michael happ
Executive Director
Mike joined the Foundation as Executive Director in 2022, following eight years as a campaign director and development consultant. With over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, his leadership has included work in education, the arts, conservation, social services, and faith communities. In addition to fundraising positions, he has served in roles ranging from financial and administrative management to staff training and public relations. As the proud son of two public school teachers, Mike is a lifelong advocate for students and educators, and unabashedly enthusiastic about helping young people realize their potential.
Among Mike’s proudest fundraising achievements are leading the teams that raised more than $11 million for the new Robert Crown Community Center in Evanston, $9 million for Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Catholic Parish in Winnetka, and $4 million for Christ the King Parish in Chicago’s Beverly community. He also trained the leadership team and crafted the launch strategy for a $300 million global campaign for Lions Clubs International. His other campaign and fundraising beneficiaries include the Dubuque Museum of Art, the City Club of Cleveland, the Detroit Athletic Club Foundation, Milwaukee’s Lakeshore State Park, and American Farmland Trust.
Throughout his career, Mike has worked to unite broad coalitions including elected officials, business leaders, government agencies, and nonprofits. He is Vice President of the Board of the Chicago Farmers, and has served twice as President of the Board of Directors of Rape Victim Advocates. He has also previously served on the Board of the Ravenswood Community Council and as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Holy Covenant United Methodist Church. Mike has a Bachelor’s degree from Drake University and an MS in Public Service Management from DePaul University, with a concentration in Policy.
michael.happ@d214.org or (847) 718-7688
Brooke Snell
Associate Director
A member of the District 214 Education Foundation team for more than four years, Brooke has been integrally involved with nearly every recent impactful initiative the Foundation has implemented. As Development Specialist, she spearheaded numerous innovative fundraising efforts, including the popular #Love214 Valentine’s Day appeal and the critical 214 Cares campaign during the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition to her many development and administrative duties, Brooke served as the Foundations’s Interim Executive Director in 2021, successfully guiding the Foundation through a challenging period of transition and adaptation. Her energetic, can-do mindset often serves for the Foundation team as a model of problem-solving leadership.
Prior to joining the District 214 Education Foundation, Brooke worked in higher education development and other non-profit sectors. She holds Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Akron in Ohio.
brooke.snell@d214.org or (847) 718-7699
Joann Krestel
Alumni and Community Relations Coordinator
As a key member of the Foundation team for the past three years, Joann brings a unique perspective as both an alum of Rolling Meadows High School and a proud parent of a District 214 student.
Joining the Foundation as Sponsorship and Advertising Coordinator, Joann built connections with the local business community and greatly expanded the organization’s reach. She also managed events, executed numerous fundraising initiatives, and enhanced the Foundation’s presence across the District. Now in a new role, Joann continues to represent the Foundation throughout the community while also fostering relationships with generous District 214 alumni across the country.
Joann holds a Bachelor's degree in International Studies and Italian and a Master's degree in Education. As a former high school teacher herself, Joann values the importance of public education and the resources that support it.
joann.krestel@d214.org or (847) 718-7759
Carolyn Warnement
Administrative Coordinator
A detail-oriented, versatile project management professional with a passion for contributing to the local community, Carolyn joined the Foundation in late 2022. As a former project manager in the pharmaceutical industry for nearly 15 years, she leverages her considerable organizational and task management skills to steward the Foundation’s internal day-to-day operations. Carolyn also brings a wealth of experience as a longtime leader and volunteer in local organizations including Windsor Elementary PTA, Girl Scouts, and the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.
Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame and is currently working towards earning a TESOL Certificate at Harper College. As a proud parent of a District 214 student, she is thrilled to contribute to the Foundation’s mission of supporting students and their families.
carolyn.warnement@d214.org or (847) 718-7753