John McIlwain | Source | Executive Director at Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society
John McIlwain
John is a long-time Oak Park resident, and a passionate, mission-driven leader dedicated to guiding the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society and its cornerstone program, the IWS Children’s Clinic, with a blend of hunger, humility, and humor. With deep connections in the Oak Park community and a strong vision for leadership, John is committed to helping the organization unlock the full potential of every child it serves.
Before joining OPRF IWS, John was the Senior Director of External Affairs at Equal Hope, a health education and advocacy organization focused on improving health outcomes for African American women in Chicago. He also served as Vice President of Advancement at Aspire, a not-for-profit organization with a 60-year history of supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities. His career includes serving as the Senior Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Berwyn.
John resides in Oak Park with his wife, Kary, and their two dogs, Danny Boy and Sadie Girl. In his free time, he enjoys golf and exploring Oak Park's rich cultural offerings.
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Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society
Executive Director
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Infant Welfare Society taps experienced nonprofit pro as new leader
John McIlwain took over Sept. 3 as executive director of Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society.
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“Many of us start with an upper hand, and some of us start in a deficit, and I know that the Infant Welfare Society is one of the social responses to that deficit,” he said. McIlwain said his ministerial skills as a listener will benefit him in this position. “I think it’s important for me to listen to hear what has been done, hear what has been successful, hear what the staff says needs to change,” he said.
