Deb Guy, MS.Ed, Executive Director, after a dynamic career in Education holding both a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling and Curriculum and Supervision, Deb came to WE knowing her best work has been accomplished by listening and remembering people’s questions and ideas to then create connection for lasting impact. Deb has been involved at Women’s Exchange since 1998 as a past board member, facilitator, and on-going class participant. She began as Executive Director May 2011.
Board of Directors
JENNIFER HERRINGTON, Board President, has dedicated her career to education with a focus on innovation, outcomes, and student success for all. She has led product development, implementation, and business development teams for large education companies and edtech startups and recently created leadership development programs for high school girls. She also has classroom teaching experience in middle and high schools, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and an MBA from the University of Michigan. In addition to serving on the Board for Women’s Exchange, Jennifer volunteers as a mentor with the Youth Philanthropy Board and is a troop leader for Girl Scouts.
SUSAN MEYERS, Board Co-Secretary, is the co-leader of The Meyers Group Real Estate at Compass and has 19 years of experience as a real estate broker. She has been attending programs at The Women’s Exchange since moving to Winnetka in 1989 and currently lives in Glencoe. Susan has been involved in various organizations, including The Winnetka Community Nursery School Board, the Northwestern Settlement House Board, The Winnetka Garden Guild, and The Volunteer Center. She is married and has three daughters and three granddaughters. Susan is enthusiastic about the wide range of learning opportunities offered by WE.
LESLIE FINN, Board Co-Secretary has a background in financial analysis and business development. She has worked in non-profit settings including science and natural history museums.
ELINOR HITE Board Treasurer is a retired Sr. VP of Human Resources executive who currently maintains a small consulting/career coaching practice. She has a background in teaching Organizational Development. She is committed to fostering an energetic and ever-curious mind set with an eye toward to lifelong learning and development. She also currently serves on a state retirement community board and on a Friends of the Winnetka library committee. Elinor and her husband live in Winnetka…and delight in semimonthly visits to her son and grandchildren in Atlanta.
CATHY SHAW, Grew up in Kenilworth, attended Joseph Sears School then on to New Trier East. Raised my son, Jack, in Wilmette. Have been on Women’s Exchange mailing list for years but got more involved since the pandemic. Love the monthly book club meetings along with the authors’ talk; participate in their outdoor, twice weekly walking group and attend as many of their events as possible. Have also been a member of St. Joseph’s Church Women’s Club for over 20 years. Serve as the treasurer for my family’s foundation which keeps me involved with many wonderful charities in the Chicagoland area.
DAWN TURCO, former Senior Vice President-Educational Operations at Hadley School for the Blind, retired in 2017. Dawn’s entire professional career was as both teacher and administrator in special education. She immediately became involved in a variety of WE activities and is a dedicated participant in the WE walking group, which she characterizes as “intrepid“ since they are out on the walking trail year-round. After 24 years living in Winnetka, Dawn recently relocated to Wilmette.