CHICAGO—April 27, 2026—The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), a unique nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities and enriching lives, held its Midwest Division Gala on April 23 in Chicago in celebration of the insurance industry’s philanthropic impact. With a theme of “Deep Roots, Lasting Impact,” the event was designed to recognize more than $640,000 in IICF Community Grants awarded to benefit and better lives in the communities served by the IICF Midwest Division as well as to mark the division’s 15th anniversary as a driving force for philanthropy and volunteerism within the insurance industry.
The IICF Midwest also honored Aon’s Midwest Region Leader Lynn Jekkals for her more than three decades of insurance industry leadership and commitment to charitable efforts. Before an audience of more than 350 industry professionals and representatives of nonprofit partners, Jekkals accepted the 2026 IICF Midwest Trailblazer Award. This prestigious award recognizes those insurance professionals who have made outstanding contributions as a philanthropic leader as well as within the industry.
“For more than 30 years, it has been my honor to support our culture of mentorship, career development and excellence in the application of risk and insurance solutions at Aon,” noted Jekkals. “To also be able to bring attention and support to local charities in the communities Aon serves through our partnership with the IICF is a valued privilege. I accept this award with gratitude on behalf of all my colleagues at Aon who serve communities with such dedication, and it is my hope that we are inspiring even greater community impact.”
IICF also recognized Chicago Debates, an urban policy debate league that helps promote debate as an extracurricular activity for 1,500 students at more than 90 middle and high schools in the most under-resourced and underserved neighborhoods in and around Chicago, as the event’s featured nonprofit. Chicago Debates is an IICF Community Grant recipient.
The IICF Midwest Division has granted more than $6.2 million to nearly 300 nonprofits since its inception in 2012. Last year, the Midwest Division awarded more than $640,000 in IICF Community Grants to nonprofit partners championing education, health and safety, through funds raised by the generous support of the insurance industry at events such as the annual IICF Midwest Division Gala.
During the event, Kelly Hartweg, IICF Midwest Executive Director, announced the appointment of the new Co-Chairs of the IICF Midwest Division Board of Directors: Brent Gaeta, Executive Vice President, Midwest Regional Manager – Commercial Insurance at Chubb, and Chris Johnston, Regional Executive – Midwest at Liberty Mutual Insurance. Both have supported the division in various leadership roles for several years.
“The opportunity to work with IICF, to the benefit of so many fantastic charitable organizations across the Midwest Region, has been extremely rewarding,” said Chris Johnston. “These organizations do incredible work in the communities they serve and to be able to support their efforts through volunteer time, resources and financial means has been very special. I encourage everyone to get involved with IICF and the organizations they support across the country.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our communities alongside Chris and the extraordinary insurance and philanthropic leaders serving on the Midwest Division Board,” Brent Gaeta said. “IICF unites the industry through philanthropy and across all sectors of the industry, we are joining together in support of those in need. I look forward to working with the entire IICF Midwest insurance community, including our Chapters and Associate Boards within this region, to help increase our impact through grant-making and volunteerism.”
