Board of Trustees

Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation is governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees. Board members are elected each year for three-year terms in office and assume specific responsibilities for the duration of their terms. The Interim Senior Minister, Associate Minister, Director of Finance and Administration, and the Treasurer serve as ex-officio members of the Board of Trustees.

Board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8pm. The Board can be contacted by e-mail at board@unitytemple.org. The president of the Board of Trustees can be contacted by e-mail at president@unitytemple.org. Meeting minutes from previous years are available to members by contacting office@unitytemple.org.

2023 Board Members

Aimee Conrad, Co-president (she/her)

I have been a member of the Congregation since 2014, along with my spouse Ron Dubreuil and our child LiZhong Dubreuil. I’ve served on the Celebration of Life Committee, the Religious Education Committee and as an RE teacher. I am an elementary school teacher, and I hope to help us reconcile and rebuild our congregation during this time of change, and to help us better connect our words with our actions. I will bring the ability to listen deeply and experience in evaluating disparate stakeholder needs to my service as Trustee. I want to help bring people back together deliberately and intentionally, and to explore how we can best become a congregation that truly is “Welcoming All.”

Amanda Kaleta-Kott, Co-president (she/her)

I first started attending Unity Temple services by accident in 2007. During graduate school, I used to study at the Oak Park Main Library and found myself one Sunday morning in Oak Park before the library opened. Out of curiosity and with time on my hands, I wandered into a Sunday service at Unity Temple and found my spiritual home.

Since officially joining as a member in 2014, I’ve become increasingly involved in congregational life. Most recently, I’ve facilitated a Soul Connections group, served on the Annual Senior Minister Review team, and am now a member of the Personnel Committee. When things return to normal, I look forward to attending more UTUUC All-Congregation Retreats with my husband Jeff and son Liam.

Outside of Unity Temple, I do UX research and strategy for a digital healthcare consultancy. In my free time, I am an enthusiastic gardener and pretty decent cook (no baking, though). I have also recently returned to figure skating, after a three-decade hiatus.

Matthew Bruce, Vice President (he/him)

I live in Oak Park’s Longfellow neighborhood with my wife Lindsay and our children, Charlie and Olivia. We’ve been coming to Unity Temple since 2017 and definitely feel like it’s “home.” I’ve enjoyed teaching RE, Lindsay and the kids are very active singers and we all love the congregation’s Fall Retreat.

I am a lifelong UU, practically raised in the church because my mother was the Director of Religious Education at our Unitarian Society of New Haven, Conn. Many of my fondest childhood memories, and the most influential people in my life have come from our UU faith community.

Professionally, I am privileged to work at the intersection of philanthropy and workforce development. I lead a collaboration of foundations that support workforce training and worker rights. Something you might not know about me is that I was a Middle East Studies major, and studied in Cairo. I still have a deep affection for Muslim and Arab culture.

Sandy Meyer, Secretary (she/her)

I am a long-time member of UTUUC (since the merger in 1994), and was previously a member of Beacon Unitarian. I’ve participated in congregational life and leadership in many ways, from Religious Education to Choir, to Beloved Conversations, and in many other groups and events. I co-led the Auction Committee for six years and Annual Fund Drive for 3 years. I have served on numerous committees, including Membership, Worship, Facilities, Memorial Planning, and most recently on the 8th Principle Committee.

I am retired from full-time work as an Advanced Practice Nurse and have my own family therapy practice. I’ve attended General Assembly for 14 years as a member and a delegate. I bring my experience to the work of healing and regrowing our congregation, reshaping how we operate, and moving toward living our best selves.

Beth Martell, Treasurer–ex officio non voting member (she/her)

Natasha Diaz (she/her)

My spouse, Andrew Falth, and I have been members of the congregation since 2013. We have three children: Hans, Frankie, and Wyatt. I have been involved with Sunday Service, the Religious Education Program, Family Retreat, and organizing other various congregational events. I am a Family Physician who feels passionate about creating direct relationships between doctors and patients and providing affordable care. Because of this passion, I have started a practice that follows a “Direct Primary Care” model. I also run a growing property investment business. I am grateful and humbled to be given the opportunity to serve the congregation. I hope to contribute to the Board by engaging members in service positions in line with the congregation’s mission, values, and goals, and to grow a diverse and actively participating membership.

Adam Gill (he/him)

I have been a member of the congregation since 2011, along with my spouse and our child Matthew. I have been involved with the youth Religious Education program and Annual Fund Drive. Currently, I provide pro bono legal services with legal matters related to the congregations’ properties. I am a partner at a Chicago area law firm specializing in construction law and litigation. I am looking forward to ensuring that the Board implements the requests of the congregation and protects its interests and thinks that it is important for everyone’s opinions to be given consideration. Top of mind for me is how the Board handles issues and problems effectively and efficiently, addressing the financial stability of UTUUC, and the future Ministerial Search.

Erin Mackinney (she/her)

I became a member of the congregation in 2015. I volunteer for UU Prison Ministry of Illinois (UUPMI) and am a long-time member of the UTUUC coed softball team. I am a Professor of Bilingual & ESL (English as a Second Language) Education at Roosevelt University, serve with the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, and bring my skills of grant writing, budgeting, and previous non-profit board experience. For me, important board initiatives include diversifying our membership with regard to different racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and generational backgrounds, as well as collaboration with the congregation to welcome a Developmental Minister to UTUUC.

Michael Weekes (he/him)

I have been a member of UTUUC since 2009, along with my spouse Anke and our children, Annika and Mycah. I am an active member of the Choir, currently serving as its President. Through my work as a Production Manager on live events, and my service on the Tuscan Lofts Condo Association, I’ve gained significant experience working with different personalities and finding ways to collaborate to get the job done. I look forward to helping to get our people back into Unity Temple, physically and spiritually. I plan to bring humor, an open mind and fun to the work of the Board.

Constitution and ByLaws

The Board is governed by a Constitution and Bylaws.

Board Policies

The Board of Trustees provides reference to the congregation’s approved policies and procedures below. Please feel free to contact the Board of Trustees with questions, comments, or suggestions: board@unitytemple.org.

Board Nomination Process

Each year, the Nominating Committee seeks candidates to serve on the Board of Trustees. The Nominating Committee select a slate of three individuals to serve 3-year terms. To apply, an individual must be a member of UTUUC for at least one year.

The Nominating Committee reviews applications and interviews interested members. Board candidates are presented by the Nominating Committee to the congregation at the Annual Meeting in December, where members may vote on candidates. You can access an application form below.

Sincerely,
2022-23 Nominating Committee :: Alec Brownlow, Aisha Ellis (UTUUC Board Liason), Rich Pokorny (UTUUC Board Liason), Erik Wise (Committee Chair) and Jane Wood.