Kurt founded TDS in 2008 with his wife, Jeanine. In addition to serving as President, he is also the Chair of the Public Administration Department at Northern Illinois University.
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Kurt Thurmaier, Ph.D
Tricia joined the TDS Board in 2011 and is the current Treasurer. She is a retired nurse and currently works in property management. Tricia also volunteers extensively in DeKalb County.
TREASURER
Tricia DeBoo, MPM
James is an Associate Professor of ESL/Bilingual Education at Northern Illinois University. He is a Fulbright Specialist and has been awarded multiple times in the areas of education, social justice, and diversity.
BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2017
James Cohen, Ed.D
Jennie spent her 30 year career in education, serving as both a teacher and administrator. She recently retired after serving as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction in the DeKalb School Distirct.
BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2019
Jennie Hueber, Ed.D
Jason became the first ED in 2019 after working in local economic development. He was a TDS study abroad student in 2015 and also served as Vice President of TDS between 2016 and 2018.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jason Michnick, MPA
Edith joined the board in 2016 and currently serves as Vice President. She is also the Director of Programs and Policy Implementation for Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University.
VICE PRESIDENT
Edith Njuguna, MPP
Helen worked at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics for 18 years before retiring from nursing. She currently teaches Medical Surgical Nursing at Edgewood College.
BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2016
Helen Martin, MSN
Stewart is a graduate of DePaul University College of Law and is currently a Staff Attorney specializing in individual bankruptcy reorganization in Chicago.
BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2018
Stewart Chapman, JD
John is a retired City Manager, serving more than 25 years in that role in the Chicago suburbs. He currently teaches local government management at the university level.