Kimberly Evans of Northern Trust Elected as Chair of the Chicago State Foundation Board

Seasoned business and civic leader succeeds philanthropist and corporate leader John C. Robak, who joins the Chicago State University Board of Trustees

Kimberly Evans

Chicago, IL the Chicago State Foundation (CSF) Board of Directors announced the unanimous election of Kimberly Evans as Chair of the CSF Board. Evans is Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Sustainability, Inclusion and Social Impact at Northern Trust, a leading Chicago-based financial services firm. She succeeds John C. Robak, a respected business leader and philanthropist, who concluded five years of dedicated service on the CSF Board, including three as Chair. 

Under Robak’s leadership, the Foundation achieved record fundraising milestones, expanded scholarship support, and deepened community partnerships.  Robak now continues his service to Chicago State University (CSU) through his appointment by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to the University’s Board of Trustees, ensuring strong alignment between the Foundation’s philanthropic mission and the University’s strategic vision. 

Evans brings to CSF a distinguished record of leadership in financial services, corporate responsibility, philanthropy and civic engagement. At Northern Trust, she leads global strategies that enable long-term value creation through the firm’s most material matters of sustainability, inclusion and social impact. As Chair, Evans will guide the foundation’s strategic priorities, deepening its investment in scholarships, workforce equity, academic innovation, and capital projects that strengthen CSU’s position as a regional public university and anchor institution for Chicago’s South Side

“Serving as Chair of the Chicago State Foundation has been one of the more rewarding leadership experiences of my professional life,” said John C. Robak. “I’ve seen firsthand the transformational power of philanthropy in opening doors for CSU students and expanding the University’s community. Kimberly, who has served as a CSF director for three years, is an extraordinary leader whose values and vision align with CSF’s mission. I’m proud of the momentum we’ve built together and look forward to continuing to advance CSU’s mission through my service on the Board of Trustees.” 

“Kimberly’s leadership embodies CSU’s commitment to excellence, equity and opportunity,” said Zaldwaynaka (“Z”) Scott, Esq., President of Chicago State University. “Under her chairmanship, I am confident the foundation will continue to grow its capacity to provide support for our students and community.”

“We are deeply grateful to John Robak for his five years of leadership and service to Chicago State as a CSF board member and later elected Board Chair. We are equally delighted to welcome Kimberly Evans to her new role,” said Andrea Zopp, Chair of the Chicago State University Board of Trustees. “Their combined service and leadership ensure a strong bridge between the University and the Foundation, united in advancing access and success for our students.”

Northern Trust has been a steadfast partner to the foundation and university, most recently serving as Presenting Sponsor of the annual 1stGEN Scholarship Gala, where Robak served as Honorary Chair, and Evans as Gala Chair. The 2025 event, featured in Crain’s Chicago Business, drew more than 500 guests and raised nearly $900,000 in support of first-generation students and CSU’s equity mission.   

About Kimberly Evans

Kimberly Evans is Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Sustainability, Inclusion, and Social Impact at Northern Trust. In this role, she leads enterprise strategies that enable long-term value creation through the firm’s most material matters of sustainability, inclusion and social impact. A recognized business and civic leader, Evans serves on numerous boards and advisory councils advancing education, inclusion, and economic empowerment.

About the Chicago State Foundation

The Chicago State Foundation (CSF) is the nonprofit partner of Chicago State University (CSU), mobilizing philanthropic support to advance student success, academic innovation, and community impact. CSF connects donors, alumni, and partners with initiatives that expand access, persistence, and career readiness for CSU students. Learn more at here.