Please join us as we welcome Jason Goode, Cortland representative, to the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Jason represents the town of Cortland. He says, “I love this community because it is quiet and feels small, even though we are the third-largest town in Illinois. I like the fact that we have a neighborhood where we can take walks or ride bikes.”

Jason is originally from Rockford, IL. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communications from Northern Illinois University. He realized he had a true passion for higher education once he began working at NIU. This realization led Jason to pursue his doctorate in education. Currently, he works with scholarships and national fellowships. “I most enjoy the moment when students look over their accomplishments at NIU and realize that they are worthy of applying for fellowships,” said Jason.

Jason is married to Venika, and they have two children, Angel and Jason Jr. In his spare time, Jason has several hobbies which keep him busy. He is a car enthusiast and enjoys taking his 1964 Impala to car shows. Jason still has his first car, an Oldsmobile Delta 88, which he hopes will be drivable soon. He enjoys traveling and trying new foods. His favorite local pizza place is Dough Brothers Pizzeria in Cortland, of which he says, “I practically ate Dough Brothers every Friday for the first three years I lived in Cortland.” Luckily, Jason also says one of his favorite hobbies is exercising so he can work off all that pizza. He likes to lift weights and run outside when his allergies and asthma aren’t bothering him. He is a self-proclaimed sneakerhead and says his favorite shoe is the Jordan 11.

Besides the Community Foundation, Jason also serves on the Cortland Task Force, the Institutional Review Board at NIU, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee for the National Association of Fellowship Advisors.

Regarding his service on the Community Foundation Board of Directors, Jason says, “I am impressed by all the Board does. I am eager to learn how I can help expand that positive impact.”

The Community Foundation Board of Directors are selected to represent communities throughout DeKalb County. The Board sets policy, formulates strategic planning, and determines priorities in grantmaking. Because of the willingness of these able, effective individuals who donate their time and talents to the ultimate betterment of DeKalb County, the Foundation continues to grow to enhance the quality of life for its citizens.