Leaders bring passion and expertise to advance Nourishing Hope’s mission of providing
food and social services to Chicagoans in need
Five executive leaders have joined the board of directors for Nourishing Hope, formerly known as Lakeview Pantry, to help lead the organization as it grows to serve more people throughout Chicago.
Their infusion of financial acumen, food industry knowledge and human resources expertise will only strengthen an already dedicated and talented team of directors, said CEO Kellie O’Connell. The new board members hope to have an impact for Nourishing Hope, which continues to serve an increasing number of people because of inflation-related increases to food prices and other living expenses.
Nourishing Hope is delighted to welcome Rob Kleczynski, Exelon Corporation; Pamela Moore-Thompson, UScellular; Bill Peluchiwski, Houlihan Lokey; Corey Rochkin, Oliver Wyman; and Kanchana Suresh, Northern Trust.
“We are so grateful to have these five remarkable leaders join our work and mission at Nourishing Hope,” O’Connell said. “I’m thrilled to work closely with them in charting the future of our organization.”
Kleczynski is the senior vice president of tax at Exelon Corporation where he has worked for more than 21 years and is responsible for all tax-related matters including planning, strategy, tax compliance and financial reporting. He was born and raised in Chicago, earning his bachelor’s in accounting and master’s in taxation from DePaul University.
Kleczynski started volunteering with his team at Nourishing Hope a few years ago.
“It was an eye-opening experience knowing that all the food we sorted and packed that day was going directly to individuals and families that count on these meals for basic nourishment,” Kleczynski said. “It underscored for me how pervasive food insecurity is in this city and the country overall and that we all need to do more.”
Moore-Thompson is vice president of talent strategies at UScellular, where she’s responsible for developing and implementing talent and development strategies across the country. She is a member of the Human Resource Manager Association of Chicago, a member of the Chief network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders, as well as a member of the Executives’ Club of Chicago.
“By joining Nourishing Hope, I’m living out the advice of my dad who encouraged me to always try to do the right thing,” Moore-Thompson said. “Nourishing Hope’s mission is to empower people to gain the stability and independence needed to thrive by providing free healthy and nutritious food. Addressing those community needs is one of the most right things that we can do, so it is my honor to get involved and support a brighter future.”
Peluchiwski is a senior managing director at Houlihan Lokey, where he is global head of the firm’s industrials group. He has worked in investment banking for nearly three decades, advising clients in M&A domestic and cross-border transactions, financial restructurings, and financings.
Peluchiwski joined Nourishing Hope as a donor in 2019. His transformational support empowered Nourishing Hope to grow its vehicle fleet, which enabled staff and volunteers to rescue food from across the city.
“Food is one need that we all share in common,” Peluchiwski said. “No one should go hungry in this country. Nourishing Hope helps address the needs of the people along with emotional support. It’s just the right thing to do with the added benefit of reducing needless waste and food anxiety.”
Rochkin is a recognized food industry expert and a member of the retail and consumer goods practice of the global management consultancy Oliver Wyman. His experience spans the entire global food supply chain. He advises retail, wholesale, and manufacturing executives around the world on their strategy and operations.
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Rochkin moved to the Chicago area after completing his Master of Business Administration at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
“Too many individuals and families in Chicago face the insecurity of not knowing where their next meal will come from,” Rochkin said. “Nourishing Hope makes a real difference, helping feed a growing number of Chicagoans and providing the social services that deliver lasting change in our communities.”
Suresh is a senior vice president and regional senior investment officer of Northern Trust. In her current capacity, she leads a team of portfolio advisors within the Northern Trust Wealth Management Business.
Suresh has a master’s in Financial Markets and Trading from the Illinois Institute of Technology. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA).
While growing up in India, Suresh helped many underprivileged families struggling to put food on the table. After moving to the United States, she continued to be associated with Child Relief and You (CRY), an India-based organization working for health, education and safety of children. In the last few years, she has continued to spend time with Feed my Starving Children.
Her association with Nourishing Hope started in 2022.
“After volunteering with Nourishing Hope, I was blown away by the impact and the change this organization was creating in the Chicago area,” Suresh said. “I am excited and proud to be associated with Nourishing Hope, and I’m looking forward to making a difference in the community.”