Who We Are

Who We Are

Association of Horizon is a volunteer-led organization, comprised of a Board of Directors and other volunteers and local partners, who leverage their talent, network, and resources to advance the organization’s mission to empower and enrich the lives of adults with physical disabilities.

Executive Board

President

Dana Westley

Dana learned about Horizon through her family who have been involved since its early days, and began volunteering for Horizon in 2008. Dana has been an attendant and Team Leader at summer camp and volunteered at various fundraisers over the years. On the Recruitment Committee, she represented Horizon at volunteer events and schools. Dana makes media content for Horizon including promotional, memorial, and fundraising videos including My Giving Story. She joined the Board in 2019 and became Co-Treasurer in 2020 and now President in 2021. Since then, Dana has helped with engagement efforts such as Horizon @ Home, Holiday Care Boxes, Virtual Valentines Day, and our March Madness fundraiser. Dana has been thrilled to see how Horizon has adapted to the challenges of the pandemic and continued to grow and engage our community.

Outside of Horizon, Dana enjoys spending time with her family, especially many nieces and nephews. Dana enjoy’s cooking at home and posting it on Instagram, karaoke, and road tripping.

Vice President

Gerry Walsh

Gerry joined the Horizon community in 2013, his first year as a camper. He has been a board member since 2014. Gerry has contributed to our organization as a Team Leader at summer camp 8 times. He has served on numerous committees over the years including: Fundraising, Merchandise, Fall/Spring Weekend, and Pandemic Safety. He has also attended and/or helped plan Horizon events such as the mini-golf and golf outings, galas, shop with a friend, annual raffles, and an online trivia night.

Gerry’s current role on the board is affording him the honor to serve as Vice President for the second time. He previously served in this role in 2017 and 2018. Gerry looks forward to helping lead our awesome board in its efforts to continue to carry out the mission and vision of Horizon.

When I’m not keeping busy with all things Horizon, Gerry works as a marketing manager for a legal consulting firm. He plays power soccer for GLASA Chicago Fire. Gerry also enjoys traveling and spending time with family with his girlfriend, and Horizon board Secretary, Dawn Burns. They also love hanging out with their dog, Willie!

Treasurer

George Czerwionka

First learned about Horizon in 1995, through his aunt, who served as a volunteer nurse at camp.  He became very passionate about Horizon’s work and was quick to become an active volunteer with the organization.  

Throughout the years, George has volunteered with many of Horizon’s committees and has served in numerous capacities.  Every March, George and his family organize a March Madness fundraiser to benefit Horizon.  In addition, throughout the year George picks up in-kind donations of hospital beds and supplies for camp.  He has also submitted grant requests on behalf of Horizon.

George joined the Board of Directors about 10 years ago and currently serves as the board treasurer. He lives in Chicago with his wife and works as an accountant.  In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Secretary

Dawn Burns

Dawn has been attending Horizon since 2010 when her friend Dana Andrews and her made the jump over from MDA camp. Last year was Dawn’s first year on the board and she is excited to be taking on the role of Secretary this year. Throughout the years she contributed to the organization in a variety of ways including several committees like Camp Committee, Fall and Spring Weekend, Proofreading, and Camp Never Ends. Dawn is particularly proud of the work everyone has done to increase interactions and provide programming over Zoom throughout the pandemic. She has also organized fundraisers like Bruegala and an online Trivia Night last year with her boyfriend and fellow board member, Gerry Walsh.

Outside of camp Dawn is a teacher and an avid reader. She serves as a teacher leader and Secretary on many teams in her school district; so the role of Board Secretary is a great fit for her. Dawn looks forward to a great year working with the board to continue all the great things the Association of Horizon has planned.

Board Members

Sawsan Abousbie
Stacy Boettcher
Sheila Caplis
Frances Clair
Diane Edwards

Hector Hernandez
Mike Hlavenka
Jack Jender
Emily Kowalski
Drake Kurtenbach
Anna Lopez

Jeff Pickert
Ga
briela Salgado
Terry Smith
Eli Walsh
Chris Viau
Paula Vanier


Operations Manager

Michael Meyer

Local Partners

3eLove
Buster Creative
Hackney’s

Harbortown Industries
Jane’s Hallmark
Lincoln Park High School

Morton Grove Foundation
Park Ridge Community Fund
PNC Foundation

Association of Horizon is a tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Association of Horizon Tax ID number is: 36-3814090.