About us

The Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Illinois Chapter serves 68 counties in Illinois with offices in Bloomington, Carterville, Chicago, Joliet, Rockford, Skokie and Springfield. Since 1980, the Chapter has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes. Today, the Greater Illinois Chapter serves the more than half million Illinoisans affected by Alzheimer’s disease who are in our chapter area, including 210,000 people with the disease plus family members and caregivers.

Our mission
To eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Our vision
A world without Alzheimer's disease.

Print a 2 page flyer about the Greater Illinois Chapter - click to download

Financial information

The Greater Illinois Chapter is a tax-exempt, 501(c) 3 nonprofit, donor-supported organization. Programs and services are made possible through contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Chapter uses 84% of all funds raised for programs, services and research efforts.

Chapter Audited Financial Statement
To view the most recent audited financial statements for the Chapter, click below.

Year ending June 30, 2007
Year ending June 30, 2006

The Greater Illinois Chapter has chosen to be included in the IRS 990 Group Tax Return for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, and did not file a separate return.  Click here to display the National Alzheimer’s Association IRS 990 Group Tax Returns.

Annual Report 

FY07 Annual Report  (PDF)

FY06 Annual Report  (PDF)

FY05 Annual Report  (PDF)

Strategic Plan

The Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter Strategic Plan mirrors the National Long-Range Strategic Plan, providing a common vision and mission for the chapter and for the national office, and serving as a roadmap for future development.

FY09 - FY11 Strategic Plan  (PDF)

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Standard Operating Objectives

FY09 - FY11 Standard Operating Objectives  (PDF)

Board of directors – Greater Illinois Chapter

Officers

Directors

Administrative staff

President & CEO
Erna Colborn 

Vice President, Finance and Operations
Janet Devlin

Vice President, Program Services
Melanie Chavin

Vice President, Development
Lisa Lee

Director, MIS
Douglas Ip

Director, Communications
Tom Molony

Director, Public Policy
Maria Schmidt

Manager, Human Resources
Maryellen Friedman

Manager, President’s Office
Cindy Marsden

Chapter staff by location

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Our history

In the 1980s, the Chapter opened its first office, convened a professional advisory committee, joined state task forces and advisory committees, produced Spanish-language materials, added a support group for children and adolescents, participated in the National Office Respite Care Demonstration Project and was one of 10 chapters in 1989 to offer Memory Walk.

From 1990 – 2001, Since 1990, staff hosted Town Hall Meetings, symposia for physicians and a caregiver conference, launched a Web site with Spanish and Polish-language materials, convened the Medical & Scientific Advisory Council, the Community Programs & Services Committee, the South Side Dementia Care Consortium, and the Northern Illinois Branch Advisory Board, and hosted Legislative Luncheons. In 2001, six Chapters operating in Illinois merged to become the Greater Illinois Chapter and serve the estimated 172,000 people with Alzheimer’s and more than 600,000 caregivers in 68 counties.