Jim Kales is CEO of Aspire, one of the Midwest's most innovative nonprofits. Aspire helps nearly 1,000 kids and adults with disabilities like autism and Down syndrome. Since Kales took the helm in 2007, Aspire’s private fundraising has tripled, boosted by a strong emphasis on corporate partnerships. Aspire has embraced social entrepreneurship and social media, launching its own coffee company, Aspire CoffeeWorks, in 2009. Aspire coffees are now sold in all Chicagoland Whole Foods stores and were featured nationally on the TODAY Show. Specialties: nonprofit management, nonprofit branding, social entreprise, philanthropy, fundraising, human services, developmental disabilities, strategic planning

President and CEO @ With our bold and enterprising initiatives, Aspire is making our communities better by redefining what is possible for people with disabilities. We are one of the most innovative human service non-profits in the Midwest with an incredibly talented and dedicated staff team of 250. In 2015, Aspire was named one of Chicago's "101 Best and Brightest Places to Work For". From January 2007 to Present (9 years) Greater Chicago AreaChief Executive Officer @ From 2003 to 2006 (3 years) Director of Communications @ From 2000 to 2003 (3 years)

Master in Public Policy @ Harvard University Kennedy School of Government From 1990 to 1992 Bachelor of Arts (BA), Economics @ Bucknell University From 1985 to 1989 Jim Kales is skilled in: Non-profits, Fundraising, Philanthropy, Strategic Planning, Social Services, Developmental Disabilities, Public Speaking, Community Outreach, Volunteer Management, Public Relations, Social Enterprise, Branding & Identity, Social Media, Nonprofits, Public Policy