The All Stars Project of Chicago (ASP of Chicago), a nonprofit organization that sponsors innovative Afterschool Development programs for inner-city youth in Chicago, announced that veteran business and philanthropic leader Ben Nortman, Executive Vice President of Hilco Global and CEO of Hilco Merchant Resources, has been named co-chair of its Board.
Mr. Nortman will work closely with co-chair Catherine Carraway, Executive Vice President of Equity Residential, David Cherry, City Leader of the ASP of Chicago, board members, and staff to further expand the nonprofit’s impact on youth development, social justice and poverty in Chicago and beyond. Nortman will also serve as the Chicago board’s representative on ASP’s national board of directors.
“We are very pleased and honored that Ben Nortman is now co-chair of our Chicago board and a member of our board of directors. Ben has been an inspirational and passionate leader in growing the All Stars’ partnership with Hilco Global and the Chicago business community,” said Gabrielle Kurlander, CEO of the All Stars Project.
“And he is a shining example of a business leader who cares deeply about helping inner-city youth who have historically been marginalized and isolated from the mainstream. Ben has rolled up his sleeves and become actively involved, not just to support our organization’s financial needs, but to work directly with the young people in our programs, and encourage others at Hilco and other companies to do the same. The All Stars Project – and the greater Chicago community – is fortunate to have Ben on its team working for social justice and equity.”
Ben Nortman is the Executive Vice President of Hilco Global and CEO of Hilco Merchant Resources, a world leader in retail asset disposition and operational services. Since 1996, Nortman has structured and managed some of the largest and most complex asset disposition transactions in North America. Since becoming an All Star in 2013, he has actively and successfully raised money and opened many doors for the ASP in Chicago and nationally. Nortman is a hands-on champion who is involved with the young people in All Stars’ programs, in addition to ASP of Chicago’s campaign to establish a Center for Afterschool Development. Through his leadership, the ASP has deepened its partnership with Hilco Global, which was named a 2019 National Underwriting Sponsor of the All Stars representing a $100,000 financial commitment for events and programming across the country. Hilco Global also hosted the inaugural Night of Shining Stars benefit event in Chicago, which raised over $500,000 for the ASP.
“I am so proud to work with the All Stars Project and honored to be appointed co-chair of the Chicago board along with Catherine, and to represent Chicago as a member of the national board,” said Mr. Nortman. “One of the critical issues facing our city and country is the fact that many of our young people are growing up in isolated communities, shut out from the mainstream of society. Through my involvement with the All Stars Project, I have personally witnessed the positive change in dozens of Chicago teenagers through their participation in All Stars afterschool development programs. Seeing and experiencing this transformation has been tremendously rewarding for me and so many other business leaders and companies who are actively involved with the young people in All Stars’ programs.”