The ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter

5315 N Clark Street, #650 | Chicago, IL 60640

Phone 312.932.0000 | Fax 312.268.5277

Email info@alsachicago.org

GREATER CHICAGO CHAPTER STAFF 

Julie M.Sharpe
President and CEO
julie@alsachicago.org | 312.932.0000

DEVELOPMENT

Kendra Albers
Vice President of Development
kendra@alsachicago.org | 217.898.9677

Sarah Brandt
Director of Development
sarah@alsachicago.org | 312.932.0000

Samantha Courter
Fundraising and Marketing Manager
samantha@alsachicago.org | 312.932.0000

Betty Magana
Administrative Coordinator
betty@alsachicago.org | 312.932.0000

Kathryn Lamar
Development Associate
kathryn@alsachicago.org | 312.932.0000

CARE SERVICES

Joumana Baroody, RN, BSN
Vice President of Care Services
joumana@alsachicago.org | 312.931.7127

Audrey Scafidi, LPN
Care Services Coordinator
audrey@alsachicago.org | 708.785.2524

Peggy O'Connor, RN, BSN
Director of Care Services
peggy@alsachicago.org

Kellie Branch-Dircks, MSW, LCSW
Care Services Coordinator, Central Illinois
kellie@alsachicago.org

Gemaleen Ramos, RN
Care Services Coordinator
gema@alsachicago.org

Stephanie Barb, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist, Central Illinois
stephanie@alsachicago.org

Jennifer Beckman, LCSW, CSW-G, CCM
Care Services Coordinator, Social Worker
jennifer@alsachicago.org

ABOUT OUR FOUNDER

Edmund J. Kucharski was born January 30, 1916 in Chicago, where he lived his entire life. He was educated in the Chicago Public Schools. Kucharski continued his education at the University of Illinois and the John Marshall School of Law, where he received his law degree in 1941.

Kucharski devoted the majority of his working life to serving the citizens of Illinois. He became the youngest elected official in the history of the Chicago City Council. He also served as Cook County Treasurer from 1966-1970. In addition, he was Assistant Secretary of State and GOP County Chairman. Upon leaving public office, Kucharski served as Vice President of Amalgamated Bank, a position he held until he lost his battle with ALS in 1994 at the age of 78.

It was in high school that Kucharski’s keen ability to play baseball was first discovered. He played baseball both in college and in the minor leagues. Ironically, Lou Gehrig was his idol and Kucharski always aspired to the goals and ideals of his hero.

Edmund J. Kucharski and his wife, Martha, were married just six months shy of 25 years when ALS took his life.

When friends remember Edmund J. Kucharski, they remember a kind and sensitive man who was extremely generous. He was also very ambitious and strong willed, traits that served him well throughout his life.

Martha M. Kucharski founded the ALS Association-Greater Chicago Chapter in memory of her late husband.