Delphine F. Rankin, Ed.D.

Chief Executive Officer

Delphine F. Rankin, Ed.D. is a native of Chicago, Illinois with a long and distinguished career supporting children and families in out-of-home care. Delphine is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at SOS Children’s Villages Illinois. 

Delphine has served in executive leadership roles for several nonprofit organizations. Prior to taking on her role as CEO, Delphine served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at SOS Children’s Villages Illinois and led the process of program expansion for the organization. She is a highly motivated leader, with extensive experience in administrative management, program development, budget and strategic planning, and performance. 

Delphine has found pleasure in serving others. She is an advocate for communities and promoting opportunity and progress. She serves as a board member for SAGA Empowerment Services and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

Delphine holds a doctoral degree in organizational leadership, Argosy University and a Master of Science in education and Bachelor of Arts in speech communication from Eastern Illinois University.

As a promoter of self-care, Delphine enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Christina Bernabe

Chief Financial Officer

Christina Bernabe is the Chief Financial Officer at SOS Children’s Villages Illinois, where she has worked for fifteen years. Previously, Christina worked for a variety of for-profit companies including a public relations firm, law firm, retail co-op, and manufacturing. She loves being a part of SOS Illinois’ mission because she is passionate about organizations that help families and children. When she’s not working, you’ll find Christina at her son’s sports events, participating with her daughter in charity walks, or discussing the latest shows with friends.

Kelsey Balk

Chief Strategy Officer

Kelsey Balk is the Chief Strategy Officer at SOS Children’s Villages Illinois. She has been with the organization since 2018. Prior to joining the organization, she worked in the for-profit sector for over ten years. She worked with both an international organization (Servcorp) as well as a start-up (Expansive, formerly Level Office), leading their efforts in opening their US operations, starting in Chicago, and expanding nationwide. While working in different industries, her focus is always on strategically growing the business primarily through building and developing strong teams.

Kelsey is passionate about human and civil rights and, within SOS Illinois, she co-chairs a Social Justice Committee that works both internally within the organization and with the broader community. Outside of work, Kelsey loves to travel and spending time with her friends and family.

Michael Collins

Chief Advancement Officer

Michael Collins is the Chief Advancement Officer for SOS Children’s Villages Illinois. He joined the organization in this role in 2022 and has spent his professional career working in fundraising and communications for nonprofits in Wisconsin and the Chicago area. Michael has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Emory University. When he’s not working, you’ll find Michael exploring the city with his dog, Pogo, or baking for himself and his friends.

Laurie Daugherty

Deputy Director of Foster Care

Laurie Daugherty is the Deputy Director of Foster Care at SOS Children’s Villages Illinois, a role she has been in since August 2022. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Laurie has worked in social services in Chicago for several years, most recently as a Nursing Home Administrator. Her career has focused on the underlying goal of providing opportunities for people to heal and recover from illness and trauma. Laurie has a MPA from Cleveland State University and a BA from Bowling Green University, and is most proud to be a mother of two, wife, and dog mom. In her spare time, she is an avid traveler, gardener, and book worm.

Christie L. Richardson

Deputy Director of Family & Community Enrichment

Christie L. Richardson born and raised in Robbins, Illinois and a current resident of Blue Island, Illinois for over 20 years. Christie is a servant at heart. In 2022, she joined SOS Children’s Villages Illinois as Deputy Director of Family & Community Enrichment. She has worked in the nonprofit field for the past 30 years and she enjoys working in the medical, mental, and public health areas. Before working at SOS Illinois, Christie worked with Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Chicago for over twenty years, most recently as the Regional Director of Community Engagement.  

Christie received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from HBCU, St.  Augustine’s University and a Master’s in Health Administration (MHA) from Governors State University. Christie served her country in the Army and National Guard Army as a Medical Specialist for ten and a half years and honorably discharged as a Non-Commissioned Officer (Sergeant E-5).