Staff

Common Threads staffers come from varying backgrounds, but share a concern for children, a commitment to positive social change, and a love of good food and the communities food can create and sustain.

Linda Novick O’Keefe Executive Director In May 2003, Linda Novick O’Keefe, along with chef Art Smith and artist Jesus Salgueiro, developed the vision of Common Threads: a non-profit organization committed to educating Chicago's youth about cultural diversity, the culinary arts, and the importance of nutrition. A graduate of Arizona State University, Linda spent her first couple years out of college in the advertising industry. However, a desire to make a difference in her community led her to an internship with Illinois State Senator Dick Durbin and later onto a position with the community development savvy ShoreBank. Directly prior to her involvement with Common Threads, Linda became a Chaddick Institute Scholar, receiving her Masters degree in Public Service Management from DePaul University. She enjoys sheep’s milk cheeses and crackers and the bigger and better version of an Oreo, a Whoopie Pie.