Gorton Center Honors Leadership Transitions at Annual Board Meeting

Lake Forest, IL — Gorton Center’s Board of Directors held its Annual Meeting this week, bringing together current and former members to reflect on the past year’s successes. The event celebrated dedicated leaders whose vision continues to shape Gorton’s impact on the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff communities.

Recognizing Outgoing Chair Andrew Trees

During the meeting, the board expressed heartfelt appreciation to retiring Board Chair Andrew Trees for his exceptional leadership and two years of service. Andy’s thoughtful guidance helped Gorton Center strengthen its programs and deepen its community connections. Although stepping down as Chair, Andy will continue to serve as Vice Chair, ensuring a smooth transition and continued support for the organization’s mission.

Welcoming New Board Chair Will Georgi

Gorton is proud to welcome Will Georgi as the new Board Chair, ushering in an exciting new chapter of leadership and vision.

Will serves as North American Sales Director at Lithion Battery and brings nearly 20 years of experience in the energy and clean tech sector. A lifelong Lake Forest resident, he returned to raise his children, Liam and Jane—both of whom attended Gorton’s Children’s Learning Center and participate in many Gorton programs.

Will describes Gorton as a cornerstone of the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff communities, and he looks forward to continuing its legacy of connection and creativity.

Introducing New Board Members

This year’s meeting also welcomed two new members to the Board of Directors: Thom Back and Tom Magnusson. Their expertise and community spirit promise to strengthen Gorton’s leadership team.

Thom Back serves as Director of Education at Performance Trust, where he helps guide strategic and capital planning for financial institutions. Before joining Performance Trust in 2016, he worked as a Senior Manager at Wipfli, a Chicago-based accounting and consulting firm. Thom holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Trinity College and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Tom Magnusson was born and raised in Iowa and studied at Metropolitan State University in Denver. He moved to Lake Bluff in 2022, where he owns a construction company and serves as a deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest. Tom and his wife Rachel – who grew up in Lake Forest – have three children who attend Gorton’s Children’s Learning Center and participate in Gorton programs year-round.

Honoring Retiring Members

The annual board meeting also honored retiring members Nick Bothfeld and Karen Rode for their years of dedicated service. Their leadership and insight have been instrumental in advancing Gorton’s mission and expanding its reach.

A Continued Commitment to Community

Each year, Gorton’s annual board gathering serves as a time to reflect, celebrate, and recommit to serving the community. Thanks to the guidance of its board, Gorton continues to thrive as a hub for arts, education, and community engagement in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff.

Gorton Center extends its sincere thanks to all board members – past, present, and new – for their continued support and vision.

About Gorton Center Gorton Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enriching lives through arts, education, and charitable service. Located in the heart of Lake Forest, Illinois, Gorton is home to the John & Nancy Hughes Theater, a stunning 309-seat performance venue. The center offers classes, events, and performances for children, teens, and adults, helping residents connect, create, and grow – right in their own community. Gorton relies on the generosity of residents and local businesses to sustain its programs and services. The organization is also partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.