Join Our Executive Committee
The Chicago Chapter is now accepting applications for our 2026-2027 Executive term.
The Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people, through a powerful activist network.
The Great Lakes Region consists of a volunteer network from chapters across the Great Lakes committed to protecting the fresh water coastlines in the US. The Chicago Chapter is home to dedicated volunteers who protect the shores, waters, and waves of Lake Michigan.
The Executive Committee
We are looking for dedicated volunteer members, supporters, and community stakeholders to run as candidates for the two-year 2026-2027 Executive Committee term.
Our Executive Committee develops and leads the vision and priorities of the Surfrider Foundation Chicago Chapter, which is developed and carried out in conjunction with chapter members and supporters. The Executive Committee's essential work enables our chapter to carry out the Surfrider Foundation mission.
The committee will be comprised of 9 elected volunteers, including: Chair, Vice Chair, Executive Coordinator, Treasurer, Volunteer Coordinator, Social Media Coordinator, Beach Cleanup Coordinator, JEDI Coordinator (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion), and At Large.
The Surfrider Foundation is committed to seeking a diverse pool of candidates and encourages members from any geographical region, background, race, gender, or age over 18 to apply.
Executive Committee members are elected by chapter members in good standing to serve in their chapter leadership roles.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Chicago Chapter Executive Committee is a working volunteer board of dedicated leaders, advocates, fundraisers, and supporters. All Executive Committee members are expected to carry out the responsibilities associated with their respective role, and also to devote sufficient time and energy to contributing to team discussions and decision-making.
Specific Roles:
(Note: all hours estimates include monthly team meetings and regular chapter meetings)
- Chair – Responsible for leading the team, facilitating meetings, serving as local figure-head and primary point of contact with Surfrider Foundation HQ. Keeps chapter organized and moving forward. Lead organizer for chapter general membership meetings and Executive Committee meetings. Time commitment: ~4-6 hrs per week
- Vice Chair – Supports the Chair and acts as Chair in the absence of the Chair. Leads a chapter mission-based project (i.e. campaign or program as selected by the chapter.) Time commitment: ~4-6 hrs per week
- Executive Coordinator – Responsible for organizing chapter meetings and keeping meeting minutes and transmitting those to Executive Committee members, chapter members, and Surfrider Foundation HQ. The Executive Coordinator will be responsible for drafting a monthly newsletter with Hubspot and sending email reminders for events and meetings. Time commitment: ~4 hrs weekly
- Treasurer - Responsible for administering the chapter's finances including deposits, disbursement of payments, budgeting, tracking expenses and receipts, and quarterly financial reporting. Time commitment: ~ 3 hrs per week
- Volunteer Coordinator - Responsible for fielding incoming volunteer inquiries and helping to recruit volunteers for chapter priority projects. Maintains a list of volunteer opportunities on the Golden platform. ~4 hrs per week
- Social Media Coordinator - Leads on chapter marketing efforts via chapter social media accounts. Maintains a marketing calendar. Works with project leads and Volunteer Coordinator to identify and coordinate timely marketing needs. Creates or curates written copy and marketing graphics. Time commitment: ~4 hrs per week
- Beach Cleanup Coordinator - Leads chapter beach cleanups ~once per month during cleanup season. Secures permission/permits and completes insurance request form. Brings chapter supplies to cleanups and sets up tent and table. Provides orientation to the beach cleanup to volunteers. Guides litter data collection efforts and enters data in beach cleanup database to track trends and impact. ~10 hrs monthly
- JEDI Coordinator (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) - JEDI Coordinator (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) - leads implementation of Surfrider Foundation's justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and commitments (https://www.surfrider.org/justice-equity-diversity-inclusion). Helps to facilitate an inclusive volunteer experience and build partnerships with organizations to advance mutual goals related to equity and inclusion, beach access, and environmental justice. Time commitment: ~3-4 hrs weekly.
- At Large - This member brings a broader perspective to the table, representing the interests of the general public and membership. Encouraged to lead and/or contribute to a chapter priority project as determined with the Executive Committee team. Time commitment: ~4 hrs weekly.
Candidates
- Chair Candidate: Devin McAllester
- Hi! I'm Devin McAllester, the Chicago Chapter's current Communication's Coordinator. I'm an avid surfer and waterman, and absolutely love our beautiful Lake. I grew up kayaking, swimming, sailing, and surfing on the Lake every chance I got. I continue to get out on the water at least a couple times a week, almost year round.
I believe that large bodies of water like Lake Michigan are treasures that everyone deserves a chance to experience. Being able to be on the water, play in the waves, glide with the breeze, and immerse myself in that magical liquid integral to life itself, has been such a tremendous gift. Unfortunately many have not been afforded that opportunity, and many more risk loosing it forever should we fail to protect the Lake. My goal for the Chicago Chapter is two fold: to expand access to the Lake for all, and protect it for current and future generations to continue to enjoy.
I hope you'll trust me to lead the chapter as we work on these important issues. The challenges are no doubt numerous, but more numerous are the opportunities. Our strength comes from our passionate team of volunteers. Just as I'm asking you to trust in me, I promise to trust in you. Together I have no doubt we can bring life to our shared vision for an accessible and protected Lake.
- Hi! I'm Devin McAllester, the Chicago Chapter's current Communication's Coordinator. I'm an avid surfer and waterman, and absolutely love our beautiful Lake. I grew up kayaking, swimming, sailing, and surfing on the Lake every chance I got. I continue to get out on the water at least a couple times a week, almost year round.
- Vice Chair candidate: Quentin Rodgers
- I'm running for vice chair, of the Chicago Surfrider chapter, because I know I have the determination and passion not just for environmental protection of the Great Lakes, but of nature as a whole. I've always been passionate about the environment, hence why I've spent many years working in STEM and why I joined Surfrider. I should be elected for the same reasons. My vision for the chapter is to not only grow the chapter, but grow the number of people in the region to be aware of the issues facing our lakes. I'm dedicated to having us all work together, as one. Nature is the thread that connects us all, so why not work together to protect it? With me and the rest of the committee members, we can do that.
- I'm running for vice chair, of the Chicago Surfrider chapter, because I know I have the determination and passion not just for environmental protection of the Great Lakes, but of nature as a whole. I've always been passionate about the environment, hence why I've spent many years working in STEM and why I joined Surfrider. I should be elected for the same reasons. My vision for the chapter is to not only grow the chapter, but grow the number of people in the region to be aware of the issues facing our lakes. I'm dedicated to having us all work together, as one. Nature is the thread that connects us all, so why not work together to protect it? With me and the rest of the committee members, we can do that.
- Treasurer Candidate: Colin Miller
- I’ve always felt home in and around the water. My favorite childhood memories are of splashing around in the Atlantic Ocean, and when I moved to Chicago, there was no option for me but to live by the lake. Now I’d like to help protect Lake Michigan from the profiteers that would happily exploit it. I have a wide-ranging technical and financial background, having worked in multiple capacities for financial services industry, among others. I’d love to apply my skills and experiences to the Treasurer role and to help further Surfrider’s goals.
- I’ve always felt home in and around the water. My favorite childhood memories are of splashing around in the Atlantic Ocean, and when I moved to Chicago, there was no option for me but to live by the lake. Now I’d like to help protect Lake Michigan from the profiteers that would happily exploit it. I have a wide-ranging technical and financial background, having worked in multiple capacities for financial services industry, among others. I’d love to apply my skills and experiences to the Treasurer role and to help further Surfrider’s goals.
- Volunteer Coordinator Candidate: Ted Brady
- The event calendar on our chapter’s website is empty, and that needs to change. With me on the Executive Committee, I will take responsibility for filling it with programs and gatherings that bring people together, highlight our lake, and support Surfrider Chicago’s mission for clean water and healthy beaches.
- The event calendar on our chapter’s website is empty, and that needs to change. With me on the Executive Committee, I will take responsibility for filling it with programs and gatherings that bring people together, highlight our lake, and support Surfrider Chicago’s mission for clean water and healthy beaches.
- Executive Coordinator Candidate: [open]
- Beach Cleanup Coordinator Candidate: Steve Arnam
- I'm the dude you need.
- I'm the dude you need.
- Social Media Coordinator Candidate: Milo Keranen
- I have been involved with the Chicago Surfrider chapter since 2021. I was a member of the Surfrider chapter on Maui from 2020-2021 and have been with the Chicago chapter since then. Having worked with the Chicago surfrider chapter for going on 5 years now, I feel pulled to this position of Social Media Coordinator. Aside from having several years of Social Media Strategy and other digital marketing experiences under my belt, I feel called to expand our reach to the public in Chicago and show these communities who we are. What better way of doing so, than via social media? Our surf community is where it starts, but I feel we can broaden our audience to more groups in Chicago, including kayakers, paddle boarders, lakefront trail runners/bikers/walkers, and target specific non-profits as well. Social media is a great place for us to develop our voice, and show the Chicago communities who we are. It is a great place to welcome in new members, and gain support for our cause. I feel I have a great chance of helping us succeed on that front. Through Instagram and Facebook posts alone, I have organically increased our engagement by 75% and hope to continue raising more awareness about our chapter.
- I have been involved with the Chicago Surfrider chapter since 2021. I was a member of the Surfrider chapter on Maui from 2020-2021 and have been with the Chicago chapter since then. Having worked with the Chicago surfrider chapter for going on 5 years now, I feel pulled to this position of Social Media Coordinator. Aside from having several years of Social Media Strategy and other digital marketing experiences under my belt, I feel called to expand our reach to the public in Chicago and show these communities who we are. What better way of doing so, than via social media? Our surf community is where it starts, but I feel we can broaden our audience to more groups in Chicago, including kayakers, paddle boarders, lakefront trail runners/bikers/walkers, and target specific non-profits as well. Social media is a great place for us to develop our voice, and show the Chicago communities who we are. It is a great place to welcome in new members, and gain support for our cause. I feel I have a great chance of helping us succeed on that front. Through Instagram and Facebook posts alone, I have organically increased our engagement by 75% and hope to continue raising more awareness about our chapter.
- Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator Candidate: Ramón Smith
- I have been a part of the Chicago Chapter for over 13 years and would like to continue to serve in the EC. Through out the years we have planned and executed many events that forward our effort to protect the coastal waters and environment. We have partnered with many organizations and successfully spread the word and achieved to make a difference in our community. My service as Vice Chair and Volunteer Coordinator in the past has helped me grow in my knowledge and experience of getting things done in the EC.
- At Large Candidate: John Swiatowiec
- I am passionately committed to helping Surfrider make a measurable impact. I look to help enhance existing programs while providing new ideas that can be tested and potentially implemented that will drive an even greater impact. Ideas that leverage the uniqueness of Chicago and beauty of Lake Michigan!
- I am passionately committed to helping Surfrider make a measurable impact. I look to help enhance existing programs while providing new ideas that can be tested and potentially implemented that will drive an even greater impact. Ideas that leverage the uniqueness of Chicago and beauty of Lake Michigan!
- At Large Candidate: Mitch McNeil
- I have fulfilled the Chair responsibilities for many years, and am now ready to step aside and let new leadership begin to take the chapter to the next level. My At Large position will supply complementary skills in the form of veteran experience, strategy, and knowledge of the Chicago area landscape, in terms of geography and the decision-makers within other nongovernmental organizations/gov't, etc.
Election Timeline
1. Applications open through 1-12-2026
2. Candidates are announced
3. Surfrider Members vote in-person at chapter meeting on January 13, 2025, 7pm at Midwest Coast Brewery.
FAQs
What is the Surfrider Foundation Chicago Chapter Executive Committee?
The Executive Committee is a group of volunteer leaders who oversee the activities and governance of a Surfrider Foundation chapter, in this case it would be the Chicago Chapter. They ensure that the chapter aligns with Surfrider's mission of protecting the Great Lakes, oceans, waves, and beaches.
How long is the term for an Executive Committee member?
Terms are two years. We are looking for members for 2026 and 2027.
Do Executive Committee members get paid?
No, Executive Committee positions are voluntary. Members commit their time and effort to support Surfrider's mission as unpaid volunteers.
What is the relationship between the Executive Committee and Surfrider's national organization?
While the Executive Committee manages local chapter activities, it works under the broader guidelines set by Surfrider’s national office. There is coordination to ensure that campaigns and advocacy efforts are aligned with Surfrider’s overall mission.
Who can vote in the Executive Committee election?
Paid members are allowed to vote in the election.
When and where will the Executive Committee election be held?
The election will be held at Midwest Coast Brewery on Tuesday, January 13 at 7pm.
Skills Learned Through Volunteering:
- Leadership:
- Organizing events and initiatives.
- Managing and leading volunteer teams.
- Taking initiative in various projects.
- Communication:
- Interacting with diverse groups of people, including business leaders, politicians, fellow volunteers, and Surfrider staff.
- Public speaking and presentation skills.
- Writing project updates, sponsorship proposals, and social media materials.
- Project Management:
- Planning and executing activities and events.
- Budgeting and resource allocation.
- Time management and meeting deadlines.
- Teamwork:
- Collaborating with others towards common goals.
- Building and maintaining effective working relationships.
- Conflict resolution and negotiation.
- Problem-Solving:
- Navigating challenges and finding creative solutions.
- Critical thinking and decision-making.
- Adaptability and resilience.
Volunteer Resources and Support Provided by the Surfrider Foundation:
- Training and Orientation
- Staff Guidance
- Professional Development
- Networking Opportunities
- Recognition and Rewards
- Logistical Support