Chief Executive Officer

Dr. LaTese Briggs is a seasoned executive with nearly 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, and 10 years of experience as a research scientist. LaTese began her nonprofit career at the Milken Institute where she worked as a philanthropic advisor for donors interested in investing in science and medical research. During her tenure at Milken, LaTese not only advised high- network individuals on their giving decisions, but her and her team also built new foundations on behalf of clients, served as operational improvement consultants for various nonprofits, and developed de novo programs to address critical gaps in various areas of science, medicine, education, and more.

LaTese and her team also cultivated relationships to fundraise in order to support many of the programs that were developed in collaboration with the original funders. Prior to joining the Till Institute, LaTese owned and operated GSG Partners, a private consulting practice that helps nonprofit organizations and funders reach and exceed their philanthropic and operational goals. LaTese also served as the Chief Philanthropy Officer at The Raben Group and The Executive Leadership Council.

LaTese earned a doctorate in Biochemistry and Structural Biology at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and completed her joint postdoctoral training at Harvard and MIT, where her work focused on early drug discovery, and building a structural biology lab at the Broad Institute.

Chief Operating Officer

Ibonee Perry is an accomplished Chief Operating Officer with extensive expertise in finance, human resources, and nonprofit management. With a degree in Sociology, Ibonee brings a unique people-centered approach to organizational leadership, ensuring that operations align with both financial sustainability and employee well-being. Passionate about mission-driven work,

Ibonee has successfully led financial planning, compliance, talent development, and strategic initiatives to support nonprofit growth and long-term sustainability. Adept at streamlining processes and implementing best practices, Ibonee ensures that resources are effectively allocated to maximize impact. With a strong commitment to leadership and operational excellence,

Ibonee continues to empower organizations to thrive, fostering cultures of collaboration, innovation, and financial stewardship.

Director of Public Engagement and Programs

David Day is a seasoned executive and an astute connector who has joined the Till Institute to lead our public engagement and programming mission. David has served in a number of roles in the nonprofit, government and private sectors. Most recently David served as the Chief Operating Officer at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, where he played an essential role in effectively managing the operational growth of the organization across a number of offices around the US.

Prior to Rainbow PUSH, David was the Vice President of Development at Chicago State University, and previously served as the Chief Administrative Officer of the National Black MBA Association.

David is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the premier youth mentoring organization, the 100 Black Men of Chicago and is a member of the Development and Corporate Relations Committee at the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. He also serves as the Vice President of Operations for the Chicago Chapter of the National Black MBA Association.

Creative Director

Raymond Thomas is an award-winning artist, filmmaker, and noted creative director. His vibrant works can be seen in galleries nationwide. Raymond attended the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he studied painting, filmmaking and graphic design. In 1988, soon after graduating, Thomas was hired by Chicago-based Johnson Publishing Company Inc. where he served as art director and creative manager for over 23-years.

Raymond also continued his life-long missions of mentoring youth and creating art, with showings of his studio works in significant galleries. In 2013 his piece “The Conversion of Mary Magdalene” won “best painting” and “best of show” awards at the Black Creativity juried art exhibition held at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Thomas is a three-time recipient (2014, 2015, 2018) of the Individual Arts Program Creative Projects Grant from the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events Grants Department.

Raymond has served as a board and committee member for many noted Chicago art institutions including: Little Black Pearl, Black Harvest Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival Black Perspectives Sidebar, Chicago Public Art Group, and South Side Community Art Center.

In addition to developing and implementing the Till Institute visual presence in the public sphere, he also will lead the Artivism summer program development, curriculum and student art exhibition.