Association Leadership

Dorri McWhorter is renowned for her social enterprise business leadership. Crain’s Chicago Business lauded McWhorter as a “nonprofit disrupter” who turned around a major agency “by leading as if it’s a startup.” McWhorter is a 2019 Inductee into the Chicago Innovation Hall of Fame, and her work to create a new paradigm for the social impact sector is featured in the documentary Uncharitable. In 2021, McWhorter became President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. Under her leadership, the YMCA modernized membership offerings, created partnerships with Nike and Peloton, and is developing a Community Hub within a mixed-income, net-zero carbon emissions apartment complex in Downtown Chicago and a wellness center with healthcare, grocery store and business incubator on Chicago’s west side. Previously, McWhorter served as CEO of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, transforming it from a traditional social service organization to a “21st century social enterprise.” She added 10 service locations, increased the operating budget by 300%, and established a retirement plan with options for childcare providers and small business owners. McWhorter led the effort to develop an exchange-traded fund (ETF) for women’s empowerment (NYSE: WOMN) in partnership with Impact Shares.

Dorri prides herself on being a socially-conscious business leader and is committed to creating an inclusive marketplace by leveraging a cross-sector approach of engaging business, civic and community partners. Dorri has a breadth of professional experience across a variety of businesses and industries. Prior to taking on leadership roles in the impact sector, she was a partner at Crowe LLP, one of the largest accounting firms in the U.S. Dorri serves on the Board of Directors for several companies including, LanzaTech Global, Lifeway Foods, William Blair Funds, NexPoint Capital and Skyway Concession Company (Chicago Skyway). Dorri is also active in the accounting profession and serves on the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council and has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and a past Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Illinois CPA Society. Dorri also serves as Co-Chair of the Advisory Board of the First Women’s Bank.

Dorri’s civic and philanthropic leadership includes the board of directors for Common Impact, 1871 (Technology Business Accelerator), Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Civic Consulting Alliance, Civic Federation, Chicago Center for Arts and Technology, and Forefront. Dorri received a bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a master of business administration degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Lake Forest College.

Andy is the Chief Technology Officer at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. Since joining the YMCA in 2005, Andy has transformed the Y's technological landscape by introducing and implementing a number of sustainable technologies to support, protect, and develop first-rate business operations for the Association.

Under his leadership, he has created and successfully completed two three year IT strategic plans that included coordinating the replacement and upgrade of association data and phone networks to give all locations 10 times the bandwidth. Andy moved all users to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems without incurring an additional year over year cost to the association and also transferred all server infrastructure to a virtualized environment, saving the association hardware capital costs while also creating for a more agile environment. In addition, when the Y of Metro Chicago staff moved into its current Crown Family center site in 2015, Andy seamlessly migrated the entire datacenter and all data and phone connections without any disruption to business operations. These technological advancements have resulted in improved communication, compliance, and customer interaction.

Prior to joining the Y, Andy was Vice President of IT at Centerpoint Management, and Manager of Tech Support at eKiosk.com. Andy and his wife, Stacy, have two daughters, Natalie and Kaylee and the family live in Plainfield.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the social-service field, Danette Connors is recognized as a strong relationship-builder and visionary leader, specializing in strategic program growth to ensure individuals and families have adequate and equitable resources to reach their full potential.  

Danette joined the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago in 2023 as Chief Learning Officer, where she focuses on youth, teen, and adult education, enrichment, and development. In this role, Danette oversees all aspects of the Y’s Learning portfolio, including early learning, before- and after-school care, adult-learning programs, Community Schools Initiative, and day, overnight, and family camp programs. Danette’s portfolio and partnerships at the Y comprise hundreds of schools, colleges, universities, extension sites, and other institutions of learning across the Chicagoland region and Midwest. 

Most recently, Danette served as Chief Youth and Family Potential Officer for the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, an organization she joined in 2000. There, she led all Youth and Family programs across the Chicagoland area, including more than 150 team members in programs including Teen Reach, Head Start, Preschool For All Expansion, Prevention Initiative, Parent Mentoring and Home Visiting, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Child Care Resource and Referral, and Child Care Assistance Program. 

Danette is an active leader in a number of Illinois and local civic and philanthropic efforts, including serving as President of the Board of Directors for the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and previously as the President of the Board of Directors for the Illinois Association of Education of Young Children – DuPage Chapter.  

Danette obtained her BA in Business Management from Aurora University and her MBA from National Louis University.  

Jill Doerner serves as Chief Employee Empowerment Officer for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, one of the largest nonprofit organizations in Chicago, overseeing all HR functions and services, including the areas of talent acquisition, employee relations, employee experience, and total rewards (compensation and benefits).

Jill Doerner is a high-integrity senior executive with proven success in leading the growth, evolution, and advancement of a customer-centric, learning organization and is known for her ability to envision and create successful results in complex situations across multiple sectors. She is an innovative thinker with specific expertise in operations and performance management with a proven ability to quickly analyze key business drivers and develop strategies to grow operations through optimizing processes, implementing infrastructure, and creating a learning environment. Jill has the expertise to inspire teams to work collaboratively to exceed organizational goals using human-centered thinking design to achieve measurable outcomes and leverage collective impact. Jill has expertise across all business drivers, including corporate leadership, organizational analysis, budget management, strategic planning, advocacy, capital projects, and board development.

Jill began her career with the Y as a Youth and Family Director at the Irving Park YMCA. Since joining the Y in 1998, Jill has served as the Executive Director of the Irving Park Y, Lattof Y, and High Ridge Y, as well as interim Executive of the Indian Boundary Y, Foglia Y, Sage Y, and McCormick Y.  Jill has also served as the Vice President of Operations for Suburban North and West Y’s, Vice President of Membership Experience, Vice President of Performance, Senior Vice President of Operations, and Chief Learning Officer.

Jill has served externally as President of the Association of YMCA Professionals of Illinois, Chair of the State Alliance of YMCAs, Vice Chair of the National Women's Leadership Resource Network, Steering Committee Member of YUSA Strategy and Innovation, Board Member of the IL Anti-Racism and Equity Committee, Member of the City of Chicago Department of Human Relations Task Force, Board Member of local LSC, and has been nominated for the American Red Cross Hero Award, Young Non-Profit Leadership Award, and recipient of the IL Alliance Leader of the Year Award. Jill earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with Middle School Endorsement, master's degree in Education and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Education with a concentration on Adult Learning and Organizational Design.

Jill brings tremendous energy to all endeavors and has an insatiable intellectual curiosity that drives her to research and experiment with new approaches to learning and education.  She is passionate about working within the social sector and thrives in environments of challenge and change. She is committed to transforming people’s lives and firmly believes that an organization is responsible for creating an environment that allows individuals to pursue their full potential as lifelong learners.

Tony is Chief Health and Wellbeing Officer for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, one of the largest nonprofit organizations in Chicago. Tony is responsible for the development and execution of a transformative, future-focused vision and strategy for YMCA membership and membership center operations. 

Tony is a senior executive leader in business management with over 35 years of operational leadership experience in a wide range of environments, including military, public, private, corporate and nonprofit organizations. He has comprehensive experience in membership, programming, marketing and new business development. He has conducted targeted competitive analysis, operational assessments, market/demographic research and strategic planning. He has proven results in profit and loss responsibility, budgeting, capital forecasting, business analysis and planning, and system streamlining. Tony is passionate about leadership development, employee retention and customer service. He has lectured nationally on leadership, management and health and wellness facility operations.

He began his career as a Fitness Specialist for the U.S. Air Force and served in the Illinois Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves.  Prior to joining the Y in 2014, he was the Director of Development/General Manager at Midtown Athletic Clubs and National Director of Operations at Power Wellness Management. Most recently, Tony spent several months shaping organizational structure, standards, and culture for two newly merged companies as Vice President of Fitness Operations before returning to the Y as Chief Membership Innovation Officer.

Tony obtained a master’s degree in Kinesiology and a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He holds a Personal Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He maintains a focus on the importance of education and community, serving as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Kinesiology for the College of Lake County.  His passion for the Y and its mission is evident in his efforts to innovate and transform the association to meet the evolving needs of youth and families in the community.

Rebecca Lahr serves as Chief of Staff for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. She stepped into this role in early 2023 after most recently serving as the Association’s Director of Executive Operations.

Rebecca has worked for the Y since 2015, and is known by her colleagues as a strategic leader who successfully executes on the organization’s mission, vision, and values to foster an inclusive culture and generate high levels of organizational performance. She continues to manage senior leaders’ business portfolios, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic and operational objectives. Rebecca also oversees the development and implementation of organizational policies and procedures for efficient, standardized events and business operations. Early in her tenure, she was instrumental in planning and managing the Association’s complex, multi-stage move to the Crown Family YMCA — its headquarters in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood.

Rebecca blends her sound business expertise with her passion for social impact to help strengthen communities both through her work at the Y and in her civic life. She currently serves on the Executive Council of Women United, a cohort of women leaders working to further the impact of the United Way of Metro Chicago and its local partner agencies.

Anthony Lloyd is the Chief Financial Officer for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. He joined the Y as Chief of Staff and Chief Administrative Officer in August 2022. Prior to joining the YMCA, Anthony led a private financial consulting firm and provided executive leadership services to help clients in all fields, including nonprofits and corporations.

Previously, Anthony was the Chief Financial Officer with Mid-America Transplant and its foundation, responsible for financial strategy and operations at the $100 million healthcare organization. During his tenure, Anthony established Mid-America’s Investment Committee and sustainability practices critical to its long-term success, and he aligned the organization’s investments to outcomes shaped by environmental, social, or governance (ESG) factors.

Throughout his career, Anthony has held financial and administrative leadership positions across a diverse set of industry segments. Prior to Mid-America, Anthony held administrative leadership positions as Chief of Staff Corporate Administration and Senior Risk Manager at Fannie Mae, the largest Government-Sponsored Enterprises in the United States. He also held senior positions within the US Department of Energy’s Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer program.

Anthony’s civic and philanthropic leadership includes serving on the Board of Directors for Westminster Christian Academy, For the Love of the Game, and Gamma Epsilon Alumni Association of Tuskegee University, and is a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Anthony received a bachelor’s degree in finance from Tuskegee University in Tuskegee Alabama and a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia University Graduate School of Business in New York. He also completed the Emerging CFO program at Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Anthony has been an active volunteer with educational and community organizations focused on expanding the pipeline of diverse talent.

Molly Silverman joined the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago in 2023 and serves as the organization’s Chief Growth & Engagement Officer. In this role, she oversees the Strategic Engagement business area, comprising Development; Policy, Research & Evaluation; and Brand Strategy & Marketing.

With a career spanning more than two decades, Molly has extensive experience advancing social impact through development of innovative social-enterprise models, cross-sector partnerships, and effective revenue-generation and communications strategies.

Before joining the YMCA, Molly served as Chief Strategic Engagement Officer at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, where she oversaw strategy development related to fundraising and communications, corporate partnerships, donor and volunteer engagement, and special events. Over the 15 years she was at the YWCA, she worked to transform the organization to a 21st-century social enterprise focused on digital engagement of constituents, strategic collaborations and increasing impact and innovation within organizational programs, development and communications. 

Prior to joining the YWCA, Molly worked with the National Runaway Switchboard from 2001 to 2007 where she coordinated a large-scale volunteer program and donor engagement for the national crisis hotline. Molly volunteered for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago for six years (where she met her husband), was a founding board member of local non-profit Share Our Spare, and currently volunteers as Membership Chair for Tennaqua Swim and Racquet Club. Molly received a bachelor’s degree in English from Michigan State University and completed a culinary program at Kendall College.

Swathi is Chief Community Investment Officer and General Counsel for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. In this role, she is the principal counsel for the YMCA of Metro Chicago, responsible for leading the strategic direction and major initiatives for the Association, and has oversight and management of the Legal, Risk Management, and Inclusion, Real Estate and Facilities, Process Improvement, and Brand Strategy, Marketing, and Communications functions.

She supports all Association legal and risk needs including contracts, real estate, litigation, insurance, claims management, compliance, employment issues, crisis management, and disability and inclusion support for the Association’s 15 centers, 5 overnight camps, and dozens of offsite partnership locations across the Chicagoland area, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Swathi also leads the Y’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring policies are updated and in place to provide a safe and welcoming place of health and wellness for families and staff.

Swathi is an innovative and empowering leader who brings collaborative solutions to the table. Her experience allows her to bring the agile mindset of for-profit business to solve issues faced by social enterprises like the YMCA in order to amplify and accelerate the delivery of critical services to communities. Swathi worked closely with City of Chicago to help provide housing support for Chicago’s most vulnerable residents during the pandemic. Her enterprise-wide viewpoint allows her to engage across all functional areas, including supporting HR processes for the YMCA’s workforce of nearly 2,000 employees. Swathi prides herself on driving strong processes, reasoned policy, and a culture of safety while simultaneously promoting innovative thinking to help strengthen and grow overall business objectives.

Prior to joining the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago in 2018, Swathi worked in private practice for nearly ten years. She began her legal career at Baker & McKenzie and continued at boutique firms specializing in insurance coverage and litigation. Swathi then joined Allied Universal as Corporate Counsel and oversaw corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and compliance, among other diverse service areas.

Swathi is a lifelong Chicago resident and through her civic involvement supports the advancement of the entire human services sector. She serves on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee for the Chicago Alliance for Collaborative Effort (CACE), a coalition of the largest human services organizations in Chicago. Her leadership on the CACE Supplier Diversity Task Force is bringing organizations of all sizes to the table to achieve collective impact goals of advancing intentional contracting and spending with diverse vendors and suppliers in the hopes of advancing metrics-driven, measurable equity goals. Swathi is also a member of the Executive Council of Women United, a group of women leaders furthering the work of the United Way of Metro Chicago and the local agencies the United Way supports. She is also an active member of Chief, the private national network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders.

Swathi holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and International Business from Saint Louis University and a law degree from DePaul University. She is also a die-hard fan of the Chicago Cubs.