Fair. Sony serves as a Volunteer Coordinator for Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago, organizing volunteers to deliver food to those in need for Jewish holidays. He is passionate about community building and increasing engagement by offering events that attract a wide range of community members. Sony aims to strengthen OTTA’s connections within the community, particularly with renters and early career residents, ensuring they feel integrated and invested.

Drew Roesch, Treasurer   

Drew is eager to continue his work as Treasurer for OTTA. Since he began this role in early 2024, he has focused on executing a detailed re-evaluation of all revenue and expense line items, working toward a balanced budget. He has collaborated with other Board members and committees to identify new and creative opportunities to strengthen the organization’s financial standing. Drew’s goal is to create a more sustainable financial future for OTTA and to better leverage the Triangle building for community engagement. He brings to the Treasurer role significant experience as a financial consultant specializing in revenue and expense management, with a focus in the government sector. Drew has previously volunteered as a member of a planning team supporting student service trips. Drew and his family enjoy the many events and activities offered by OTTA.

Kim Thorstenson, Director

A long-time community member, Kim brings a wealth of skills and experiences to the director role. Most recently, as a member of the Events Committee, she helped execute numerous events, including leading two new initiatives in partnership with local organizations: a movie night and a concert in the park. She contributed to Earth Day as an artist supporting the Little Libraries project. Kim is driven by her passion for building community connections and expanding the organization’s reach to all residents, especially among Triangle renters. With a fine arts degree and expertise as a graphic illustrator, she values creativity and engagement as tools for fostering community spirit.

Ben Wolfe, Director  

Ben looks forward to supporting the Board officers in implementing the organization’s strategic priorities in the role of director. He is dedicated to community safety and preserving the neighborhood’s charm and character. Ben’s volunteer contributions include serving as a long-term docent for the Chicago Architecture Center and advising its Board on digital transformation. He works in nonprofit healthcare, leading strategic technology and organizational change initiatives. He brings a focus on collaboration and expertise in leading change. Tim and his family enjoy participating in OTTA events and appreciate the organization’s role in enhancing neighborhood life.