Longtime Board Member Steps Into New Leadership Role
Kids Above All is pleased to announce the election of Kristi Lafleur, President and CEO of Ascend Infrastructure Inc., as Chair of its Board of Trustees, effective January 2026. Kids Above All’s 36-member governing body is dedicated to overseeing the agency’s administration and promoting its mission to build better lives for children and families impacted by poverty, violence, and injustice. Lafleur has been a vital member of the Board since April 2016.
During her time with Kids Above All, Lafleur has held several prominent leadership roles on the Board. She chaired the agency’s Marketing Committee from 2017-2020, managing the organization’s rebranding initiative. She has also served as Chair of the Board Development Committee, co-chaired the development of its multi-year strategic plan, and co-chaired Kids Above All’s most recent Celebration Dinners, each of which set new fundraising records.
Lafleur’s professional expertise spans public policy, strategic planning, and economic development. Her career highlights include time as CEO of Skyway Concession Company LLC and Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway, in which she focused on large-scale infrastructure, government relations, and transportation. This background and experience give her a unique understanding of how mission-driven organizations can grow, collaborate, and create lasting community impact.
“I’m honored to serve as Board Chair and to continue supporting Kids Above All’s incredible mission,” said Lafleur. “Kids Above All changes lives every day, and I look forward to working alongside such passionate staff, partners, and my fellow board members to increase our impact throughout the Chicago area.”
“Kristi is an inspiring, effective, and thoughtful leader, and her commitment to our mission will take Kids Above All to the next level. We are fortunate to have her as our new Board Chair, and I look forward to working with her in this new role,” said Dan Kotowski, President & CEO of Kids Above All.
Lafleur currently lives in Burr Ridge with her family.