About Us
The Chicago Alliance for Collaborative Effort (CACE) is a coalition of over 50 of Chicago’s most impactful human service organizations. Together, we work to ensure residents have access to essential programs, resources, and life-saving emergency services every year.
Our Mission
CACE strengthens the foundation of Chicagoland’s communities by bringing together human service leaders to advance equity, innovation, results, and public policies that support the well-being of every individual.
Our Leadership Team
Chair
Joel Johnson
CEO, TASC
Vice Chair
Dan Kotowski
President & CEO, Kids Above All
Treasurer
Malik Nevels
COO, TASC
Membership Co-Chairs
Christa Hamilton
President & CEO, UCAN
Laura Zumdahl
President & CEO, New Moms
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee Co-Chairs
Peter Beale‑DelVecchio
President & CEO, Special Olympics Illinois
Calmetta Coleman
Chief Operating Officer, Chicago Urban League
Public Policy Co-Chairs
Anne VanderWeele
Director of Policy, New Moms
Ric Estrada
CEO, Metropolitan Family Services
Finance Co-Chair
Malik Nevels
COO, TASC
Marketing & Communication Co-Chair
Alex Gallegos
Director of Marketing and Communications, Access Community Health Network
Project Manager
Jill Edelblute
Senior Director of Government Relations, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
HR Working Group
Chris Noone
Chief Talent Officer, Thresholds
Valerie Mercer
Vice President of Human Resources, Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc.
Chief Program Officer Working Group
Melanie Garrett
Chief Program Officer, New Moms
