Board of Directors
Christy Andrews, President
DeKalb
Wm. R. "Buddy" Avila, PhD
DeKalb
Sarah Glidden DeMink
Downers Grove
Therese Dye
DeKalb
Laura DeMink Kessel
Chicago
Jeff J. Marshall
DeKalb
Karen Melody, Treasurer
DeKalb
John Paris
DeKalb
Marcia Wilson
Sycamore
Executive Director
Jessi Haish LaRue
jessi@gliddenhomestead.org
Jessi Haish LaRue is the Executive Director of the JF Glidden Homestead & Historical Center in DeKalb, where she’s proving that history can be innovative, community-powered, and anything but dusty. Leading the organization since 2022, she brings a creative, forward-looking approach to the birthplace of “The Winner” barbed wire—home to two National Register of Historic Places buildings. An eighth-generation DeKalb County resident and descendant of barbed wire baron Jacob Haish, Jessi’s connection to local history is both deeply personal and future-focused. With a journalism background from Kishwaukee College and Northern Illinois University, she pairs strong storytelling with strategic vision, guiding a lean operation of one part-time staff member and a dedicated volunteer team, funded entirely by donations. Under her leadership, the Homestead has expanded programming, fundraising, and public engagement, including the launch of Barbed Wire Weekend in 2024 celebrating the 150th anniversary of Joseph F. Glidden’s patent, and earning a 2026 DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year nomination.
Board Member Information
Board Member Volunteer Position Description
Purpose: The board of directors supports the work of the JFGH&HC and provides leadership and strategic governance,
working in partnership with the director.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Being a steward and ambassador for the organization
- Being actively involved in meetings and planning
- Understanding the fiduciary role of a board member
- Receiving no material profit or benefit
- Serving on a standing committee, ad hoc committee, task force, or special assignment
- Evaluating the impact and effectiveness through the review of outcomes & any data collected
- Serving as an advisor to the director
- Approving the annual budget, financial reports and being informed regarding financial oversight and decision
- Identifying and recruiting, when appropriate, potential board members, funders, and volunteers
- Ensuring that the board reflects the community and diversity
Term: Board members serve a three-year term, with no restrictions on reappointment.
Board meetings are held not less than six times a year.
Board Member Responsibilities & Expectations
-Attend monthly Board Meetings (currently meeting on the 2nd Monday of every month with the exception of December).
A quorum is required for business to be conducted. See the By-Laws for more information.
The December Board Meeting is typically an informal holiday dinner in lieu of the Board Meeting.
Participation at the monthly Board Meeting includes:
o Having a general understanding of Robert’s Rules of Order.
o Reviewing the upcoming meeting agenda distributed by the Board President
o Sending any changes to the Board President prior to the meeting
o Reviewing meeting Minutes, the Director’s Report, the President’s Report, and the Treasurer’s Report prior
to each meeting
o Approving or providing corrections for any reports at the meeting
Serve on a Standing Committee and/or Ad Hoc Committee which meets outside the board meeting and report
committee progress to the Board.
o Actively assist with Fundraising Events.