News Release
at The Chicago Public Education Fund
Amy L. Kruss, Director of Development & Communications
(312) 558-4503

January 16, 2007

Venture philanthropy fund for public education welcomes Costello and Simmons to board of directors

CHICAGO-The Chicago Public Education Fund’s board of directors elected two new members this week, welcoming Ellen Costello and Brian Simmons with a unanimous vote of approval.

“Both Ellen and Brian have proven track records in their field," said Nuveen Investments Chairman and CEO Tim Schwertfeger, chairman of The Fund. “Their extensive experience will be of remarkable value to our board. We are proud to have them as directors.”

“We are delighted that Ellen and Brian elected to join our board,” added The Fund’s President, Janet Knupp. “We welcome their leadership and look forward to engaging them in our work of identifying, cultivating and positioning teams of great leaders in Chicago’s public schools that need them the most.”

Ellen M. Costello was named CEO of Harris Bankcorp in August 2006, making her the highest ranking female banker in Chicago. Ms. Costello holds a B.B.A. from St. Francis Xavier University in Canada, where she serves on its Board of Governors and an MBA from Dalhousie University, also in Canada.

Brian P. Simmons is a founding partner of Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC, a private equity firm, established in 1988. Previously, he was a Vice President with Citicorp’s Leveraged Capital Group in Chicago. Mr. Simmons serves on the board of directors of American Asphalt & Grading Company, Gundle, SLT Environmental, Inc., LVI Services Inc., MLS Holdings, Inc., and Waddington North America, Inc. He also serves on the board of directors of The Latin School, Lincoln Park Zoo and the Greater Chicago Food Depository and on the Visiting Committee of the University of Chicago School of Social Service. Mr. Simmons holds an A.B. from Cornell University.

Ms. Costello and Mr. Simmons join a board of directors comprised of 26 of Chicago’s highest-profile corporate and civic leaders. The Fund’s directors commit significant amounts of time, energy and financial resources to the improvement of Chicago’s public schools.

# # #

As a venture capital fund for public education, The Chicago Public Education Fund is an unprecedented catalyst for improving school leadership and student achievement system wide. Launched by a group of corporate and civic leaders, The Fund brings private sector dollars and expertise to high-impact programs aligned with Chicago Public Schools priorities. Find out more at www.cpef.org.

Top >