Advisory Board

Maj. L. Tammy Duckworth, Veterans Advocate

Since Maj. L. Tammy Duckworth's return from service in Iraq, she has been an active veteran's advocate, regularly consulted about national veterans issues. In the public arena, Tammy attended the 2005 State of the Union address as a guest of President Bush, testified before Congress on behalf of medical care for troops moving from military to veteran status and ran a spirited campaign for a U.S. Congressional seat in Illinois. A member of the U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard, Tammy served as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. She helped oversee the planning, assigning and tracking of combat missions involving a 500-troop aviation taskforce in Iraq. During a mission in November 2004, a rocket-propelled grenade struck the cockpit of her helicopter and exploded. Tammy suffered grave injuries, and lost both of her legs.

Prior to her deployment, Tammy served as manager for the club and district administration department for Rotary International's Asia-Pacific Region and directly supervised more than five regional offices. Prior to this position, she coordinated the Center for Nursing Research at Northern Illinois University. She received her bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Hawaii and master's degree in international affairs from George Washington University.

Doug Porter, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities - CNI

Doug Porter joined Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana as CEO in 2004. He initially 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 65 families each day, a Ronald McDonald Care Mobile offering free dental services, and a grants and scholarship program. Doug is also president of the board of the Namaste Charter School in Chicago and serves on the advisory board for Donor's Choose.

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 and the board of directors of Church Mutual Insurance Company. 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, Ill. 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
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  • Serve 10,000+ families a year

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