Chris Swope Cholewa has a diverse work experience in the nonprofit sector. Chris is currently the Chief Executive Officer of HandsOn Suburban Chicago since 2022 and previously served as the Executive Director from 2020 to 2022. Chris is also a Global Network Affiliate Assembly Member at Points of Light since 2021.
Before these roles, Chris held several leadership positions at various organizations. From 2013 to 2023, they were the Chief Executive Officer and President of Affinium Services LLC, where they developed strategies and tactics for nonprofits and small businesses to support sustainable revenue and stakeholder engagement. Chris also served as the Chief Advancement Officer at the American Brain Tumor Association (Consulting) from 2015 to 2016.
Prior to that, Chris was the Chief Advancement Officer at St. Leonard's Ministries in 2020, where they provided leadership in fundraising, marketing, communications, and outreach. Chris served as the Past Board President at Lombard Town Centre from 2015 to 2019 and played a significant role in strategic planning and goal implementation.
Further back in their career, Chris worked as the Director of Development at Illinois Legal Aid Online from 2017 to 2019, where they created and implemented sustainable organizational strategies and development plans. Chris was also the Chief Executive Officer at Sharing Connections from 2011 to 2013 and developed and implemented a strategic growth plan for the organization.
Additionally, Chris held the role of Director of Development and Communications at Child's Voice from 2009 to 2011, where they managed development programs and increased revenue through individual giving and foundation relations. Chris was also the Director of Development and Interim Executive Director at the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America from 2006 to 2009, overseeing various fundraising programs and managing staff and volunteers.
At Metropolitan Family Services, Chris served as the Director of Development from 1996 to 2006, implementing cultivation events and soliciting major gifts. Chris also worked as the Intake Supervisor/Crisis Intervention Counselor from 1991 to 1997, providing crisis intervention services and supervising intake teams.
Throughout their career, Chris has demonstrated a strong track record of developing and implementing sustainable strategies, increasing revenue, and fostering stakeholder engagement in diverse nonprofit organizations.
Chris Swope Cholewa attended National Louis University, but there is no information provided about the degree or field of study. In addition to their education, Chris has obtained various certifications in crisis management, donor connection, effective donor asks, mental health, domestic violence, and sexual assault advocacy.
October, 2022 - present
September, 2020