Advisory Board

The Honorable L. Tammy Duckworth, Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Veterans Affairs

A powerful advocate for veterans, L. "Tammy" Duckworth was sworn in as Assistant Secretary in April, 2009. In this role, she oversees communications, intergovernmental relations, homeless Veterans, consumer affairs, and six national rehabilitative special event programs.

Tammy served as the Director of Illinois Veterans Affairs from 2006-2008, where she launched first-in-the-nation programs for health care, mental health, housing, and employment, and initiated a special grants program in the key area of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

A Major in the Illinois Army National Guard, Tammy flew combat missions as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. During a 2004 mission, her aircraft was ambushed and a grenade struck the helicopter she co-piloted. She continued her attempt to pilot the aircraft until she passed out from blood loss. As a result of the attack, Tammy lost both of her legs and the partial use of an arm. She received many decorations for her heroism, including the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, and the Combat Action Badge. She declined her Army medical retirement to continue her service in the National Guard, and has also resumed flying as a civilian pilot.

Since her recovery at Walter Reed, Tammy has dedicated her life to public service, advocating on behalf of disability rights and Veterans. We are grateful for her leadership.

Doug Porter, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities - CNI

Doug Porter joined the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana as CEO in 2004. He oversaw a merger of all the assets in the Chicago area to form one organization dedicated to the health, wellbeing, and education of children. Today, he leads four Ronald McDonald Houses that provide a "home away from home" for up to 84 families each day, a Ronald McDonald Care Mobile offering free pediatric medical services, and a scholarship program. Doug is also past Chairman of the Board of the Namaste Charter School in Chicago and serves on the advisory board for Fifth Third Bank.

Doug graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor's degree from the School of Hotel Administration. Upon completion of the Navy ROTC program, he received his commission in the U.S. Navy. He entered Naval flight school and served for the next seven years, earning the Navy Achievement Medal for accomplishments during extended deployments to the Indian Ocean. Afterward, Doug worked at Leo Burnett and became the executive vice president and worldwide management director on the McDonald's and Hallmark businesses. Doug served on Burnett's U.S operating board and global operating committee, the board of directors of the Advertising Educational Foundation in New York City and as president of the board for the Ronald McDonald House near Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Debra S. Waller, Chairman and CEO, Jockey International, Inc.

Debra S. Waller is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer at Jockey International, Inc. Debra began her career at Jockey International in 1982 as an administrative assistant in women's merchandising. She rapidly progressed through multiple marketing, management and vice president positions. Debra became CEO in January 2001, following the death of her mother, Donna Wolf Steigerwaldt, the former leader of the family-held company. Ms. Waller also serves on multiple boards, including the sales and marketing committee of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, the board of directors of Church Mutual Insurance Company, and Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Debra, an adopted child herself, currently serves as a member of the board of trustees for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption where she helps to ensure that thousands of children in North America find a loving family.

A graduate of Carthage College, Debra holds degrees in special education and elementary education. Before joining the family business, she taught children with developmental disabilities in Evanston, IL. She is currently a member of the Board of Trustees at Carthage College.

Fisher House

  • Build homes away from home
  • Charity rating of four stars
  • 100% of Beauty for the Brave donations go directly to them
  • Serve 16,000+ families a year

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