Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain
Executive Director
Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. She is committed to the fight for social and economic justice by strengthening communities through radical theology. As the Founder and Executive Director of Live Free Chicago-Live Free Illinois, Ciera works with Black churches to create safe, economically viable, and self-sustained Black communities. Prior to Live Free Chicago, Ciera served as the senior organizer at a faith-based organization.
Ciera received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Lamar University, a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Master's in Theological Studies from McCormick Theological Seminary. She has worked as an adjunct professor at Northeastern University, a mental health professional, and a strategy consultant. In 2013, Ciera was ordained as a minister through the Church of Jesus Christ House of Prayer Inc., where she served as the church administrator for the Chicago congregation. Ciera is a proud wife and mother of three daughters, one son, and a blended family of 9.
Artinese THOMAS
deputy Director
Artinese Thomas is a bold leader, organizer, and strategist, driving systemic transformation and social justice. She designs and leads high-impact organizing and policy campaigns that advance police accountability and build community-rooted systems of safety that move beyond punishment toward healing and prevention.
With a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Artinese bridges academic rigor with lived experience to develop leaders, shape policy, and move communities into action. Her work spans justice diversion, coalition building, and trauma-informed policy advocacy—grounded in a deep commitment to holistic violence prevention and community power.
Directly impacted by police violence, incarceration, and gun violence within her own family, Artinese brings both urgency and authenticity to every space she enters. She does not just advocate for change—she architects it. Through her leadership, she is helping to redefine public safety through equity, healing, and community investment.
A dynamic force in organizing and policy, Artinese mobilizes people, aligns strategy, and builds coalitions that win advancing justice through the power of collective action.
Dr. Rodney C. Walker
CHRC Network Program DIRECTOR
Dr. Rodney C. Walker has over 20 years of senior management experience serving social services, community health, community development, and justice-related nonprofits serving Chicago and statewide communities.
Dr. Walker has implemented several faith-based ministries within congregations within the City of Chicago. Dr. Walker holds a BA in Political Science from Chicago State University, M.DIV from Chicago Theological Seminary, and a D.MIN from Northern Seminary, Christian Community Development.
pastor JESSIE MACk
DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS Director
Jessie Mack is excited to serve as the Director of Development and Communications at Live Free Illinois, where he will leverage his extensive experience in nonprofit advancement to support the organization's mission for social justice. With years of experience in institutional advancement and over a decade of experience in the faith-based community, Jessie has a strong background in fundraising, community engagement, and strategic communications, having successfully managed donor relations and led impactful initiatives throughout his career. Previously, he held a senior leadership role at a network of charter schools, where he played a key role in raising significant funds to support educational programs and fostered partnerships with various stakeholders.
A Chicago native, Jessie holds an MBA with double concentrations in Marketing and Management from DePaul University's Kellstadt School of Business, as well as a BA in Communication from Denison University. He is deeply committed to community service and has been actively involved in organizations that promote positive change, including his current involvement in ministerial leadership at his local assembly. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In his new role at Live Free Illinois, Jessie aims to enhance development efforts and amplify the organization's message, furthering its vital work in justice and liberation.
ARTHUR MCGRIFF
DECARCERATION FELLOWSHIP COORDINATOR
Arthur McGriff is a workforce development and community engagement leader with over 15 years of experience addressing systemic inequities and reducing resource barriers in Black and low-income communities. His work focuses on creating pathways to opportunity for individuals impacted by incarceration, economic exclusion, and community disinvestment.
Arthur brings experience in community and field organizing, base building, and relationship-driven engagement, including work with system impacted and formerly incarcerated individuals. He has developed and facilitated curriculum and trainings that equip community members with practical tools for employment, civic participation, and long term stability. Arthur has worked successfully with people and organizations across diverse racial, ethnic, ideological, and faith backgrounds to translate shared values into collective action, bringing an equity driven, people centered approach rooted in trust, accountability, and racial and economic justice.
Dana williams
DECARCERATION FELLOWSHIP ASSOCIATE
With over three decades of experience in administration, finance, and human resources, Dana Y. Williams is the Executive Coordinator at Live Free Illinois, focusing on strategic leadership to optimize organizational processes and cultivate teamwork. Her extensive background includes serving as the Executive Program Director for the Anti-violence Program at UFCI Bible College, where she utilizes her project management and organizational abilities for meaningful community outreach. Dana's commitment extends to her involvement with Proviso Township Ministerial Alliance Network (PTMAN) and MOKL Christian Academy, supporting their educational missions.
Dana's prior role as Executive Vice-President at A&O Recovery Solutions, LLC, involved managing a large team and leading initiatives that significantly boosted operational efficiency. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and certifications in Labor Relations and Professional Communication. Beyond her professional life, Dana is a dedicated family person and actively contributes her skills and time to various community initiatives, demonstrating her passion for making a difference.
MARCIA YARBROUGH
EXECUTIVE COORDINATOR
Marcia Yarbrough is a pragmatic leader and collaborative team player with a holistic perspective and a strong attention to detail in program management. She joins Live Free Illinois from the Victory Community Healing Resource Center (CHRC), bringing a wealth of experience in both operational and community-focused work.
A veteran of the American Bar Association, Marcia has over 28 years of experience in corporate and convention meeting planning management. Her diverse background spans roles as a trauma outreach specialist, meeting manager, and division coordinator. Across every role, Marcia is driven by a central focus: helping teams operate more effectively to successfully achieve their goals.
EVERLENA BIVINS
CONGREGATIONAL ORGANIZER
Everlena Bivins is a dedicated community activist, organizer, block club leader, health and fitness educator, speaker, and athlete with over 25 years of experience in community development. Proudly considering herself a Master Organizer, Everlena has coordinated, led, trained, and developed impactful initiatives that uplift communities and strengthen the organizations she serves. Her passion for service is deeply rooted in her personal journey—raising her sister, coping with the loss of her brother, Frankie Hale Jr., to gun violence, and supporting her mother, Carolyn Bivins, who lived with severe mental illness. These experiences, along with the values of love, respect, and acknowledgment instilled in her, continue to shape her purpose and commitment to the community.
Everlena is known as an ardent advocate and leader who uplifts and empowers others through honest conversations, creativity, and dedication. She helps individuals and communities recognize their strengths and build their capacity for growth and change. Her work is reflected in a wide range of initiatives and leadership roles, including the Hello Campaign and I Commit Campaign, Community Clean Green, youth sports programs, mentoring initiatives, the Perfect Pets Project, CSI75, Mama’s Love Community Garden, Fit & Sip, and Jump Rope programs. She serves as a Block Club Leader, Woodlawn Southwest Quadrant Leader, 3rd District Beat Facilitator, and Chicago Block Club Organizer. She also serves on committees and boards and volunteers with organizations that support community-centered projects—continuously building relationships to better serve.
CHRIS MUELLER
director of STORYTELLING AND DIGITAL ORGANIZING
Chris Mueller, a veteran of LIVE FREE USA, is strategic marketing leader with more than 15 years of experience building brands, driving digital engagement, and shaping narrative strategy for mission-driven and faith-based organizations. As Director of Storytelling at Empower Initiative, he led integrated campaigns that increased lead generation by 50%, expanded digital audiences by 1200%, and generated more than $750K in annual revenue through data-informed planning and creative execution. Chris’s career spans high-impact roles including Storytelling Director at Think Rubix, where his messaging strategies helped secure $300M in public investment for education infrastructure across the Little Rock, AR school district and earned national media coverage across CNN, MSNBC, and NPR. He specializes in translating values into measurable outcomes. Based in South Side Chicago’s Woodlawn community, Chris brings a people-centered, equity-driven approach to every campaign he leads — crafting storytelling that builds trust, belonging, and real-world impact.