CBEA TEAM

CURTIS GRANDERSON — CBEA President & Founder

Chicago native Curtis “Grandyman” Granderson is a former MLB outfielder, 3-time All-Star and Silver Slugger, the recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award and a four-time Marvin Miller “Man of the Year” Award winner, which is voted on by players to honor on-field performance and contributions to the community. His passion for fostering deeper community connections in Chicago, while working to diversify the sport of baseball at a national level, has paved the way for thousands of kids to learn and grow through baseball and softball. The work of the Curtis Granderson Foundation connects Chicago youth to educational and athletic opportunities, as well as health and wellness initiatives through his annual Grand Giving food insecurity campaign.

CHRIS WINSTON — Executive Director, CBEA

Chris Winston brings a wealth of senior leadership experience in the marketing, sales, professional development and media landscape. His knowledge of the for-profit business world helps him navigate the unique challenges of the non-profit space, making him the ideal Executive Director, helping to drive growth for CBEA. 

JOHN FLOOD — Director of Baseball & Softball Operations, CBEA

As the Associate Athletics Director for Facilities & Operations, John serves as a liaison to assist with scheduling, maintenance and oversight of CBEA’s use of the UIC Athletics Complex.

Vince Atlas — Game Day Operations, CBEA

Vince handles CBEA’s game day operations for our youth clinics, games and tournament play. His tireless energy, positivity and a love for the game ensures the player experience is the best it can be.

Meredith Wekesser, PhD — Director of Lifeskills Development & Education, CBEA

Dr. Wekesser is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Performance, Sport, and Exercise Psychology master’s concentration at UIC. She leads the social emotional and behavioral health sessions for CBEA.

Julius McDougal — Assistant Baseball Coach, UIC

Natalie Hernandez — Assistant Softball Coach, UIC

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Curtis Granderson

    Founder, CBEA

  • Jamel Jackson

    Principal, Sterling Consulting

  • Mike Dee

    Former Head Baseball Coach, UIC

Paula Allen-Meares
Former Chancellor at University of Illinois, Chicago, Professor of Medicine at UIC,
Executive Director, Office of Health Literacy

John Canning
Chairman and Founder of Madison Dearborn Partners

Paul Christofanelli
Partner, RSM US LLP

Ryne Kirby
Private Wealth Advisor, Morgan Stanley

Mark Donovan
Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services, University of Illinois at Chicago (retired)

Sean McDermott
Head Coach, UIC Baseball

Alex Schneider
Managing Director, J.P. Morgan Asset Management

Kimberly Stapleton Schneider
Attorney and Philanthropist

ADVISORY COUNCIL