DuPage Federation Announces Search for Next Executive Director
DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to serve as its next Executive Director. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will guide the organization’s mission, shape policy, strengthen services, and ensure equitable access to human services across the region, with a strong focus on DuPage County.
This pivotal role offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the human services landscape. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader who understands the complexities of human services systems and can operate effectively at both the strategic and operational levels.
Applications are being reviewed now. We encourage interested candidates to apply promptly or share this opportunity with qualified leaders in their networks.
We are proud to partner with KEES Executive Search on this important search.
Executive Director to Retire in October 2025
DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform announces the retirement of David Roth, who has served as Executive Director since 2019. Roth will retire in October 2025, concluding a distinguished 45-year career dedicated to advancing human services and strengthening communities across the region.
About David Roth's Tenure
During his tenure, Roth led DuPage Federation through a period of transformational growth and innovation. His leadership was marked by a commitment to equity, cross-sector collaboration, and data-informed strategies so that our effective and robust human services network served neighbors across cultural, language, racial and ethnic divides.
“David brought exceptional vision and integrity to this role,” said Theresa Forthofer, Chair of DuPage Federation. “He has not only deepened our organization’s impact but also inspired a culture of compassion and excellence that will endure long after his retirement.”
Under Roth’s leadership, DuPage Federation expanded partnerships with local governments, school districts, and nonprofit agencies, launched new initiatives focused on language access and community engagement, and strengthened its position as a vital convener and thought leader in the region’s human services sector. Prior to joining DuPage Federation in 2019, Roth held leadership roles at Northeastern Illinois Community Organizations Active in Disaster, Illinois Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois (LCFS), as well as serving as the director of the Youth Shelter Network at The Night Ministry.
Transition Plans Underway
The Board of Directors has engaged KEES, a national executive search firm specializing in nonprofit leadership, to conduct a search for DuPage Federation’s next Executive Director. KEES also was the partner of choice in 2018 when searching for the role that Roth eventually filled.
“While we are sad to see David go, we are excited to build on the strong foundation he has helped establish,” added Theresa Forthofer “We thank him for his outstanding service and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.”
A community celebration honoring Roth’s contributions will be announced in the coming months.
Available Trainings and Events
Now Available: Community Engagement Reports on
Affordable Housing in DuPage County
DuPage Federation is pleased to share the full and summary versions of two new reports developed in consultation with the DuPage County Board Ad-Hoc Committee on Housing Solutions with Grounded Solutions Network. These qualitative research reports explore the barriers residents face in accessing and maintaining safe, accessible, and affordable housing. They also offer real solutions informed by community voices.
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Part 1 highlights insights from housing and human service providers.
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Part 2 centers the lived experiences of residents most impacted by housing instability.
Summary versions are also available for those looking for a quick, accessible overview of each report.
Live
Public Benefits Q&A Sessions
Summer Alzawawi, Program Director of Public Benefits Access (PBA), will hold live Public Benefits Q&A sessions on the last Thursday of each month from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM via Zoom.
During these live, remote sessions, participants may ask questions pertaining to public benefits and public benefits access. In addition, Summer will spend approximately 10 minute sharing public benefits updates.
To join the live sessions, please register in advance. Even if you registered previously, a new registration is required to attend upcoming sessions.
Illinois Welcoming Centers Forum (recording)
On June 23, 2025, DuPage Federation hosted its first virtual forum for Illinois Welcoming Centers, offering practical tips and real-world strategies to help frontline workers better serve their clients and communities. If you couldn’t attend live, recordings of the sessions are available below:
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Eva Rafas, Senior Program Director of Language Access Resource Center (LARC) presented Understanding Language Access: Why it Matters and How to Get it Right.
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Summer Alzawawi, Program Director of Public Benefits Access presented Understanding Public Benefits Eligibility for Non-Citizens.
UPDATED DESK AID - Income Limits for Public Benefits and ACA Health Insurance Marketplace (current as of 4/17/2025)
We have updated our FPL income limits for Medicaid, Marketplace, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Desk Aid (current as of October 20, 2024). To download a copy of the updated desk aid, select the button below.
Four-Star Rating
We are proud to announce that DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform has been awarded a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent charity evaluator. This top distinction reflects our unwavering commitment to financial health, accountability, and transparency, highlighting our dedication to meeting and exceeding industry standards.
This achievement assures our donors and supporters that their contributions are utilized effectively to drive meaningful change within our community; advancing our mission to improve human services in DuPage County and surrounding areas.
We're incredibly grateful to our dedicated team and generous donors for making this achievement possible. Together, we continue to turn values, passions, and beliefs into impactful actions that benefit those we serve.
To learn more about our rating and what it means for our mission, please visit Charity Navigator's website.
Public Benefits Training for Early Childhood Providers
DuPage Federation has developed an interactive training course for providers who are interested in learning the basics of public benefits, specifically Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in order to provide guidance and support to their clients who may benefit from these services. The course includes information that is relevant to providers who serve families with young children including early childhood providers. The training is self-paced and provides the learner with the following information about Medicaid, TANF and SNAP:
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What is it?
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Who is eligible?
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What are the benefits?
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How to apply?
The training is free for providers who serve DuPage County residents and $10.00 for providers who do not serve residents of DuPage County. To request access to the training, use the Register button below. Please note, the contact information we ask you to provide will ONLY be used to confirm location and to send you access to the training.