National Football Foundation

"Revitalized" and "re-energized" best describes the recent progress of the Chicago Metro Chapter, and Chris Kearney stands as the instrumental force in this remarkable turnaround. Since Kearney assumed leadership of the chapter in the fall of 2005, the chapter's membership has grown from 13 individuals to 121 members with a steady stream of new interest, which will continues to expand its ranks.
 
Since Kearney and his board of directors stepped forward, the chapter has increased its college scholarships program; worked closely with the Chicago Bears to host a top-notch coaching academy for 225 youth and high school coaches; provided funding for five paralyzed high school players; and deepened the pivotal relationships with the more than 200 local high school football programs in the region. Scholarship grants by the chapter went from $5,000 in 2006 to $7,500 in 2007, and the chapter plans to distribute more than $11,000 this spring in 2008.
 
"We are proud of the Chicago Metro Chapter's growth in the past two years, and we are confident that this will continue," said Kearney. "Thanks to a diverse membership base, terrific media coverage, incredible support from Caroline Schrenker of the Chicago Bears and an outstanding chapter board of directors, we are becoming much more visible locally. It is very gratifying to recognize local high school student-athletes for their accomplishments. Thanks to the generous and proactive fundraising for our members such as Carl Allegretti, we will continue to provide thousands more in college scholarships each year going forward."
 
Kearney's efforts have made the chapter's scholar-athlete banquet a must-attend event for fans and supporters in the Chicago area. Held at Harry Caray's Restaurant, Jeff Joniak, the radio voice of the Chicago Bears, serves as the master of ceremonies. Past keynote speakers have included the Bears' Steve McMichael and Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Following the event, Kearney personally takes the chapter's scholar-athletes to visit College Football Hall of Fame inductee Gale Sayers for an once-in-a-lifetime question and answer session with the football legend in his office.
 
Kearney's many roles include serving on the Team Selection Committee for the Capital One Bowl and Champs Sports Bowl. For 12 years, he served as chairman of the board of directors for Chicagoland Radio Information Services, part of the Chicago Lighthouse, which is the largest reading service to the blind in the United States.
 
A 1990 graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Kearney received the Purdue Citizenship Award, the highest honor presented by the Purdue Alumni Association for excellence in public service. Vice President of Sales at the Edward Hines Lumber Company, he is currently a candidate for the Crain's Chicago Business "40 under 40" list of the 40 top executives under 40 years old. Kearney lives in suburban Chicago with his wife Jodi and their daughter and son.