The Chicago Bridge is a grassroots organization for professionals in the early to mid stages of their careers in aging.  It is our goal to provide support, networking and social opportunities for our members of all ages while encouraging leadership potential

Mission:
Chicago Bridge provides opportunities for professional development, leadership, and support to emerging professionals in the field of aging.

Our Vision:
To inspire and invigorate connected, passionate, and informed professionals to be a part of the transformation of an aging America.

History:
The Chicago Bridge evolved after several local professionals attended the 2003 ASA-NCOA conference. There they learned of NextWave, a networking group based in the San Francisco Bay area with a mission to cultivate leadership among Generation X professionals in the field of aging. San Francisco NextWave provided opportunities for personal and professional development, networking and support. As the Chicago NextWave group became more active, it was decided that our mission wanted to include professionals of every age who are in the early and middle stages of their careers. There are now Bridge and NextWave groups in several major US cities as well as a few international locations.

The Leadership Core:
The Leadership Core currently consists of five Chicago Bridge Members:
Jaimie Robinson, Communications Director
Gayle Shier, Student Outreach Director
Alix Burns, Events Director
Courtney Bouker, Professionals Outreach Director
Michael Kocher, Operations Director

Past Leadership Core 2007-2008
Kate Krajci, Communications Director
Karen Kolb, Events Director
Cynthia Phon, Professional Outreach Director
Rob Mapes, Student Outreach Director

Founding Members:
Amy Eisenstein
Nicole Batsch
Laura Weinberg
Amy Wiatr