Iris has twenty-eight years of experience in philanthropy. Before establishing the firm in 1991, she was the executive director of a family foundation and a corporate giving program. Prior to that, she was a senior staff associate at a major community foundation. She began her career in philanthropy by serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Brazil.

Iris is one of the co-founders of the Chicago Foundation for Women and served as its first board chair. Currently, her volunteer efforts include active participation in associations of donors and nonprofit organizations’ boards. She is often called upon to moderate or participate in panels, workshops and seminars and has received awards and other commendations for her service.

Masters degrees from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago contribute to her expertise.

Prior to joining Iris Krieg & Associates, Inc. in 1995, Jan was an award-winning journalist with a prominent Chicago-area newspaper for more than fifteen years. An active member of her community, Jan has served on several boards and chaired events ranging from blood drives to major fundraisers. A graduate of the University of Michigan, she has a degree in English literature, with certification as a high school English teacher.

Jan applies her writing, researching and interviewing skills to projects undertaken by IKA. Her responsibilities include evaluating requests from nonprofit organizations, conducting studies for clients and assisting in the development and implementation of new initiatives.

Lauren has strong communication skills and is a great problem solver. She has a special interest in early childhood and community development. She worked as an educator in Costa Rica for ten years where she furthered her interest in multiculturalism and acquired experience in educational management and curriculum development for ESL children. Lauren has an undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College in Spanish and anthropology with an emphasis in cultural studies and a Masters degree from Framingham State College in Leadership in Education.

Jason has worked in the nonprofit sector and with foundations for over a decade. He conducts evaluation and does research on topics such as social enterprise and next generation planning for family foundations. Jason has strong analytical and writing skills and is very active in organizations in his community. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University as well as a Master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

Betty Jo brings many years of experience in information and office management to Iris Krieg & Associates, Inc. Her strong communication skills, energetic approach to problem solving, and strong commitment to community building enhances IKA’s ability to keep its projects running smoothly. Betty Jo is a graduate of Calumet College of St. Joseph, with a major in English.