Kane County Engineer and KDOT Director Carl Schoedel has been awarded Board Member of the Year by the Illinois Court Appointed Special Advocate organization. The award was presented Friday, April 5, 2019, at CASA’s state conference at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Bloomington-Normal.

Schoedel

The award honors an individual who exemplifies outstanding leadership and commitment to the CASA/GAL program as a member of the Board of Directors.

Schoedel is chairman of the Board of Directors for CASA Kane County, a nonprofit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system. Presently, 250 CASA/GAL volunteers serve more than 500 children throughout Kane County annually.

CASA Kane County’s Board of Directors is comprised of community and business leaders who serve as ambassadors in the community, speaking on behalf of the CASA program. One of their many responsibilities is to serve as a conduit of information about the ongoing need for philanthropic support.

As board chairman, Schoedel continues to work on behalf of CASA Kane County, supporting the mission, raising funds, and encouraging others to be part of the CASA community

“Kane County has a rich partnership with the CASA organization,” said Chris Lauzen, Kane County board chairman. “Their work is absolutely essential for the abused and neglected children who would otherwise slip through the cracks.

“One of the best things about my job is that I get to work with leaders like Carl who understand how important their everyday work is on behalf of our constituents, but who are also committed to their community in many other ways.”

CASA organizers say Schoedel has been an inspiration and a frontrunner for service to the local community and those in need. Through years of service and commitment to CASA Kane County, he has raised awareness and support of the organization through the involvement of friends and colleagues in the group’s mission.

Schoedel and his wife, Lisa, were honored as the 2015 Children’s Champion Couple at the CASA Kane County’s annual Gala and Auction. As board chairman, he has overseen a period of unprecedented change, with a focus on improving the training and support of the volunteer advocates and ultimately the level of service to the abused and neglected children that CASA serves.

Gloria Kelley

Gloria Kelley, executive director of CASA Kane County, recruited Schoedel more than 10 years ago to get involved in the CASA organization.

“Carl is a true difference maker and a selfless and dynamic person with a giving heart that has a gentle way in getting other people involved to serve,” she said. “Because of his leadership and philanthropy to the CASA organization, we are able to impact even greater change for our most vulnerable children in the foster care who need us most. What a blessing it’s been to know him, work alongside him and have him part of the CASA family.”

Kelley’s comments were echoed by Mari Christopherson, executive director of Illinois CASA.

“Carl’s years of service to CASA are incredible and a testament to the strength of the Kane County CASA program and its fine board,” Christopherson said.

SOURCE: CASA news release