Our Team
Board Members
Executive Director
Adam Taylor
Adam Taylor serves as the Executive Director of The Options Initiative (TOI). Born and raised in Oak Park, IL, Adam has built a dynamic career at the intersection of sports, business, and youth development. A former DII NCAA athlete and graduate of Northwood University with a degree in Entertainment and Sports Management, Adam has a deep passion for empowering young Black professionals. His career includes high-profile roles such as Director of Marketing and Business Development at Wintrust Sports Complex, where he has successfully secured major events and partnerships. Through TOI, Adam is committed to expanding career opportunities for Black youth by offering meaningful experiences and resources that inspire leadership and success across underrepresented industries.
Secretary
Eleanor Taylor
Eleanor was Raised on the westside of Chicago, in the Garfield Park area. She is keenly aware of the deserts of opportunities and support available to at risk youth on the westside of the city. A registered nurse some 40+ years, working in most of the city’s major medical centers and the VA, she has seen how inequities in healthcare, education, and communities stifle our youth and she is committed to helping create new and better options for our young people. The Options Initiative is the perfect place to do just that.
Treasurer
William Taylor
“Bill” has lived in the Chicagoland area all his life. Growing up on the westside offered a special glimpse into the opportunities available to all residents of color in this area of the city. A lens that would help to form the point of view, that all of us need exposure to fresh and different ideas to make life decisions. Bill retired from the COM Ed after 40+ years of service. As a father of two athletes, he became aware of how much sports proved to be a vehicle that exposed students at all levels to other options. He is now dedicated to assisting The Options Initiative in providing those opportunities for all that would participate.
