CBEA TEAM

CURTIS GRANDERSON — CBEA President & Founder

Chicago native Curtis “Grandyman” Granderson is a former MLB outfielder, 3-time All Star, Silver Slugger and recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award. 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. 

WENDY VASQUEZ — Director of CBEA Programs

With a deep history in youth baseball and softball in Chicago, Wendy Vasquez has served as our Director of Baseball and Softball Programming since the fall of 2023 and is the “boots on the ground” liaison with our community-based sports program partners. Her passion and attention to detail helps to create seamless camps, clinics, tournaments and events for Chicago youth. 

JOHN FLOOD — Associate Athletics Director for Facilities & Operations, UIC

As the Associate Athletics Director for Facilities & Operations, John Flood assists with scheduling, maintenance and oversight of CBEA’s use of the UIC Athletics Complex.

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
Executive Director, J.P. Morgan Asset Management Institutional

Kimberly Stapleton Schneider
Attorney and Philanthropist

ADVISORY COUNCIL