Meet the ELVN board candidates for 2025
The meeting date for the election is March 25th, 6pm, at 19th district community room.
Erika B. Caldwell is a proud East Lakeview and 44th Ward resident. Professionally, she has spent years working on Democratic political campaigns, providing organizing, fundraising, political, and management expertise to candidates running for a variety of public offices, ranging from Ward Committeeperson to the United States House of Representatives. She sits on the board of Young Chicago Lakefront and is a member of the 44th Ward Democrats, QForce, and One Northside. Erika is passionate about public service and community engagement and is eager to build deeper connections with her neighbors while continuing to foster community in East Lakeview.
Christina Pinson has lived in and out of the Lakeview Area for the past 13 years. Most recently as of 2022 she resides at the corner of Waveland & Wilton with her Wife Melissa and their cat Gypsy who takes advantage of all their window ledges to people watch. Christina has worked for Wintrust Mortgage for the past 8 years and as we all know Wintrust is active in many communities and Lakeview is no exception. Prior to working for Wintrust Christina was a Realtor with Dream Town Realty and sold multiple properties on the northside of Chicago for 5 years. Christina has a deep non-profit history as a volunteer and was the former President & CEO of the Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce that was at that time headquartered in Lakeview for almost 9 years. Her degree is in Non-Profit management which gives her a unique perspective on operations, community involvement and fundraising. In her spare time Christina is usually at Wrigley Field either enjoying her season tickets or working to protect one of the best places on earth. She is excited to give back to her community in any way that she can.
Logan Coplan has proudly called the Chicago Lakeview neighborhood home for the past two years. Before relocating to Chicago, he spent five years in Minneapolis, where he actively contributed to the Citizens for a Loring Park Community (CLPC). In this role, Logan focused on advocacy and community development in Loring Park, a vibrant area known for its strong LGBT+ presence, similar to East Lakeview.
Logan has a proven track record in securing funding for community initiatives, having fact-checked and crafted over 30 grant applications. Notably, he played a key role in successfully obtaining a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) exceeding half a million dollars dedicated to preserving affordable housing in the neighborhood.
In addition to his community involvement, Logan is a FINRA licensed banker currently working at the local Chase branch, bringing seven years of banking experience to the table. His blend of community engagement and financial expertise uniquely positions him to advocate for the interests of East Lakeview residents.
Logan is eager to bring his passion and skills to the East Lakeview Neighbors board, ensuring that our community continues to thrive and support its diverse population.
Incumbents
Brian Murphy has lived, worked, and owned property in East Lakeview for most of his life. Upon marrying wife Jaime, they moved back into the same apartment that he grew up on Sheffield Avenue. In the following years, his 2 sons were born in the same home. He’s worked in his family’s business at Murphy’s Bleachers and also has managed Mrs. Murphy & Sons restaurant as well as worked in property management. For several years, Brian has served as the principal organizer for ELVN’s Oktoberfest. During that time, Oktoberfest raised well over $100,000 for local area charities and schools. Throughout his life, he has watched East Lakeview evolve into the thriving community that it is today. Brian looks forward to continuing to take an active role in helping this neighborhood reach its full potential.
John McCarthy has served on the ELVN Board since 2023 and during that time has worked to promote and augment ELVN membership. John has lived in East Lakeview for 12 years, spending eight of those years on the Board of his co-op building. Since 2021 he has been the Chicago Police Department’s volunteer beat facilitator for East Lakeview’s Beat 1925, where his meetings often record the highest attendance in the District. His career has been in TV news writing and production, and documentary and corporate video production. He and his wife of 42 years have three married sons and six grandchildren.
Terie Kata has been active as a board member of ELVN since 1991, serving as Chair for five years, Treasurer for twelve years and past chair of ELVN’s annual Oktoberfest fundraiser for 12 years. She’s been an active resident and property owner of the Lakeview community for 25 years. Other community involvement has included working with several Chamber’s of Commerce, being an active participating member of LVCC for the past 25 years, serving on many committees, as well as planning and coordinating numerous LVCC fundraising events. Terie enjoys traveling the globe.