Chicago House Announces Michael Herman as New CEO

Herman Returns to Chicago House, Committed to Mission of Providing Housing and Social Services to Marginalized Individuals of the LGBTQ Community

CHICAGO, June, 2019 -- Chicago House announces that its Board of Trustees has appointed Michael Herman as Chief Executive Officer – to begin July 8, 2019. Herman brings nearly 20 years of executive management and fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector to his new position. Most recently having served as Vice President of Development at Kohl Children’s Museums (one of the top children's museums in the country), where he led the Play It Forward Campaign, a $15 million fundraising effort to create greater access to play. 

“Michael’s extensive experience in development, paired with his deep-seated passion for public service, specifically supporting marginalized individuals within the LGBTQ community, will undoubtedly bring great value to the agency,” says Ray Koenig, Chicago House Board Chair. “With Michael at the helm, Chicago House is primed to broaden its reach, offering critical, best-in-class services through its housing, employment, HIV prevention and care and TransLife Care programs,” added Koenig. 

For eight years, Herman held the position of chief development officer at Chicago House. He previously spent 17 years as a priest serving largely the Hispanic community across Chicago via social activism, education initiatives and creating access to affordable housing. 

“It is an honor and a privilege to return to Chicago House,” said Michael Herman. “My dedication to serving individuals living at or below the poverty line and providing access to affordable housing has remained a central focus throughout my career.  I am humbled by the opportunity to make a sizable difference for Chicago House clients.”

In line with his passion for the city of Chicago and its residents, Herman is a coach and board member for Northside Chicago American Youth Soccer Organization and supports the Logan Square Neighborhood Association. He lives with his husband and 12-year-old son in the Rogers Park neighborhood.