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Mike Usiak
Meals Ministry Manager at Fourth Presbyterian Church
Professional Background
Mike Usiak is a dedicated and experienced professional who has made significant contributions to non-profit leadership and community outreach, particularly in the area of hunger prevention in Chicago. With an impressive track record spanning two decades, Mike's career reflects a passion for service, advocacy, and development that strives to tackle one of society's most pressing issues: hunger. His hands-on approach to leadership in both paid and pro bono roles has enabled him to excel in volunteer recruitment and management, fundraising, and community outreach.
Throughout his career, Mike has held a variety of key positions that showcase his impressive range of skills and capabilities. Among the notable roles he has undertaken, he served as Meals Ministry Manager at the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, where he spearheaded initiatives to provide meals to those in need. He also acted as Food Pantry Director at St. Teresa of Avila Church, an influential position that allowed him to directly impact the lives of individuals facing food insecurity in the community. Mike's leadership at the church involved coordinating food distribution, engaging volunteers, and ensuring that the food pantry ran smoothly and effectively.
In addition to his roles focusing on direct community service, Mike Usiak also has extensive experience in development and donor relations. His experience as Donor Relations and Database Manager at Anixter Center highlights his capability in fostering partnerships and expanding funding sources, which are crucial for sustaining non-profit operations. Combining his knowledge in economics and fundraising management, Mike has a unique ability to merge quantitative insights with compassionate advocacy, driving significant progress in his initiatives.
Moreover, his history in business development as the VP Business Development at AH LLC and his earlier experience as a broker at the Chicago Stock Exchange and floor manager at the Chicago Board Options Exchange provide him with a solid foundation in strategic thinking and operational management that is rare in the non-profit sector. This diverse experience equips Mike with innovative perspectives on resource mobilization and operational efficiency, further enhancing his contributions to non-profit organizations.
Education and Achievements
Mike Usiak's educational background supports his professional journey in profound ways. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Northern Michigan University, where he gained a fundamental understanding of economic principles that inform his work in non-profit management. His knowledge in economics is complemented by his recent completion of a Certificate in Non-Profit Management with a specialization in fundraising at the University of Illinois Chicago. This focused education equips him with both the theoretical frameworks and practical tools necessary for effective fundraising, an area he believes is critical to the mission of any non-profit organization.
Throughout his career, Mike has made considerable advancements in fostering community connections, and his approach to volunteer management has been appreciated by many organizations he has served. His commitment to building and maintaining relationships with volunteers and supporters has always been at the forefront of his work, making presentations and connections that lead to impactful solutions and partnerships.
Mike firmly believes that hunger is a problem that can be eradicated within our lifetimes; this conviction fuels his motivation to advocate for individuals experiencing food insecurity. His work reflects a proactive approach to solving hunger, emphasizing that with the right organizational support and community engagement, meaningful change is possible. Through his diverse experiences, Mike Usiak has become a formidable advocate for hunger prevention, tirelessly pushing for innovative solutions and fostering a culture of empathy and action around food insecurity.
Achievements
Mike's 20-year journey in non-profit leadership is marked by significant achievements in various capacities. His roles in community outreach and development efforts have left a lasting impact on the organizations he has worked with. Notably, his tenure as Meals Ministry Coordinator at Fourth Presbyterian Church exemplifies his commitment to not only providing meals but also creating a holistic approach to community support, ensuring families have access to resources that empower them beyond immediate food relief.
His leadership at Anixter Center demonstrates his ability to harness the power of data in donor relations and retention, facilitating sustainable funding streams necessary for program operations. He has effectively utilized his skills to foster a strong donor culture that appreciates the vision and mission of the organizations he collaborates with, thus creating environments where philanthropy flourishes.
In addition to his roles focused on service and development, Mike's earlier experiences in the financial sector have uniquely positioned him in the non-profit landscape. His expertise gained from management roles at prestigious financial and catering organizations equips him to approach non-profit challenges with a business-minded perspective, merging empathy with analytical rigor.
In summary, Mike Usiak is a well-rounded professional whose 20 years of experience in non-profit leadership, fundraising management, and community advocacy set him apart as a leader in the field of hunger prevention. His commitment to eliminating food insecurity is reinforced by a strong educational foundation and diverse professional competencies. Mike's journey reflects his belief in impactful community service and the potential for change, inspiring current and future leaders in the non-profit arena to join the fight against hunger.
Achievements:
Mike's dedicated efforts in hunger prevention and community outreach have not only benefited numerous individuals and families in Chicago, but have also established him as a highly respected figure in the non-profit sector. He thrives on collaboration, believing that when communities come together, they can create sustainable solutions to complex issues.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, Mike Usiak embodies the spirit of service and commitment to non-profit leadership. Through his extensive background in volunteer management, fundraising, and community outreach, coupled with a focused educational foundation, Mike continues to make meaningful strides toward addressing hunger in Chicago. Those looking to find a leader in the non-profit sector who is both skilled and passionate about making a difference will undoubtedly see Mike Usiak as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
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