About Us
Our Mission
Exceptional students deserve exceptional opportunities.
CHEF develops future leaders by investing in students who demonstrate academic excellence, character, initiative, and service. Through scholarships, leadership development, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, we prepare students to create meaningful impact throughout their lives and careers.
Our Vision
To become one of America's most respected educational foundations, recognized for developing principled leaders who strengthen businesses, communities, and society.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Leadership is developed—not inherited.
Scholarships create opportunity.
Mentorship builds confidence.
Experience develops judgment.
Service creates purpose.
Together, these pillars transform potential into lifelong impact.
OUR IMPACT
We believe accountability builds trust. CHEF measures success by the lives we influence, the opportunities we create, and the long-term outcomes achieved by our students.
Scholarships Awarded
Students Impacted
Funds Raised
Community Partnerships
Growing Annually
Universities Supported
Board & Leadership
CHEF is guided by a leadership team committed to transparency, accountability, and long-term impact. Our board provides strategic direction, financial oversight, and governance to ensure that every dollar raised is deployed effectively in support of our mission. Our vision is to build CHEF into a nationally recognized foundation that expands opportunity and develops leaders for generations.
John O’Connor
President and CEO
John O'Connor serves as President and CEO of Cottage Hill Excellence Foundation and serves as a Board Member, where he leads the organization's mission to advance educational excellence through scholarships, leadership development, and student-focused initiatives. A seasoned executive with more than 30 years of experience in corporate finance, investment banking, entrepreneurship, and education, John combines deep business expertise with a passion for developing future leaders. He is also an Advanced College Placement Business Educator at York Community High School, Adjunct Faculty at the College of DuPage, and Faculty Advisor of the Corporate Finance Club (CFC). Through CHEF, John is committed to expanding opportunities for students and creating lasting impact through education, mentorship, and philanthropy.
Will Martino
Secretary
Will Martino serves as Secretary of Cottage Hill Excellence Foundation and serves as a Board Member. Will is attending University Alabama with interests in business, finance, economics, and philanthropy, Will is actively involved in community service through organizations including Make-A-Wish Illinois, Foundation 205, and the Elmhurst Food Pantry. An accomplished golfer and emerging leader, he is passionate about supporting educational opportunities and helping CHEF create meaningful impact for students and families.
Teddy Zurkowski
Treasurer
Teddy Zurkowski serves as Treasurer of Cottage Hill Excellence Foundation and serves as a Board Member. Teddy is studying Accountancy at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Teddy is passionate about business, finance, and entrepreneurship. He operates a locker room attendant at Butler National Golf Club, and volunteers with organizations including Feed My Starving Children. Through his leadership at CHEF, Teddy is committed to advancing educational opportunities, financial stewardship, and community impact.
George Redfearn
Vice President
George Redfearn serves as Vice President of Cottage Hill Excellence Foundation. A distinguished scholar, entrepreneur, and community leader, George is attending Babson College and was a founding leader of the Corporate Finance Club. Through his leadership, service, and commitment to excellence, George exemplifies CHEF’s mission of empowering future leaders and expanding opportunities through education and philanthropy.
Governance
CHEF is committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship. Every contribution entrusted to the Foundation is managed with integrity and aligned with our mission of expanding educational opportunity and developing future leaders.
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Annual Report
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Financial Transparency
Cottage Hill Excellence Foundation is committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible financial stewardship. As part of that commitment, our annual IRS Form 990 will be published here following the completion of our first fiscal year and the filing of our initial federal information return.
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Policies & Governance