David Copeland has joined the AWESOME leadership team as Chief Financial Officer, and Malia Beal, who has provided leadership for a range of AWESOME initiatives since early 2020, has joined the team as Vice President of Strategic Platforms.
Dave, who was named Chicago CFO of the Year in the Mid-Size Private Company category by Financial Executives International (FEI) Chicago Chapter in 2017, most recently served as Chief Financial Officer of DSC Logistics, now CJ Logistics America. Dave joined DSC Logistics in 2007 as Vice President, Controller, took on responsibility for Finance in 2008, and was named CFO in 2010. Prior to joining DSC Logistics, he served as Market Controller for Equity Office Properties. Dave has also served in various accounting and finance roles for the Chicago Housing Authority, Crate & Barrel, and Deloitte and is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, having served in Kazakhstan in their Economic Development program. Dave holds a BS in Accountancy with High Honors from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a Certified Public Accountant.
After joining AWESOME in 2020, Malia took on major responsibilities for a number of AWESOME programs. In the area of AWESOME scholarships, Malia led the creation of network-building and leadership-development programming that would become AWESOME Scholar CONNECT! and the AWESOME Scholar Forum Series. She was also instrumental in the strategic expansion of the AWESOME Excellence in Education Scholarship program and launch of the AWESOME Scholar Spotlight series. Malia’s background includes 25+ years of marketing and public relations, program development, and philanthropic management experience. Malia’s role encompasses her work with both AWESOME and Lincoln Road Enterprises, an organization founded by Ann Drake in 2019 to elevate women in leadership across key focus areas. Prior to joining AWESOME, Malia served in ascending roles with the University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences Development team, providing strategic, cross-functional support and leadership for fundraising and volunteer management initiatives. She received the Frederick T. Gates Award, the highest recognition bestowed upon University of Chicago development staff. Malia also holds extensive public relations experience, having launched her career working for national non-profit organizations and global agencies. Malia holds a BA in Journalism and Speech Communications from Indiana University.