Who We Are
Get to know the Board and staff of the Dewan Foundation
John Dewan
Co-Founder & President
Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, John Dewan developed a passion for baseball and statistics while listening to White Sox games on the radio with his father.
John began his professional career as an actuary, working with insurance data. His interest in baseball statistics led him to become the executive director of Project Scoresheet, a grassroots initiative aimed at collecting detailed baseball data. In 1985, he co-founded STATS, Inc., where he served as CEO, transforming it into a leading sports-data provider in the internet age.
After selling STATS in 2000, John and Sue launched Sports Info Solutions, focusing on comprehensive baseball, football and basketball data collection and analysis. The company's Defensive Runs Saved metric and "The Fielding Bible" series are widely regarded as premier sources for defensive data.
Beyond their contributions to sports analytics, John and Sue established The John & Susan Dewan Foundation in 2000. The foundation focuses on addressing poverty through education, stable housing, community development and green energy.
Susan Dewan
Co-Founder & Board Member
Susan Dewan is a dedicated philanthropist and business professional. Since 2000, she has served as a board member of The John & Susan Dewan Foundation, a family foundation focused on serving marginalized communities worldwide through grants for education, housing, and economic development.
In addition to her philanthropic endeavors, Susan is actively involved in environmental sustainability. She owns and operates Dewan Solar, LLC, reflecting her dedication to renewable energy solutions.
Susan also contributes to the sports analytics industry as a board member of Sports Info Solutions, a company specializing in collecting, analyzing, and distributing in-depth sports data.
Her diverse roles across philanthropy, environmental sustainability, and sports analytics highlight her multifaceted commitment to positive societal impact.
Erica Dewan
Board Member
Erica Dewan is a distinguished social worker and healthcare executive known for her dedication to geriatric care and her advocacy for adoption and mental health awareness.
Adopted as an infant, Erica's personal experiences have profoundly influenced her professional journey. After completing her undergraduate studies at Xavier University, Erica pursued a master's degree, focusing on social work with an emphasis on geriatric healthcare.
Her commitment to serving the elderly led her to her current role as the Senior Vice President of Care Transitions at Ignite Medical Resorts, where she has been instrumental in enhancing care coordination for seniors. In recognition of her contributions, Erica was honored as a 2024 Rising Star by McKnight's Long-Term Care News.
Beyond her professional achievements, Erica is an active board member of the Adoption Center of Illinois at Family Resource Center and the Dewan Foundation.
Thomas Teeling
Board Member & Founding Executive Director
Thomas Teeling served as the founding Executive Director of the John and Susan Dewan Foundation, from 2000-2022. Under his leadership, the foundation focused on providing support to organizations addressing poverty through educational attainment, housing, and community and workforce development.
In February 2022, after 22 years of dedicated service, Tom retired from his role. He couldn't stay away for long, however, and now contributes his expertise as a board member
Tom's commitment to philanthropy has left a lasting impact on the organizations and individuals served by the foundation.
Maria Lefkow Sorensen
Executive Director
Maria Lefkow Sorensen is a seasoned executive over 20 years of management experience in both for-profit and non-profit sectors. She currently serves as the Executive Director of The John and Susan Dewan Foundation, overseeing operations and strategic vision.
Prior to joining the Dewan Foundation in 2022, she was the Chief Development Officer at the Noble Network, leading fundraising efforts to support educational equity for 12,000 Chicago students. Previously, as Vice President of Development at Chicago Jesuit Academy, she expanded the development team and grew fundraising over $6M during her tenure.
Her educational background laid the foundation for her commitment to service and leadership in the community. Throughout her career, Maria has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to social justice, leveraging her skills to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.