Highland Park Neighbors Magazine Articles

Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) begins the year with a renewed sense of purpose and a dedicated Executive Board stepping into their leadership roles. As the Foundation continues to grow in both reach and responsibility, this year’s leadership team reflects the strength and deep sense of community that define Highland Park and Highwood.

At the heart of HPCF’s governance is a thoughtful, long-standing leadership progression consisting of two years as Secretary, two years as Vice-Chair, and then two years as Chair. This deliberate structure ensures that each leader gains the experience and institutional knowledge needed to guide the Foundation, safeguard its endowment, and steward the funds entrusted to us by and for our community.

This new chapter builds upon the tremendous work of Laurie Levin, who guided the Foundation through a period of extraordinary growth. Laurie, a Highland Park resident since 1988, joined the Board in 2012 and witnessed HPCF transform from a small organization to a widely recognized leader in local philanthropy.

Laurie Levin

Reflecting on her tenure, Laurie shared how pivotal moments shaped the HPCF’s evolution. “The Foundation has grown so exponentially since I first joined. It’s really become a different entity,” she said. “COVID dramatically changed our role in the community, and the tragedy of the July 4th shooting brought visibility to the Foundation’s mission as well as an increase in the need for resources that we were able to help provide. People saw firsthand how we support our nonprofits and our neighbors, and that led to increased interest, engagement, and trust across both Highland Park and Highwood.”

Laurie highlighted the Foundation’s expanding presence throughout the community — from annual events like Gather for Good to increased collaboration among grantee organizations and to greater visibility at community gatherings.

She also spoke with pride about the strengthening of HPCF’s junior leadership pipeline: “One of the things I’m most proud of is the renewed engagement among our Associate Leadership Council members. Building interest among younger leaders and helping them gain experience so they can eventually move onto the governing board has long been important to me. It’s rewarding to see that momentum accelerate.”

As she passes the gavel, Laurie expresses strong confidence in the HPCF’s future. “We have an exceptional leadership team, and I think this Executive Board will take the Foundation to even greater heights.”

This year marks the beginning of the leadership succession journey for Craig Leva, who assumes the role of Secretary. A Highland Park resident for nearly 30 years, Craig has been an active and engaged member of the HPCF Board since 2018. His dedication is reflected not only in his generosity as a donor but also in the time, energy, and passion he brings to every organization HPCF supports.

Craig Leva

Craig’s philanthropic and professional experience position him well for his new responsibilities. As CEO and owner of Arway Confections and Long Grove Confectionery, he has more than three decades of leadership experience. His family foundation, established in 2016, focuses on food insecurity, social services, education, violence reduction, and mentorship — areas closely aligned with HPCF’s mission.

“This Foundation has grown from a small, meaningful organization to one making over a million dollars in grants annually,” Craig noted. “I’m excited to help continue that growth, ensuring we steward our endowment responsibly, create more awareness, and expand our impact throughout Highland Park and Highwood.”

Stepping into the role of Vice-Chair is Jon A. Levey, a 20+ year Highland Park resident and President of Highland Park Bank & Trust. Deeply embedded in local civic life, Jon also serves on the Board of the Anti-Defamation League – Upper Midwest, is active in the HP Chamber of Commerce, the downtown public/private Property Owners Association, the Downtown HP Alliance, and the local Rotary club, and is a former JCYS President and an advisory board member for Community Partners for Affordable Housing. He also has a lifelong commitment to supporting small businesses, nonprofits, and local partnerships, which he sees as strengthening the community fabric.

Jon A. Levey

“I’m excited to continue as a leader within the HPCF and see our impact grow even further,” Jon said. “It’s a privilege to support organizations that are the backbone of our community. I’m also excited to see Craig Leva join us on the HPCF Executive Committee.”

Continuing his service as Treasurer is David Israel, a nearly lifelong resident of Highland Park with more than 26 years of professional experience helping individuals, families, and small businesses navigate financial planning. His expertise in financial stewardship is vital to ensuring the Foundation remains strong and sustainable.

David Israel

“As the Foundation has grown, so have the responsibilities of our Board,” David explained. “We’re committed to ensuring that we have resources available for grants now — and in perpetuity.”

Leading the 2026 Executive Board as Chair is Eric Ephraim, whose dedication to the community spans decades. A Highland Park native who has lived within a few-block radius since infancy, Eric serves as CEO of First Bank of Highland Park|First Bank Chicago. His professional and philanthropic experience — including years of service to the 112 Education Foundation, the Giants Football Fund, and the Rotary Club of Highland Park and Highwood — reflects a lifelong commitment to strengthening the community.

Eric Ephraim

“We are fortunate to live in a place where people care so deeply,” Eric said. “The generosity of our residents, the talent and passion of our nonprofit leaders, and the resilience of our community inspire me. I look forward to building on this collective strength as we continue addressing the unmet needs of Highland Park and Highwood.”

Together, Eric, Jon, David, and Craig form a leadership team committed to fostering stability, nurturing collaboration, and expanding the Foundation’s reach. Their combined experience, both professionally and in community service, ensures that HPCF will move forward with clarity, compassion, and steadfast stewardship.

As Laurie Levin so thoughtfully expressed, HPCF’s visibility, impact, and community engagement have never been stronger. With the momentum of recent years and a capable leadership team guiding the way, the Foundation is poised to deepen its support for the neighbors, families, and organizations that make Highland Park and Highwood extraordinary.