It’s election time for Docent Council. The process is a little different this year, so please review the points below. Candidate bios and videos follow. The link to the ballot is at the bottom of this post.
All voting will be done electronically this year. Electronic voting will take place between October 19th through November 10th. There will be no paper ballots at All Docent Day.
Eight candidates are on the ballot. You may vote for up to a total of 6 candidates. If you vote for more than 6, your ballot is nullified. You may vote for fewer than 6 candidates. In either case, you may cast only one vote per candidate.
Candidates will not be giving their short speeches at All Docent Day. So read the bios and watch the candidates’ videos below. Click on the candidate’s names to view the videos.
Be sure to vote – these representatives will be guiding us through a transitional time at CAC – voting is one way of making your voice heard.
2018 Docent Council Candidate Bios and Videos
Please click on the candidate’s name to view his/her campaign video.
Robin Bauer, 2016
Sharing my enthusiasm for Chicago with tour-takers exhilarates me. My certifications include Evolution of the Skyscraper, Walk Through Time, Chicago’s Historic Neighborhoods by Bus, Tiffany Treasures and Fulton-Randolph Market District. During summer, I give River Walk Talks. Recently, I joined the Education Committee and I completed Exhibit Host training. I aspire to serve our community on Docent Council.
I aim to help navigate the exciting opportunities and undiscovered challenges presented by our new CAC. Also, via the Education Committee, I seek to pay forward the amazing docent generosity I experienced during my training. My credentials include an M.A. in economics from Princeton plus strong analytical and management skills developed as a J.P. Morgan financial risk control expert. Also, 20 years of condo board service (the last five as board president) enhanced my communication skills and my ability to balance diverse interests.
Thank you for your consideration.
Kent Foutty, 2009
I’ve been an active docent for 9 years giving different tours in different weather to different visitors. But though it is always “different,” what is always the same is my enjoyment and pride in being associated with CAC.
Teaching full-time at Loyola University and being an active docent has been a challenge, but one I relish. I have given 70 tours for 2018 thru the end of September. I am certified to give 8 different tours including the River and Pedway tours.
I have been a member of Docent Council since 2016. I have worked to learn the concerns of the docent community and bring them to the council. I am currently leading a task force to streamline the Docent Handbook and align it with our articles of incorporation. I have been a “reader” for new docent classes, DPRP member, certifier and tour committee member.
Ed McDevitt, 2010
I am fascinated by Chicago’s built environment, both its buildings and public art.
A member of the Tour Committee, I‘ve been its secretary since 2010, I’ve served on many docent/staff teams, most recently Project Fresh.I’m Tour Director of two Hidden Art tours, co-Director of five Architecture Pub tours, and co-director for two new L architecture and art tours recently requested by the City of Chicago.
This year I’ll provide 30 tours – Walk Through Time, Big Bus, Hidden Art, and Pub Tours – and 200+ hours of non-tour service time.
I am retired from numerous careers, am a choral singer, and give lectures on public art.
I believe that my broad knowledge of CAC’s tours and business, acquired as a Tour Committee member, and my respect and concern for the docent body will benefit our docent community if I am elected to Docent Council.
Bobbi Pinkert 1999
As a self-named “archiholic” I am grateful for the chance to share my passion and energy and to serve my colleagues as their representative and advocate.
As Tour Director of four tours, a facilitator of the EYA program and a sponsor/certifier, I have had the opportunity to interact with many of you. My role as former president of Docent Council, former co-chair of the Standards Committee, member of the Core Values committee and chair of the DPR implementation program prompted my fellow docents to name me “Outstanding Docent” in 2010.
I refuse to rest on my laurels, however. If you see fit to elect me to a second term on Docent Council, I promise to listen to your concerns and come up with actionable plans to make the docent experience even more satisfying. I think my record speaks for itself, and hope you will elect me your “Can-do” candidate.
Constance Rajala 2008
Fellow Docents:
It has been quite a ride this past year. I have tried my best to make that ride smooth for all of you, in my capacity as the DC president. This is my 4th year on DC, my 2nd as president. I would like to serve another, final term in order to see through some of the plans still unfinished, while prepping a successor to lead you into the new world of CAC.
While serving on DC, I have continued to give around 80 tours per year and to act as part of the Tour Director leadership for the River Cruise.
This busy schedule has led me to question the wisdom of living in Evanston (sometimes it seems like such a long trip…) but never the wisdom and gratification of serving you and CAC.
Collegially, Constance
John Schneider, 2017
I am a relatively new joiner to the Docent ranks, but I have been active as a member and donor. I started as a Visitor Experience Volunteer in the June 2016 and then joined the Docent Class of 2017. I have had over 50 volunteer shifts since I started including 32 tours given to date (17 last year, 15 this year)
I am certified for Historic Skyscrapers, Chicago Icons and Chicago Modern. I am a certifier for Chicago Icons. I recently certified to be an Exhibit Host at the new Center. I serve on the Marketing Committee and last year, I was a docent interpreter for Open House Chicago.
Passion is the fuel that makes CAC run. My goal in joining the Docent Council will be to work to make things as easy as possible for all volunteers so they can enjoy what they’re doing and let their passions shine.
Thomas R Stelmack, 2017
For 2017 I gave 29 tours for the two tours I was certified: Historic Skyscraper and Must See. As of September 20, 2018, I have given 47 tours (and scheduled 11 through November) for those tours and WTT. In 2018 I will be a leader for OHC. I serve on the Tour Committee.
For 2018 I have authored publications for the Bridge Features section: the Julian Hotel and Apple Architecture. I’m the Assistant Tour Director for a North Michigan Avenue tour for the 2019 season and Tour Director for a 3 ½ hr bus tour: Gothic architecture in Chicago. I proposed two other bus tours: Brutalism & Movie architecture in Chicago.
Before retiring I was a professor, founder and head of my hospital department for 40 years. I also served as chair of key committees. As an innovator in those roles I bring this background.
Michael Weiland, 1984
I am certified on 14 diverse tours, and co-director of 3. I have given 35+ tours in 2018, almost all evenings and weekends. I’ve been a docent nearly my entire adult life, while being a parent, full-time worker and suburban commuter. I served on Docent Council 1988-1993, with terms as Standards Chair and Council President. I returned to Docent Council in 2014.
This busy year I’ve learned new and revised tours and helped in certification. I’ve been a peer reviewer and certifier. I’ve worked OHC every year. I am a trustee and treasurer of my local historical society in Gurnee.
With The Move behind us, we have more work to do. Neighborhood and weekend tours need our support more than ever. I will continue to speak for docents with day jobs and commutes, and docents who value the neighborhood and suburban tours as well as downtown.
Bill Lipsman, 2009 (running unopposed for Docent-at-Large)
Having served the maximum consecutive terms on Docent Council, I am now running for Docent-at-Large. In this position, I would serve along with our Docent Council President, Constance Rajala, on the Board of Trustees of the Chicago Architecture Center to present the views of all Docents to the Trustees.
I am a member of the Class of 2009 and certified for 10 tours, including the River Cruise and 4 of our new or revised tours. During 2018, I have already given 50 tours. My Docent career has included serving on the Education Committee, a number of ad hoc committees, as a DPRP reviewer, and as a coach, sponsor and certifier for new docents and those existing docents learning new tours.
During the past five years while serving on Docent Council as the Vice President and Treasurer, I have been an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees Finance Committee. This has provided insight into the finances and operations of CAC that will aid me in serving you on the Board of Trustees.
Please cast a vote for me for Docent-at-Large.
