Chicago Yacht Club Foundation Leadership: Charting a Course to Expand Access to Boating for Chicago Youth

May 30, 2025
by Annie Thompson
The Chicago Yacht Club Foundation Board of Directors exemplifies what’s possible when passion meets purpose. This extraordinary group of volunteer leaders shares a love of Lake Michigan and an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for youth through the joys and lifelong benefits of boating.

Thanks to their vision, dedication, and hands-on leadership, the CYC Foundation has gained remarkable momentum over the past few years. What began as an entirely volunteer-run organization has grown into a thriving nonprofit. Under this board’s stewardship, the CYC Foundation expanded from serving 650 youth in 2022 to more than 1,750 in 2024—an increase of nearly 170 percent, necessitating hiring two full-time staff members as well as other part-time and contract staff. Their efforts to cultivate a network of community partnerships have ensured that youth from communities with limited access to aquatic recreation have the opportunity to experience time on the water.

Greg Miarecki
President; Past Commodore, Chicago Yacht Club

Now in his fourth year as President of the CYC Foundation, Greg’s dream—to provide thousands of youth each year with access to boating so they can experience its transformative effect—has fueled his work to build the Foundation into a powerful vehicle for good. A dedicated member and volunteer leader at Chicago Yacht Club for over 35 years, Greg knows firsthand the power of time on the water. Read more about Greg.

Cyd Archer
Vice President; Chair, Programs Committee; Member, and Scholarships Committee

For more than a decade, Cyd Archer has been a driving force behind many of the CYC Foundation’s signature programs. She has helped expand the Foundation’s reach, from after-school STEAM activities to hands-on sailing experiences that build confidence and spark curiosity in youth across Chicago. She is best known for creating and leading Lead HER Ship, a transformative five-day tall ship voyage for high school girls from underrepresented communities. Read more about Cyd.

Jan Promer
Treasurer; Chair, Investments Committee; Past Treasurer, Chicago Yacht Club

Jan Promer has been a trusted leader at the CYC Foundation for over a decade, guiding its growth with a steady hand and sharp financial acumen. A past treasurer of the Chicago Yacht Club, she now provides strategic financial oversight and governance to the Foundation, helping expand its reach and impact. A competitive sailor for over 40 years, Jan understands firsthand the lifelong skills the sport can teach. Read more about Jan.

Diane Foote
Secretary; Chair, Marketing Committee

Diane Foote brings a longstanding commitment to equity, access, and inclusion on and off the water to her role as Secretary of the CYC Foundation. A former Chair of the Audit Committee, she led the Foundation’s first two financial audits. Professionally, she served as Executive Director of the Illinois Library Association, where she championed equitable access to information and learning opportunities across the state. She currently also serves on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Yacht Club. Read more about Diane.

Mark Boruta
General Counsel; Chair, Legal Committee

Mark Boruta combines a lifelong passion for sailing with nearly four decades of legal expertise. Since assuming the role of General Counsel in 2023, after years of supporting the CYC Foundation as a donor, Mark has helped guide the Board and staff through contracts, governance, and risk management with a steady hand and a sharp eye for detail. Read more about Mark.

Michael Belsley
Director; Member, Scholarships, Advancement, Investments, and Competition Fund Committees

Since joining the Board over ten years ago, Michael Belsley has served the CYC Foundation in a number of roles. A dedicated supporter of youth development and an avid powerboater, Michael brings a strategic lens to the Foundation’s mission to expand access to sailing and maritime education for youth across Chicago. Michael’s focus has always been clear: to help the Foundation grow and reach more young people. His legal and private equity background, combined with his passion for water, continues to guide his work as the Foundation enters its next chapter of impact and expansion. Read more about Michael.

Robert Bied
Director; Member, Programs and Audit Committees

Now in his second year on the Board of the CYC Foundation, Robert Bied takes the lead on managing the Foundation’s marine assets, in addition to his committee work. A 100-ton Merchant Mariner Credential holder with a passion for restoring and sailing classic vessels, Robert brings deep maritime knowledge and a strong commitment to youth development. Read more about Robert.

Nick Camino
Director; Chair, Advancement Committee; Member, Investment Committee 

Nick Camino has over 20 years of experience in the software and banking industries, primarily in enterprise sales and strategic relationship management, bringing a client-focused, results-driven approach to growing the Foundation’s donor base and long-term sustainability. Nick, a lifelong sailor and longtime Chicago Yacht Club member, has spent decades racing and cruising on Lake Michigan and beyond. “From seeing the Milky Way at night to the adrenaline of a mark rounding, having lived some of these moments fuels the work we do for the Foundation,” he says. Read more about Nick.

Lindsey Duda Coe
Director; Member, Marketing, Scholarships, and Competition Fund Committees

Lindsey Duda Coe joined the CYC Foundation Board in 2023, continuing a longstanding tradition of support through the Duda Family Foundation. She contributes strategic insight and a deep personal commitment to expanding access to sailing for youth across Chicago. “I’ve been sailing my entire life,” she says. “It’s an incredible way to build decision-making, leadership, communication, and responsibility. I’m excited to help the Foundation bring these skills and experiences to as many children as possible.” Read more about Lindsey.

Brian Crabb
Director; Chair, Audit Committee; Member, Competition Fund and Programs Committees

Brian Crabb is a seasoned finance executive who brings strong governance and strategic thinking to the Foundation’s work. His sailing journey began later in life, when evening cruising quickly became a passion for solo distance racing. He competes in events such as the Queen’s Cup, The Hook, and the Solo Mac aboard his J/105, Sea-U. “I learned to sail at around 30,” he says, “and I love that the Foundation is in a position to bring those same experiences to a broader demographic.” Read more about Brian.

Erin Mitchell
Director; Chair, Scholarships Committee; Member, Advancement Committee

Now in her third year on the CYC Foundation Board, Erin Mitchell helps steward the organization’s relationship with the Sea Scouts, in addition to her committee work. She currently also serves on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Yacht Club. A lifelong boater, Erin grew up sailing with her family and later deepened her skills through CYC’s Crew U program. “I’ve met so many amazing young people through the Foundation,” she says. “It’s super motivating to hear how much they learn from sailing and STEM programs, and how they build leadership and teamwork skills through our activities.” Read more about Erin.

Claire O’Neill
Director; Member, Audit and Competition Fund Committees

Now in her first year on the CYC Foundation Board, Claire O’Neill brings extensive experience in business transformation and strategic communications to her role, supporting the Foundation’s efforts to strengthen governance and guide sustainable growth. Her lifelong connection to sailing and youth development began at a young age. As a former captain of the Fordham University sailing team and sailing director at a YMCA overnight camp, Claire understands firsthand the importance of introducing newcomers to the sport. “Sailing can be daunting, especially because of the terminology,” she says. “But once you get the hang of it, it’s very rewarding and helps foster independence on and off the water.” Read more about Claire.

Ann Rundle
Director; Member, Advancement Committee

Ann Rundle has held numerous leadership roles with the CYC Foundation since joining the Board as Secretary in 2012. After a professional move to Detroit, she returned in 2020. She now serves in the final year of her second term, continuing her deep commitment to expanding access to boating and maritime education for Chicago youth. “Boating develops teamwork and leadership skills that most other sports, even most team sports, hardly skim the surface,” she says. Read more about Ann.

Leif Sigmond
Director; Past Commodore, Chicago Yacht Club; Chair, Competition Fund Committee

Leif Sigmond has long been an engaged leader within the CYC Foundation, previously serving as Vice President. A lifelong sailor, Leif began racing as a child and remains an active competitor. “I’ve been sailing and racing since I was a young child,” he shares. “I believe in everything this Foundation stands for.” Read more about Leif.