100 Club of Chicago Announces Jim Riley as Board President, Joe Balasa as Executive Director
New leadership indicates revitalized commitment
November 1, 2009
Joseph (Joe) A. Balasa was named executive director of the 100 Club of Chicago which is a new position for the 43-year-old not-for-profit organization, announced James V. Riley, who was elected to president of the Board of Directors in November 2009.
The 100 Club of Chicago, a not-for-profit organization comprised of civilians, supports survivors of law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty. The 100 Club reaches out to all federal, state, county and local public safety personnel stationed in Cook County.
“I am delighted that Joe and I have the opportunity to build on the generosity of so many business people and civic leaders who have been part of this organization. Trustees and staff who precede us have laid a solid foundation. Our goal is to increase the 100 Club’s capacity to help families of fallen public servants and to assist their dependents with completing their college education,” said Riley.
Balasa, 61, brings more than three decades of strong organizational leadership to the 100 Club of Chicago. Most recently, he was chief operating officer of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce for 10 years and, prior to that, managed property and expositions for The Merchandise Mart of Chicago for 13 years.
Before joining the private sector, Balasa worked as director of special events for the City of Chicago for Mayors Richard J. Daley and Michael Bilandic. In 1970, he was part of the management team that opened McCormick Place.
“I am confident that Chicago’s corps of executive volunteers will respond to Joe’s ability to mobilize people around our compelling mission. We plan to recruit more corporate leaders and appeal to foundations to augment our base of support,” said Riley.
“Our number one priority is to increase awareness of the 100 Club. Over the years, our loyal supporters consistently demonstrate the importance of helping the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us. With every-increasing competition for donors’ support, it is imperative that we engage individuals, businesses and foundations,” said Balasa.
Balasa is a trustee of Saint Xavier University in Chicago, serving on its trusteeship and advancement committees. He served a 10-year term as chairman of the local school council for Henry R. Clissold Elementary School in Chicago’s Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood.
As part of this reorganization, Riley added the position of president to his current role as a director of the 100 Club. The position of executive director was added. And, Ralph G. Scheu, past president and son of the founder, was named chairman emeritus. Ralph J. Scheu had established the organization in 1966.
About the 100 Club of Chicago
In addition to its primary mission of aiding spouse and dependents of fallen law, fire and emergency personnel, the 100 Club of Chicago provides assistance with college tuition. It also annually bestows the Valor Award on heroic individuals who, without regard for their personal well-being, define the spirit and determination of the area’s 35,000 dedicated sworn personnel.
Since it was founded in 1966, the 100 Club of Chicago, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, has raised and given more than $7.8 million to 237 families. In addition to offering immediate financial assistance when tragedy strikes, the 100 Club makes it possible for fallen public servants’ dependents to attend college.