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We are thrilled to announce six new talented and passionate members have joined our Board of Directors, and they bring a wealth of experience and perspective to support campus operations in the years ahead.
Today we will be introducing you all to 3 of them. Please join us in welcoming Vickie Spires, Thomas Southerland, and David Hartt.
Vickie Spires is The Joyce Foundation’s Director of Talent and Culture. She oversees the design and execution of forward-thinking, best-in-class talent development and management practices to foster an inclusive, collaborative and diverse workplace culture. Previously, she was the Director of Human Resources and Operations at Cabrini Green Legal Aid; Operations Manager and Property Manager for Deer Rehabilitation Services; and Chief Operating Officer for the North Lawndale Employment Network.
A Chicago native, Spires holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College of Chicago and a master’s degree in human resource management from Roosevelt University. She is a member of the Chicago and South Suburban Society of Human Resource Management and also works with the Us Lifting Us Community Development Corporation, an economic empowerment organization designed to support business development and ownership in Black communities.
“It’s important to provide holistic services because when you are thinking about a person returning back to a community, they’re not returning to the way they were. Life has changed. Technology has advanced. Some resources that were available are scarce, and people don’t know where to look. And navigating society again can be tough. Their new normal is a process, and sometimes it’s those basic skills individuals need to help them be successful to navigate work situations, employment situations and try to network themselves.”
“I support the work because I’ve been impacted with both of my parents being incarcerated. I had to raise my three younger sisters and navigate resources at the time when I was 20. To have an organization that is providing these resources and seeing individuals get a new start – and to know they have people around them caring for them, cheering for them – I want to be a part of that. This is the work we’ve been put on this planet to do.”
Thomas Southerland is a licensed clinical social worker and behavioral health leader with experience in community mental health, clinical operations and direct-service delivery. He serves as the Outreach Clinical Director at Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare, where he oversees community-based programs that reach more than 500 adults with mental health diagnoses throughout Chicagoland. He manages program implementation, budget oversight, staff development and quality assurance.
Southerland provides therapeutic services at Midwest Family & Community through in-person and telehealth therapy. He previously worked at Cook County Health as a Care Coordinator for Transition of Care, where he helped people navigate hospital discharges and reintegrate into community-based care. He earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and enjoys developing future leaders in social services, promoting equitable access to care and strengthening the safety net for underserved populations. Outside of work, Thomas is a retired social rugby player who unwinds with video games and reality television.
“I talk to a lot of people who come out of incarceration, and they’re new to smartphones and different systems. The world has not stopped while they’ve been incarcerated. So focusing on one thing is not going to be enough. They need wraparound services to get acclimated to how things are, to get back on track or figure out their direction. There are so many things they need supported, so it’s better to tackle it holistically.”
“I am very big on community and trying to help others in the community because that’s going to push everything forward. I’m a social worker by trade so I want to support people with being the best they can be.”
David Hartt has more than 50 years of experience in public and private planning and development. He has managed and worked on projects that involve comprehensive planning, zoning consultation, zoning code development and expert-witness testimony. With a master’s degree in city planning and a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Michigan, Hartt has worked in more than 200 communities. In 2009, the Ohio Chapter of the American Planning Association named him the Outstanding Planner of the Year.
An Evanston resident, Hartt previously served as a volunteer at Saint Leonard’s and participated in Recognition Thursday events that highlight accomplishments of residents and program participants. He also has supported returning residents via programs at St. Chrysostom’s Episcopal Church in Chicago and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Evanston.
“I am committed to this work through my faith, coupled with my awareness of society’s deficiencies in meeting the re-entry needs of the formerly incarcerated. My faith calls me to love thy neighbor and treat all people with respect and dignity. Everyone counts equally! Moreover, most returning residents will likely face an environment that is hostile to them. The barriers to full integration are great, and new skills are often needed to be successful.”
“Through my involvement with re-entry programs, over the last nine years, I’ve gained acute awareness and appreciation for the comprehensive approach embraced by Saint Leonard’s Ministries. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve Saint Leonard’s in this way! During the initial few months of release, and with renewed support, I’ve often heard a returning resident say, ‘This is the first time I’ve been recognized for anything.’ The needs to be addressed may be initially unknown and will likely change over time. Saint Leonard’s is not only prepared for existing challenges but continues to develop new support programs to meet the ever-changing needs – whatever they may be and whenever they may be needed – for all program participants.”
We are so pleased that these three professionals have joined the Saint Leonard’s Community and are committed to our mission of holistic social support.
