CHICAGO, IL – CHANGE Illinois and CHANGE Illinois Action Fund board members are excited to announce that DuShaun Branch will serve as the organizations’ Interim Executive Director as they enter a new chapter.

DuShaun steps into the role after serving as the Community Organizing Director, where she has led statewide organizing efforts, cultivated meaningful partnerships with community organizations, expanded voter education initiatives, and been instrumental in growing volunteer engagement and civic action for the organization. 

Throughout her career, Branch has built a reputation for collaborative leadership, coalition building, and developing innovative civic engagement strategies. Her work spans nonprofit leadership, higher education public engagement, and grassroots organizing. 

“Our boards of directors resoundingly affirm and support DuShaun’s bold vision to lead our statewide coalition in reaching even more Illinoisans and engaging them in efforts to promote equitable and accessible democracy,” said CHANGE Illinois Board Co-Chair Kathy Ryg.  

DuShaun has been instrumental in developing and launching the grassroots effort  Road to Redistricting Reform. In this initiative, local organizers work to get non-binding questions on ballots through annual township meetings, and have been successful with the question on the ballot in Oak Park, Proviso, Rock Island, Joliet, and Oswego, where voters have overwhelmingly voted yes to Fair Maps. 

“The Board of Directors is proud to support DuShaun as she steps into this leadership role during this transition period. Her vision, collaborative approach, and passion for civic engagement position CHANGE Illinois to deepen its impact and expand opportunities for residents across the state to participate in and strengthen our democracy,”  said CHANGE Illinois Board Co-Chair Roberto Valdez Jr.

Under Branch’s leadership, CHANGE Illinois and CHANGE Illinois Action Fund will continue building a democracy where every Illinoisan has equitable access to civic participation and where government is more transparent and responsive to the communities it serves. 

Ryan Tolley’s seven years of service to CHANGE Illinois have been defined by purpose, perseverance, and a deep commitment to the people of our state. We thank Ryan for his dedication and belief that democracy is strongest when it is accessible to all.

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CHANGE Illinois is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan, nonprofit that conducts research, educates, and advocates for ethical, efficient government and elections. The CHANGE Illinois Action Fund is an affiliated 501(c)(4) nonpartisan nonprofit.