The Forum Staff

Jennifer Artis, Founder-Chief Executive Officer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ms. Artis was the catalyst for the creation of the SHCF (Forum). Ms. Artis has over 30 years background of community health development and advocacy, from the establishment of the first free health all volunteer clinic in Englewood in 1982 to the creation of federally qualified clinics including LeClaire Courts Housing Development in Marquette Park (1988) and the Family Health Society a clinic developed for St. James and area Rotarians to address the issues of the working poor (1996). Ms.Artis created the Crossroads Coalition, in 1997, a coalition of more than 90 participants representing community, faith-based and civic organizations. The Senior Provider Network, comprised of over 75 individuals representing more than 40 senior provider organizations in the southern suburbs was an initiative created in 2006. In collaboration with the senior life program of Ingalls Hospital and the Jewish Federation, this network addresses a host of senior issues and provides a forum for collaboration and resource referrals. Ms. Artis is also Trustee of her village. As Director of Community Services/Public Affairs for Franciscan St. James Hospital for 16 years, Ms. Artis works closely with southland organizations, legislators, Boards of Directors, including the South Suburban Mayors and Managers and the Southland Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Artis has coordinated community and faith based organizations and residents to develop a regional health care system address the fragmentation of health care in the southern suburbs for over 10 years.

Maria Benitez-Crews, Chief Operations Officer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As the Chief Operations Officer, Ms Crews is responsible for the daily operation of the Southland Health Care Forum. She ensures organizational effectiveness by developing operational systems, processes and policies in support of the Forum’s mission. She also works closely with the Board of Directors and program staff to ensure the success of each program.  

Maria, a community activist, is the past president of the Southland Hispanic Leadership Council. Ms. Crews also serves on various boards and committees which include the Illinois State Controllers Hispanic Advisory Committee and the Abby Foundation..

As a leader in the Hispanic community, Maria acts as a liaison by working with the community to bridge the gap and provide opportunities in the areas of workforce training and community development in an effort to see economic improvement and improved health outcomes among Hispanics.

Maria Crews holds a Masters degree in Communications and Training from Governors State University.

Salvador Alcantar, Senior Case Manager This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (708) 756-1000 ext. 53427   Karen Biesboer, Resource Coordinator This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (708) 856-8503   James Cansler, Fiscal Specialist This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (708) 756-1000 ext. 53447

Joseph Harris, Fiscal Manager This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (708) 756-1000 ext. 53450   Paul Zaremba, Program Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (708) 756-1000 ext. 53436