We are one
About Us
Our Mission
Empowering individuals, families, and communities facing poverty to secure a better quality of life.
Our Vision
Supportive & Resillient Communities
Our Values
Building up communities where individuals and families are not only healthy and economically secure, but more importantly, thrive.
We work alongside communities to remove barriers, expand opportunity, and ignite lasting transformation.
Driven by compassion and equity, we help people shape a future defined by strength, stability, and hope.
How We Help
CEDA empowers communities by offering a wide range of programs and services.
- Education
- Emergency Assistance
- Employment and Training
- Energy Assistance
- Health & Wellness
- Affordable Housing
Our Team
Executive Leadership
CEDA is skillfully guided through every phase of its mission by a talented and diverse group of leaders. Together, they offer a wealth of knowledge, experience and dedication to human service.
Harold Rice, JR.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Since 2014
Glen Ofenloch, CPA, CCAP
Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Since 2014
John Pady
Chief Program and Expansion Officer
Since 2014
Paul LaLonde, SHRM-SCP, CCAP
Vice President, People Operations
Since 2019
Rajeev Kumar
Vice President of Technology and Information Security
Since 2021
Dr. Troy O’Quin, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Vice President of Programs and Public Policy
Since 2023
Latoya Butler
Vice President of Energy Services
Since 2008
Manuel Alicea
Director of Operations, Energy Services
Since 2013
Craig Antosh
Director of Processing, Energy Services
Since 2015
Sarah Sullivan
Director of WIC
Since 1993
Nick Horras
Director of Energy Conservation
Since 2020
Auburn Love
Director of Family Support & Community Engagement
Since 2008
Barbara Hyshaw
Director of Housing Services
Since 1997
Machelle Anderson
Director of Special Projects
Since 2019
Our Team
Board of Directors
CEDA is proud to have the area’s finest professionals and Community Leaders that make up our Board. The time and talent they dedicate to CEDA is a testament to their shared desire to improve lives and communities across Cook County.
Eric Slaughter, Chairman
CIRE Group Inc.
Lisa Anthony, Vice Chair
Franklin Park
Larsenia Horton, Secretary
Oak Park
Xochitl Flores
Bureau of Economic Development
Sarah Flax
Evanston
Darnell Johnson
Urban Efficiency Group
Cynthia Travis
South Holland
Harold Barr
Stone Park
Shahiedah Shabazz
Evergreen Park
Herb Porter
Hanover Park
Mike King
Strategy & Solutions of Energy Efficiency for Southern Company
Gyatta Kimmons
Revitalize Communities
Vernard Alsberry
Our History
Fighting Poverty Since 1964
Action Facts
Community Action was established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, as a part of the “War on Poverty.”
Its mission is to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency.
Over 1,300 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) nationwide deliver services and advocacy tailored to the needs of low-income populations.