Staff

At Lumity, our people make the difference. Our staff includes experienced professionals with extensive background in nonprofit management, nonprofit technology consulting, nonprofit finance, nonprofit fundraising, nonprofit accounting services and other skill areas that are important to Chicago nonprofits. More than anything else, we are intensely passionate about helping nonprofits.

Kara Kennedy, Executive Director

Kara Kennedy has over 20 years of nonprofit experience in health care, voluntary health associations, and a youth-based organization. Kara has her Bachelor and Master Degrees in Social Work. Prior to joining Lumity in August 2009, Kara worked at Boys & Girls Clubs of America, American Lung Association of Metro Chicago, Alzheimer’s Association, and two community-based hospitals. Kara is a highly versatile professional with expertise in fundraising, program development and management, strategic planning, and organizational development.
phone ext. 204

Maggie McCoy, Director, Finance Consulting Services

Maggie brings more than 30 years of financial management experience to Lumity, both in nonprofit and for-profit settings. Prior to joining Lumity, Maggie worked with nonprofit and for-profit entities, assisting staff, management, and boards on accounting and financial planning, and strategic planning. Maggie is responsible for managing and developing Lumity’s Finance Services and oversees the work of staff and contractors delivering those services. She holds an MBA in Finance and Economics.
phone ext. 205

Jeremy Stallworth, Director, Technology Services

Jeremy is an innovative leader with over ten years of broad technology experience and a deep passion for working with nonprofit organizations. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his time at Best Buy/Geek Squad where he was a member of a new business venture that built specialized training programs and delivered creative technology solutions. Jeremy is responsible for managing and developing Lumity's Technology/IT Services and oversees the work of staff and contractors delivering those services.
phone ext. 209

Jonathan M. A. Carter I, Program Director, CTC Connect

Jonathan brings over 15 years of corporate consulting management and over 20 years of nonprofit operations management and development to his role as CTC Connect Program Director. His specialized skills include Network Structure, Basic Digital Literacy Instruction, Computer Solutions, Microsoft Suite 2000 Certification, Level 1 Tech training, strategic planning, and project management. Jonathan has presented clinical studies in social sciences, team building training and behavior sciences. Jonathan holds bachelor degrees in health science and counseling, and master degrees in counseling and divinity.
phone ext. 208

Melinda Carter, Assistant, Microsoft IT Academy

As MS IT Academy Assistant, Melinda draws on her many skills honed from both corporate and nonprofit work experience. Melinda has worked as a corporate training consultant for over 15 years, and in nonprofits for over 20 years in operations, volunteer development, relationship building and financial accountability. Her specialized skills include Basic Digital literacy and IT Architecture. As a certified trainer of CitiGroup’s Marketing University, Melinda’s communication skills ignite her training and leadership courses. Melinda holds a BA and MA in Counseling.
phone ext. 210

Adam Garcia, Program Manager, CTC Connect

Adam brings a unique perspective on technology and the community to Lumity and the CTC Connect program. Besides his extensive expertise in the IT field, Adam has many years of experience working with CTCs as a member of a specialized team within Best Buy/Geek Squad. He has designed, facilitated, and managed IT training programs, workforce development programs, and various other community based initiatives involving information technology.  Adam holds a BS in Information Technology.
phone ext. 220

Julie Henderson, Director, Administration & Foundation Relations

Julie joined the Lumity team in 2004. She has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, focused on establishing efficient and effective administrative policies and procedures. As Director of Administration & Foundation Relations, she is responsible for office operations, facilities management, and human resources. She also works with the fundraising team, focusing on foundation grant management and relations. Julie holds a BA in Social Work and MS in Nonprofit Administration.
phone ext. 203

Lewis Jones, Business Manager

As the manager of business development, Lewis brings to Lumity a multitude of experience working with state and local governments, higher education institutions, advocacy organizations and corporations. Lewis’ experience includes branding, strategic communications, crisis communications and media based sales. He is responsible for Lumity’s business development of services to nonprofits, as well as the organization’s marketing efforts.
phone ext. 218

Jean Newcomer, NPO.net Administrator

Jean brings over 15 years of experience in freelance work in design, production, and administrative services for nonprofits and small start-up businesses. She manages NPO.net, develops marketing plans and materials. Jean holds a BA in Social Work.
phone ext. 202

Kymon Odukoya, Director, Microsoft IT Academy

Kymon oversees the MS IT Academy program. Prior to joining Lumity, Kymon was the IT/Network Administrator and Instructional Designer at Jobs for Youth Chicago where he engaged the community through digital and social media. Kymon has extensive experience in IT training, curriculum development, designing elearning, and web, internet and cloud technologies. He excels at providing technology-based educational resources to underserved communities. Kymon holds a B.S. in Management Information Systems from Chicago State University and a Certificate in Project Management from IIT.
phone ext. 222

Paula Rooney, Manager, Corporate & Client Relationship Development

Paula came to Lumity with a strong event planning and fundraising background. Paula is responsible for cultivating relationships with Lumity clients, partners, and prospects. She plans and organizes Lumity's fundraising events. Paula holds a BA in Nonprofit Project Management.
phone ext. 206

Dale Youngkrantz, Training Coordinator

Dale has over 30 years of technology and management experience in nonprofit, for-profit, and government agency settings. Dale develops Lumity’s course offerings and teaches classes on Microsoft Office applications and cloud technologies. He holds a BA in Management.
phone ext. 217