Meet Ian Chafee, one of this year’s Soaring Spirit Honorees that will be acknowledged at the Volunteer Recognition Dinner on July 23! Ian has volunteered his time and IT knowledge to the Museum and has made a huge impact on the way we are able to get things done – so read a little bit more about him and purchase your tickets for the Volunteer Recognition Dinner at http://www.cmoaklawn.org!
Born and raised in Oak Lawn, Ian Chafee, 41, has been the Museum’s go-to techy for nearly 12 years.
Ian has done everything from backing up the Museum’s file server to wiring and securing its Wi-Fi network. He tries to keep the technology running smoothly and as up-to-date as possible by fixing any problems and constantly looking for new equipment.
“[Volunteering] gives me a chance to help make the Museum work,” he says. “If I can help keep it going, I will.”
Outside of the Museum, Ian works in the Technology Department at Burbank School District #111. There, he is responsible for most of the system administration, Help Desk support for teachers and staff, as well as technological training for various hardware and programs that the District uses.
Ian has also been married to his wife, Debbie, for 17 years. Together, they have two daughters, ages 12 and 8.
One of Ian’s daughters is also the source of his relationship with the Museum. During a visit, Ian spoke with the former director about his work for School District #111 and the rest is history. He then became involved with the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn while it still occupied its old location and continues to help the Museum thrive today.
Ian can get down with the best of princesses, too. His favorite Museum event is the annual Princess Ball, which he helped plan last year. Ian has attended every Ball with his daughters, and makes it even more memorable for them by making a whole weekend of it; the family stays at a hotel and attends the Ball the next day.
When the family isn’t attending the annual Princess Ball, they can be found visiting the exhibits at the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn and other children’s museums in the U.S. With their ACM membership, the family has half-priced access to children’s museums around the country, which is a bonus for a family that frequently travels.
During his free time, Ian roots for the Green Bay Packers and is a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, PGR, which is a group that does funeral escorts, honor guards and welcome home rides for soldiers and veterans.
Ian has done everything from backing up the Museum’s file server to wiring and securing its Wi-Fi network. He tries to keep the technology running smoothly and as up-to-date as possible by fixing any problems and constantly looking for new equipment.
“[Volunteering] gives me a chance to help make the Museum work,” he says. “If I can help keep it going, I will.”
Outside of the Museum, Ian works in the Technology Department at Burbank School District #111. There, he is responsible for most of the system administration, Help Desk support for teachers and staff, as well as technological training for various hardware and programs that the District uses.
Ian has also been married to his wife, Debbie, for 17 years. Together, they have two daughters, ages 12 and 8.
One of Ian’s daughters is also the source of his relationship with the Museum. During a visit, Ian spoke with the former director about his work for School District #111 and the rest is history. He then became involved with the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn while it still occupied its old location and continues to help the Museum thrive today.
Ian can get down with the best of princesses, too. His favorite Museum event is the annual Princess Ball, which he helped plan last year. Ian has attended every Ball with his daughters, and makes it even more memorable for them by making a whole weekend of it; the family stays at a hotel and attends the Ball the next day.
When the family isn’t attending the annual Princess Ball, they can be found visiting the exhibits at the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn and other children’s museums in the U.S. With their ACM membership, the family has half-priced access to children’s museums around the country, which is a bonus for a family that frequently travels.
During his free time, Ian roots for the Green Bay Packers and is a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, PGR, which is a group that does funeral escorts, honor guards and welcome home rides for soldiers and veterans.
Ian is one of three Soaring Spirit honorees that will be acknowledged at this year’s Volunteer Recognition Dinner on July 23 at 6:00 p.m. To RSVP to this event, please visit www.cmoaklawn.org!
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