Much congratulates Steve Blonder, principal and member of the firm’s Management Committee, on being named among the 2024 Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders by Crain’s Chicago Business. This prestigious list recognizes 81 Chicago-area board members who have each advanced the cause of a nonprofit organization and raised its profile in the community.
Blonder is chair of The Ark’s Board of Directors. He guides a team of 28 board members who establish strategic priorities, lead multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns, and propel the organization’s mission to provide Chicagoland Jews with free, life-changing human services. Blonder was elected to The Ark’s Board in 2016 and served as treasurer, vice president, and president prior to his role as chair. During his tenure, The Ark has helped thousands of people attain basic needs like food, shelter, health care and medication, and employment.
Blonder’s profile in Crain’s highlights his leadership in The Ark’s Building Our Future campaign, which raised $23.7 million and helped fund a new facility in the West Rogers Park neighborhood. The facility opened in 2024 and represents a 60% expansion of The Ark’s original footprint. It includes an expanded food pantry, an expanded community space, and a dedicated space for people struggling with chronic mental health challenges.
In addition to his role at The Ark, Blonder is vice chair of the Chicago Bar Foundation’s Investing in Justice campaign, a position he has held since 2010. He previously served for eight years on the Jewish United Fund’s Board of Directors and for 10 years on the Jewish Children’s Bureau’s Board of Directors. At Much, Blonder chairs the firm’s social responsibility initiative, Much Community.