Help support the Arlington Heights Memorial Library’s community initiatives
Your donation will help fund your library’s services and programs
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation (the Foundation) provides funds to help develop and sustain a world-class library.
The Foundation is a not-for-profit, 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization that provides support to the Arlington Heights Memorial Library in its quest to reach and serve all members of our community. The Foundation pursues financing and in-kind services to supplement the library so additional avenues of learning can be achieved. Our Values include:
- Respect (we care about others)
- Accountability (we take fiscal responsibility)
- Perseverance (we are confident and determined)
- Integrity (we tell the truth)
- Dedication (we are committed to our mission)
Foundation Directors
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Board committees include Development, Executive, Finance and Investment, Marketing and Technology.
Lauree Harp
Founder and Chair
Lauree Harp lives in Arlington Heights and is a retired business and marketing professional. She served as the first executive director of the District 214 Community Education Foundation and as a founding board member of the Metropolis Performing Arts Center. A Community Spirit Hearts of Gold Award winner, Lauree chaired the Arlington Heights Quasquicentennial Committee and the Special Events Commission for the Village of Arlington Heights.
Frank Lee
Vice Chair
Frank Lee has been a resident of Arlington Heights for 45 years and is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Valuation Analyst with the accounting firm of Weiss & Company LLP. Frank has served on the boards of Frontier Days, Christmas in April, Faith Community Homes, the Arlington Heights Housing Commission, and the Metropolis Performing Arts Center.
Gary McClung
Treasurer
Gary McClung retired in 2014 after a 40-year career that included compensation and benefit consulting, human resource management, retirement planning and financial counseling. He served on the Arlington Heights Industrial and Commercial Development Commission and as a board member of the Arlington Heights Police Pension Fund, First Presbyterian Church and the Metropolis Performing Arts Center. He lives in Arlington Heights.
JoAnne Gunderson
Secretary
JoAnne Gunderson grew up in Arlington Heights and is a current resident. Currently with MedPro Group, she has worked as a medical malpractice insurance underwriter for nearly 20 years. A past president of the MetroLofts Condo Association, she has volunteered for a variety of organizations. JoAnne loves working on DIY home projects like laying penny floors, stenciling walls or building sliding doors, and remembers visiting the library on Belmont Avenue where her love of reading and creativity first began.
Mimi Cooper
Director
Miriam (Mimi) Cooper is a resident of Arlington Heights and founder of the Law Office of Miriam Cooper & Associates, LLC. She is a former Township High School 214 Educational Foundation trustee and was a District 214 board member from 1989 to 2017.
John Hartnett
Director
John Hartnett is a 10-year resident of Arlington Heights and has recently retired as Executive Vice President, Welding of Illinois Tools Works. John is a member of the Board of Directors of HNI Corporation
John has been an active participant on the AHML Foundation Advisory Team since inception in 2019.
Jennifer Mitchell
Director
Jennifer Mitchell grew up in Arlington Heights and is a current resident. She is a freelance copywriter and content manager and has spent the last 10 years working for agencies, tech startups and small businesses, managing content, writing copy and coming up with concepts for creative campaigns. At night, she writes and performs at comedy venues around Chicago.
Char Padovani
Director
Charlene (Char) Padovani is a 35 year resident of Arlington Heights. A health educator by trade, she has worked for numerous local non-for-profit organizations such as Northwest Community Hospital, Harper College and the American Cancer Society. Currently she is employed as the Volunteer Services Coordinator for the North Shore Senior Center and she volunteers her time to Salute, Inc., St. James Catholic Church, the Arlington Heights Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, and the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.
Renee Schwingbeck
Director
Renee Schwingbeck is a 31-year resident of Arlington Heights, and has an MBA in accounting from the University of Chicago. Her business background includes financial services and operations management; she is currently a practicemanager for Foundation Sport and Spine in Arlington Heights. A former Dryden School PTA President and Dryden and South Middle School PTA treasurer, she currently is the president of PEO Chapter JX of Arlington Heights.
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