Meet the People Driving Our Mission Forward

Leadership & Team

Our senior leadership team brings experience, dedication and passion to every program and initiative at Search360. Learn more about the leaders guiding our work.

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Cory Gumm

Chief Executive Officer, Search360

Cory Gumm was appointed CEO of Search, Inc. in 2020. Prior to this role, Cory held a program leadership position at Glenkirk and then a senior administrative role at Keystone Alliance.

The insights gained from her many years of working on the frontline in Search’s programs serve as the foundation of her leadership approach today, informing her priorities and decisions. Her blended track record of direct service, social enterprise, and administrative leadership bodes well for Search’s success and expanded social impact in the years to come.

Pete Petersen

Chair l Rogers Benefit Group-Retired

Pete Peterson retired in 2021 after a 30-year career in the Employee Benefits field, including significant tenures at Anthem BCBS and Rogers Benefit Group.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in U.S. and Latin American History, with a Minor in Journalism, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His connection to Search is personal—his sister Laura has been involved in the Supported Living and Adult Learning programs for twenty years. Outside of his work with Search, including committee participation and Board meetings, Pete enjoys playing pickleball, running adaptive programs for 501(c)(3) organizations across the Chicago area, reading, and traveling with his wife and friends.

Leo Durkacz

Vice Chair l FBI - Retired

Leo Durkacz graduated from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago in 1983 and, after being admitted to the Illinois Bar, began his career in private practice with a focus on personal injury litigation.

In 1985, he was credentialed by the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and went on to serve proudly as an FBI Special Agent for 30 years. During his tenure, he participated in a wide range of criminal investigations involving narcotics smuggling, money laundering, public corruption, terrorism, and national security matters, both domestically and internationally. Following his retirement from the Bureau in 2015, Leo shifted his commitment to service toward community-focused work. He joined the Search Inc. Board of Directors in 2017, where he continues to contribute his leadership and experience. He remains continually inspired by the dedication and skill of the staff who support individuals with developmental disabilities and views his role as a Director as helping to ensure strong governance and the continued growth of Search’s mission.

Tim Waryas

Treasurer l MoreCare

Tim Waryas has spent his career in the accounting field with experience as an auditor, Chief Financial Officer, consultant and Director of Finance.

For more than 15 years, he served on the audit team for Search360 as well as Keystone Alliance, Glenkirk and other not-for-profit organizations, giving him a strong understanding of financial operations and organizational growth. His long history working with Search has provided insight into both management and audit perspectives, allowing him to approach financial oversight with a well rounded and informed view. Tim’s interest in joining the Search Inc. Board of Directors reflects his long standing commitment to supporting not for profits beyond the audit process. He has consistently volunteered at events and remained engaged with organizations he has served, and he welcomed the opportunity to contribute to a mission that plays an important role in the community and in the lives of the people we support.

John Friedland

Secretary l Family Focus, Inc. – Retired

John Friedland has served on Search’s Board of Directors for nearly 20 years. Before retiring, he spent his career in the nonprofit sector, holding both direct service and administrative leadership roles in New York and Chicago.

Most recently, he served as Director of Administration and Human Resources at Family Focus. John earned his B.A. and M.A. in Political Science, as well as his M.S.W., all from New York University. John first learned about Search through a longtime friendship with fellow board member Alan, who introduced him to the organization. From his first visit, he was deeply impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the staff and leadership. He considers it an honor to contribute to an organization he views as exceptionally well-run and mission-driven.

Suzanne Averill

Associates Group, Inc.

Suzanne Averill is an accomplished financial services professional with extensive experience advising both companies and individuals on retirement plans and benefits.

She is the President of Physicians Benefits Group, a full-service financial consulting firm she has led since 2016, providing strategic guidance on employee benefits and retirement solutions. Prior to this, Suzanne served for nearly 38 years as Vice President at The Associates Group, Inc., where she developed deep expertise in financial planning and client services. Earlier in her career, she worked at Pacific Life, focusing on case design and financial strategies. Suzanne holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Business from Hanover College. Her extensive financial expertise and years of experience guiding organizations and individuals make her a valuable contributor to the Search Board of Directors.

Ken Jenero

Holland & Knight

Kenneth A. Jenero is an experienced labor and employment attorney with more than 35 years of legal practice. He is a partner in Holland & Knight’s Labor, Employment and Benefits Practice Group, where he advises clients on a wide range of employment matters, including labor relations, collective bargaining, employment discrimination, wrongful discharge, wage and hour compliance, occupational safety and post-employment restrictive covenants.

He has represented employers across numerous industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, construction, nonprofit organizations and professional services, and has provided counsel on labor and employment matters nationwide. Kenneth also serves as labor counsel for the Illinois Landscape Contractors Bargaining Association, guiding union negotiations, grievance resolution and labor compliance. His extensive experience in advising organizations, managing complex employment issues and providing strategic guidance brings valuable insight to the Search Board of Directors. He applies his expertise to support operational oversight and the continued growth and success of the organization in serving the people we support.

Kandace Lenti

Wintrust

Kandace Lenti has over 35 years of commercial banking experience with over two decades serving Government, Nonprofit, and Healthcare clients.

Kandace joined Wintrust in June 2011 as Chief Credit Officer, spear-headed the formation of the Government, Nonprofit, and Healthcare group in 2012, became Managing Director of this group in 2013 and President in 2022.  Among other community involvement, she currently serves on the boards of the Civic Federation (Executive Committee), the Leadership Council of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility at Loyola University, Lincoln Park Zoo (Development Committee and Corporate Chair for Summer 2023 Gala), Arrupe College (Board Chair), Search, Inc and the Cook County Forest Preserve Foundation; this followed an active era of serving the St. Viator Grade School and St. Ignatius High School communities. Kandace holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Finance.  Kandace lives on Chicago’s North side with her husband.  She has three adult daughters who are actively involved in junior board activities in their respective communities.

Kevin Martin

Oracle

Kevin Martin is a seasoned technology professional with more than 30 years of experience in software development, systems administration, security engineering and cloud infrastructure.

Since graduating from DeVry in 1986, he has worked across nearly every layer of the tech industry, including serving as a Chief Security Officer and now builds and manages cloud environments for Oracle customers. His broad technical background positions him to bring valuable insight into how technology can strengthen both Search’s operations and the experiences of the people we support. Kevin’s interest in joining the Search Inc. Board of Directors is rooted in personal experience supporting a parent who could no longer advocate for herself within a for-profit care system. Drawn to Search’s commitment to dignity and person-centered support, he hopes to contribute to an organization that genuinely advocates for those without a voice.

Alan Nadolna

Associates Group, Inc.

Alan Nadolna has been a member of Search’s Board of Directors for 35 years, previously serving as Board Chair. He is the CEO of Associates Group, a Chicago-based financial advisory firm he has led since 1983.

As an advisor, Alan supports clients across all areas of their financial lives – a career he finds deeply rewarding for the relationships it has built and the people he has been able to help. He holds an MBA and several professional designations, including Chartered Financial Consultant and Investment Advisor Representative. Alan studied at both the University of Illinois and DePaul University. Alan was introduced to Search by Sandy Luchowski, one of the organization’s founders and a longtime client. As he and his wife, Board Member Sue Averill, got to know Sandy, they were invited to take a closer look at Search and were quickly moved by the passion, care, and genuine love that the staff bring to their work. What has stayed with Alan throughout nearly decades of involvement is the way Search creates opportunities for creativity, productivity, and meaningful connection for the people it supports. He remains inspired by Search’s spirit of compassion, cooperation, and community and looks forward to many more years of partnership.

Thomas Nathan

Munday & Nathan

Thomas Nathan has spent over 35 years advocating for individuals facing some of the most challenging moments of their lives as a medical malpractice and personal injury attorney in Chicago.

He began his legal career at Lane and Munday in 1980, where he was mentored by renowned trial attorney Fred Lane, and later co-founded Munday and Nathan in 1995. Throughout his career, Tom has been committed to supporting his clients with compassion, guiding them through difficult circumstances while achieving fair outcomes on their behalf. Raised in Chicago near Wrigley Field, Tom developed a strong work ethic early, holding a variety of jobs to support himself before earning his history degree from Lawrence College and his law degree from John Marshall Law School. He and his wife are proud parents of two children and grandparents of four, splitting their time between Wilmette and Phoenix. Tom brings to his nonprofit work the same dedication, empathy, and focus on people that have defined his legal career, using his experience to support and advocate for those in need.

Paul Pappageorge

Ashland Capital Advisors

With more than three decades of experience across accounting, business ownership, and advisory work, Paul has spent his career helping people navigate meaningful transitions and build stronger futures.

Along the way he has been recognized as an industry expert in the home-care field, and he continues to share his knowledge generously in both professional and volunteer settings.A lifelong learner, Paul studied finance and accounting at Northern Illinois University and later earned graduate degrees from DePaul University and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He is also involved in several professional organizations that focus on planning, guidance, and long-term stewardship. Outside of work, Paul finds joy in vegetarian cooking, traveling, and playing just about any racquet sport—though platform tennis has a special place in his heart. We are grateful to have Paul’s experience, curiosity, and steady leadership supporting our mission.

Katie Schmid

Endeavor Health

Katie Schmid began her career at Thresholds, supporting young adults living with mental illness before transitioning to Search, Inc., where she served as a Q/Coordinator and ultimately advanced to Clinical Services Division Manager.

Since 2017, she has been part of the Endeavor Health Surgery team and currently serves as the Medical Group Director of Operations for the Department of Surgery. Katie earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, majoring in Behavioral Science & Law, Sociology, and Psychology, with a certificate in Criminal Justice. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Valparaiso University and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Illinois. A proud Wisconsin native, Katie’s passions include sports, travel, theater, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Karen Seabury

Aeris Insight, Inc.

Karen Seabury has worked in the impact investing field since 1995, holding leadership and analytical roles in nonprofit finance and philanthropic investment.

Her experience includes serving as Director of Finance and Lending at IFF, Program Officer at The MacArthur Foundation, overseeing program-related investments and economic opportunity initiatives and operating an independent consulting practice supporting foundations on PRIs. She most recently served as Director of Ratings and Analysis at Aeris, where she managed CDFI evaluations. Karen continues to consult with Aeris and a variety of impact investing clients. Her career has given her a deep understanding of nonprofit management, financial analysis and organizational performance across mission-driven institutions.

Greg Petersen

President, Keystone Alliance

Greg Petersen brings decades of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of Keystone Alliance.

His connection to Search began in 2004, when he served as Director of Venture Development, and later as Chief Administrative Officer in 2007. Greg played a pivotal role in launching Keystone Alliance and served as its Chief Administrative Officer until 2017, when he became CEO of Glenkirk. Throughout his career, Greg has led initiatives that expand services and improve the quality of life for people we support. He has overseen the opening of new residences, guided long-term residential rebuilding projects, supported the transition to smaller, more person-centered day service settings, and leveraged technology to strengthen community connections. Greg’s extensive experience across Search, Keystone Alliance, and Glenkirk gives him a deep understanding of the Illinois nonprofit landscape, and he remains committed to advancing thriving missions and vibrant communities across the state.

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