Board of Trustees
Our world-class Board of Trustees is committed to helping Roycemore students succeed in and outside the classroom.
Our Board members voluntarily serve three-year terms in support of Roycemore School. Trustees provide fiduciary and strategic support as well as generative leadership. Together, the Head of School and the Board of Trustees ensure the school’s mission and vision is being pursued.
Trustees
- Dorian Allen
- Thomas Obaseki
- Dr. Halle Aten
- Muqueeth Raheem
- Judy Godinho
- Marisa de la Torre
- Thomas J. Ellis
- Edith Eisner
- Candace Risen
- Dr. Bessie N. A. Mbadugha
- Dr. Terry Gdoutos ’05
- Victoria Fromm
- Dr. Anita Shah
- Barry Praeuner
- Tim Costello
- Michael D. Adams
- Kevin Foote
- Dr. Anthony Chambers
Michael D. Adams
Trustee
See More
Michael Adams is a partner at Mayer Brown in the Chicago office and co-leader of the Global Management & Internet practice and has over 20 years of experience in practicing intellectual property law. He represents clients in a wide range of IP matters, including trademark litigation and Trademark Trial and Appeal proceedings; national and international advertising campaigns; international brand management including trademark clearance, filing, prosecution, maintenance, and portfolio management. Michael received his B.S. in Economics and Political Science from Illinois State University and graduated from DePaul University College of Law.
Michael is the proud parent of two amazing children at Roycemore in the Lower School who are thriving in Roycemore’s nurturing, supportive, and progressive environment.
Muqueeth Raheem
Trustee
See More
Muqeeth is a highly skilled Infrastructure Program Manager at Northwestern University with 20 years of experience in Civil Engineering and Construction Management. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in Construction and Project Management earning recognition from peers and superiors alike. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
As a Program Manager, he oversees maintaining facilities infrastructure on two campuses. He has demonstrated excellent leadership abilities, having managed cross-functional teams, and achieved significant goals within challenging timelines. Along with his technical expertise, Muqeeth is also well-regarded for his ability to build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, fostering trust and collaboration.
Beyond work, Muqeeth is an active member of Big Ten and Friends and volunteers their time to support Roycemore and his local church. His dedication to excellence and passion for his work make him an asset to any team or Organization.
At Roycemore, Keith is the parent of current 7th grader, Zoha, and 3rd grader, Zain. He serves on our Facilities Committee.
Thomas J. Ellis
Life Trustee
See More
Tom has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees for more than 10 years. He has led the Board through the school’s acquisition and relocation of its campus to 1200 Davis Street, Head of School searches, and long-term strategic planning. Tom and his wife, Lynn, are the proud parents of two Roycemore “lifers” who continuously attended the school from pre-K through Grade 12. Tom works as the Director of Litigation for Nolan Law Group, a Chicago-based trial law firm, where he advocates for victims of aviation accidents and other catastrophic accidents. In addition to his volunteer work at Roycemore, Tom currently serves on the Development Committee for his independent school alma mater in St. Louis- Thomas Jefferson School and devotes other time to the Brain Injury Association of Illinois.
Thomas Obaseki
Trustee
See More
Thomas is a Managing Director at Neuberger Berman, a global institutional asset manager with $500B in assets under management. He works with US public and corporate pensions, foundations, endowments, family offices, and other institutions. His career spans 15 years since completing his M.B.A. from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.
Prior to business school, Thomas served as a Captain in the United States Army, leading a large combat unit in Baghdad, Iraq. He is a Bronze Star Medal recipient. Thomas earned his B.S. in Engineering Management from the United States Military Academy at West Point and lead the soccer team in scoring in each of his last three years.
Thomas served as board director for Boston Scores, a non-profit organization focused on team-based education programs for urban youth for five years. Thomas is the father of two Roycemore students, a 4th grader and a 1st grader, and the husband to Alana Obaseki, SVP of Marketing and board member for the Evanston Arts Center.
Tim Costello
Trustee
See More
Tim Costello has worked in education since 1998, having served as a teacher, Vice Principal, Division Head, and Head of School. Upon graduation from Villanova University with a degree in business administration, Tim participated in a volunteer program, placing recent college graduates in inner-city schools. He taught fifth grade in California while earning a Master’s Degree in School Leadership from the University of San Francisco. During his final two years in the Bay Area, Tim assumed the role of vice-principal in addition to his teaching responsibilities. He then moved to Seattle to teach fifth grade at an independent school for gifted students. Tim was then named founding Middle School Head at Open Window School in Bellevue, WA. In 2013, Tim was named the 7th Head of School at Science & Arts Academy in Des Plaines, IL, a position he held for ten years. Currently, Tim is the Head of School at The Independence School in Newark, DE.
An avid sports fan, he roots passionately for all professional teams from Philadelphia, where he was born and raised, as well as Villanova basketball. Tim enjoys traveling, with a special fondness for road trips and visits to national parks with his wife Ana and four children.
Victoria Fromm
Trustee
See More
Victoria Fromm has spent more than 35 years advising enterprises and families on complex financial and banking matters. She is currently engaged in financial consulting. Victoria began her career at The First National Bank of Chicago and retired from its successor organization, JPMorgan, where she was a Managing Director responsible for leading a team of investment, fiduciary and banking professionals. Victoria is a graduate of Miami University and earned her Master of Business Administration from the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University. Her past board and volunteer affiliations revolve in education and youth, including Chicago Arts Partnership for Education, Girls Scouts Illinois Crossroads Council, Omni Youth Services and Wings. She is a proud parent of a 2020 Roycemore graduate, and a fervent believer in the power of education grounded in individual strengths.