Hello, Fellow Docents,
In this very important year for voting, it is time to once again select our representatives for the 2021 Docent Council.
Please read the candidates’ biographies below. Video links follow the candidates’ statements. Please watch before you vote. Unlike the genesis for the moniker, “The Windy City”, the videos are brief!
You may vote for six (6) Docent Council representatives who will serve two-year terms and one (1) Docent Council At Large representative who will serve a one-year term.
Voting starts now and will be open through end of Saturday, November 7, 2020 (midnight after All Docent Day). The voting is electronic and accessed through the link at the end of this message.
Details on election procedures can be found in the Docent Handbook under “Governance.”
If you still have not registered, you must register by 5pm TODAY or CAC staff cannot guarantee your spot. CLICK HERE to register.
Docent Council Candidates
Vote for 6 representatives (listed alphabetically by last name)
Cynthia Bates, 2016
I love being a CAC Docent because we wear so many hats: educator, interpreter, storyteller, entertainer, advocate, city ambassador, architectural aficionado.
I’m certified for Walk Thru Time, Art Deco Riverfront, Art Deco Loop, Evanston Along the Lake, Discover Chicago & River Cruise. I gave 108 tours in 2018 & 144 in 2019. I’ve enjoyed being a sponsor, certifier & coach for the new class & River Cruise. (2019, part of 2020)
Bringing CAC to broader audiences, I developed & led a custom tour, Art Deco: Ancient Near Eastern Influences for the Young Professionals Group of the Oriental Institute, U Chicago, and organized a program for Lynn Osmond with the Harvard Business School Club.
Previously I worked in advertising in Consumer Behavior/Insight, moderating hundreds of focus groups; I love observing & interpreting consumer/brand relationships.
As DC representative, I’d focus on making CAC staying connected, relevant, & resonant, on adapting flexibly to new challenges & reaching out to potential new audiences.
CLICK HERE to view Cynthia’s statement.
Robin Bauer, 2016
Sharing my enthusiasm for Chicago architecture is invigorating. Prior to 2020, I averaged about 25 tours per year. My certifications include WTT, Historic Neighborhoods by Bus, Tiffany Treasures, Mag Mile and Fulton-Randolph Market District. I also volunteer as an Exhibit Host and Gallery Guide.
After joining Docent Council in 2019, I led a Task Force which revised various sections of our Handbook, including weather policies. In 2020, I became DC VP/Treasurer. Also, I spearheaded DC’s “Docents Double Down” fundraising initiative. On the Education Committee, I seek to pay forward the wonderful docent generosity I experienced during my training. I served on planning teams for Docent Day 2019 and DAN 2020, where I received a Service Award.
Now I seek reelection based on my record of hard work and idea generation. Going forward on DC, my goal is to expand my efforts in thoughtful service to our docent community.
Thank you.
CLICK HERE to view Robin’s statement.
Kent Foutty, 2009
I have been an active docent for 11 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. Most years, I have given between 70 and 90 tours. I am certified to give 8 different tours including the River Cruise and Pedway tours, and I have led virtual tours in 2020.
I have been a member of docent council since 2016, and president since the first of this year. 2020 has been a huge challenge, but I have worked well with staff to make sure docent concerns are heard. I have been a “reader” for new docent classes, DPRP member, certifier and tour committee member.
CLICK HERE to view Kent’s statement.
Dan Jares, 2017
As I approached retiring from a 43+ year career in education—high school social studies and college teaching and administrating—I was excited to be accepted into the Class of 2017 at CAF/CAC. This experience has allowed me to continue to teach with a different, wide-open classroom. Sharing the important insights and engaging stories that constitute our tours is something I very much enjoy—and miss at this moment in time.
I’m certified for Historic Treasures, Historic Skyscrapers, Magnificent Mile, and Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park (and am looking forward to Walk Pilsen certification at some point.) I very much enjoyed the docent trip to New York City and have volunteered for Open House Chicago the past three years.
I’d be honored and humbled to serve you and the CAC on the Docent Council.
CLICK HERE to view Dan’s statement.
Ed McDevitt, 2010
Ten years. That puts me in the middle of that group of docents you could call “old-timers.”
In my first term I hope I’ve brought the value and perspective you expected from me. The Docent Council, a high-powered group of people, takes very seriously the work of representing and governing the docent corps.
I tend to engage in the inner workings of organizations I join. I ran for Docent Council to participate in its serious work to make the CAC docent world the best it can be. That’s my intent if I’m successful in this election.
We’ve been a docent team for nearly 50 years. Fifty years hence I hope Chicago Architecture Center can look back on us, its 2020-2021 staff and volunteers, and say that we did a great job in navigating an uncharted pandemic landscape and did the right things at such a crucial time.
Thank you.
CLICK HERE to view Ed’s statement.
Leanne Star, 2011
As a docent I’ve combined my interest in architecture with my teaching experience and work as a writer. I’ve Zoomed about Chicago architecture and literature and created a virtual tour of the University of Chicago campus.
Right now I’m not leading my usual tours — River, Walk Through Time, Modern, Historic, Hotel Boom — but I’ve enjoyed certifying docents for a new tour of Northwestern University that I helped create and hearing the enthusiastic response from tour takers.
Mentoring others means even more to me than leading tours. As a coach, sponsor, and peer reviewer I’ve encouraged docents to make the most of their talents. I’ve come to know many of you in my work on CAC committees and as co-chair of DAN 2015.
I’d like to add my voice to Docent Council, but mostly I’d like to add my ears: I’d like to hear your thoughts and represent you.
CLICK HERE to view Leanne’s statement.
Thomas Stelmack, 2017
Becoming a docent fulfilled an avocational interest in architecture. My past experiences with CAC will help guide my contribution as a member of DC.
Certifications include: Historic Skyscrapers, Must See, Walk Thru Time, Magnificent Architecture of the Magnificent Mile (MAMM), Grit to Gourmet and River Cruise. In 2019 I gave over 70 tours; fewer in 2020. I’m also a certifier.
I am a Tour Director for MAMM having co-developed the tour as well as two one-off bus tours: Gothic Architecture (March 2019) and Concrete Chicago (May 2020 cancelled). Bridge publishing include: Julian Hotel (two parts), Apple Architecture (four parts) and Gothic Architecture. I also contributed to the 2020 River Cruise manual and recently lectured “Gothic Chicago” as a part of CAC Live.
I have participated in OHC for five years the last two being district coordinator, served on the Tour Committee for 3+ yrs. and the DC Election Committee 2019.
CLICK HERE to view Tom’s statement. <
Ross Wirth, 2019
Architecture has been a passion since learning from my mother to give architecture tours my childhood neighborhood.
I was honored to act as the 2019 Docent Council class representative (Go Bovines). As a member of the Tour committee, I focus on helping provide feedback on new and updated tours.
I enjoy conducting both Treasures and Walk Through Time. After certification in September, I conducted 12 tours in 2019. In 2020 I will have completed 20 tours by the end of September. I was scheduled to learn two additional tours (Must See & Food & Architecture of 1893) before shutdown.
I work full time serving the P&C Insurance industry in technology transformation and Cyber.
It would be an honor to serve on Docent Council – with three areas of focus – Increase Docent diversity; bringing new ideas and approaches while respecting our foundations; Virtual engagement of members and guests.
CLICK HERE to view Ross’ statement.
Docent Council At Large Representative Candidate
Vote for 1 representative
Constance Rajala, 2008
I currently serve as the Docent Council’s At Large representative, attending both DC and Board of Trustees meetings. I also serve on the Education, Tour and Standards committees, and will be the Chair for DAN 2021.
I am currently serving as co-director of the River Cruise and the assistant TD for the Graceland Symbols in Stone tour. In non-plague seasons, I usually do about 85 tours. I also work to train both new docents and new river docents.
The epidemic has put a dent into my – and surely your – other activities. Historically, I have been active in humane work for animals and the inhumane work of my condo association.
I have been an active docent for 10 years, including DC President for 3 years. I hope I bring a wealth of experience and some wisdom with me.
CLICK HERE to view Constance’s statement.
VOTE NOW. CLICK HERE TO LINK TO THE BALLOT