Chicago State Foundation Announces Appointment of New Board Members

Chicago, IL — January 20, 2025 — To further support the Chicago State Foundation (CSF) and its ongoing work to improve educational and economic outcomes for Chicago State University (CSU) students, CSF is pleased to announce three newly-elected members to its Board of Directors:

• D’Andrea (Dee) Anderson, Founder and CEO of Values Based Business Strategies
• Jason Pugh, Principal at Gensler
• Manika Turnbull, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Health Care Service Corporation

Each brings deep expertise in leadership, strategy, equity, and community impact, further strengthening the organization’s mission and governance.

Jason Pugh, NOMAC, AIA, AICP, LEED AP is a licensed architect, certified planner, and Principal at Gensler, where he serves as Global Director of Inclusion. Based in Chicago, he advances the firm’s commitment to building a just and inclusive future by addressing disparities and increasing representation across the design industry. Jason is passionate about community-centered development and has led projects from comprehensive planning through construction. He served as the 2021–2022 National President of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and currently serves on the National and Chicago Executive Boards of the ACE Mentor Program.

D’Andrea (Dee) Anderson is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Halo Security Group LLC and Founder and CEO of Values Based Business Strategies. With more than 27 years of corporate executive experience, including a 25-year career at JPMorgan Chase, Dee brings deep expertise in business and financial strategy, governance, and executive leadership. She holds an MBA from Purdue University, is a certified Executive Coach, and is certified in Diversity & Inclusion. Dee currently serves as Board President of Harriet’s Daughters, Board Treasurer of Just The Beginning Foundation, and is widely recognized for her philanthropic leadership focused on economic and educational equity.

Manika Turnbull, Ph.D., is the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), where she has worked for 20 years. She leads the company’s people’s strategy in support of its mission to create affordable and sustainable pathways to health. Previously, Manika held senior leadership roles overseeing Compensation, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Workforce Experience, and Community Health and Economic Impact. Her work focuses on shaping business strategy, implementing effective human capital initiatives, and building efficient systems and procedures.

“We are honored to welcome Jason Pugh, D’Andrea Anderson, and Manika Turnbull to the Chicago State Foundation Board of Directors,” said Kimberly Evans, Board Chair of the Chicago State Foundation. “Each individual brings exceptional leadership, deep professional expertise, and a shared commitment to equity, community impact, and opportunity. Their collective experience across design, business, finance, and human capital will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission and expand support for Chicago State University and the communities it serves.”

The addition of Jason Pugh, D’Andrea Anderson, and Manika Turnbull reinforces the Chicago State Foundation’s focus on inclusive leadership, sound governance, and advancing lasting outcomes for our students and communities.

“Jason, Dee, and Manika embody the values and vision that guide the Chicago State Foundation,” said Melanie Sillas, President of the Chicago State Foundation. “Their diverse professional backgrounds and shared dedication to opportunity, innovation, and service will enhance our ability to support Chicago State University, as we steward the Foundation’s mission and long-term impact.”

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 CSU Foundation

About Chicago State University

CSU, founded in 1867, is the oldest public university in the Chicago Metropolitan area. The University’s four colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree-granting and non-degree programs. CSU is committed to equity in education, serving as the only U.S. Department of Education-designated four-year Predominantly Black Institution in Illinois and ranked by a Harvard economist in the top 4 percent of public and private universities nationwide in supporting our graduates’ economic mobility. The University serves as a prominent civic space on the greater South Side of Chicago by hosting a multitude of athletic, educational, cultural, and recreational activities. The University is located near public transit that provides convenient access to the campus. Visit csu.edu.