MEET OUR STAFF
Gus van den Brink, Executive Director
Sertoma Centre named Gus van den Brink as Executive Director in 1993, making him the second of only two chief officers who have led the organization in its 50-year history. A graduate of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Gus has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is a licensed clinical social worker. He holds professional memberships with the National Association of Social Workers and the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities. In 2002, he was the chosen recipient of the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Inc’s Don Burke Award for Executive Excellence.
You can reach Gus at gvandenbrink@sertomacentre.org
Debra Marillo, Director Of Advancement and Communications
Debra Marillo is a fundraising professional with over 25 years of experience. She has successfully raised support and awareness as a Development and Communications Director for civic, healthcare, disability rights, domestic violence and child advocacy organizations. Debra holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Corrections/Administration and an Associates degree in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts.
You can reach Debra at dmarillo@sertomacentre.org
Catalina Piñón, Director of Human Resources
Catalina joined Sertoma Centre, Inc. in December 2018 as the Director of Human Resources. She is a graduate of St. Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology and holds a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Roosevelt University. Her prior HR work experience includes working in non-profit healthcare and social services organizations. Catalina is responsible for the direction of the Human Resources Department & Business Office.
Ray Benaitis, Associate Director Of Business/Support Services
Ray joined Sertoma Centre in 2006 as Associate Director of Business & Support Services.
His experience has been in distribution logistics and operations with major communication’s corporations. He is a graduate of North Central College with a degree in Business Communications. As Associate Director of Business & Support Services, Ray is responsible for the direction of the Janitorial, Production, Transportation, & Maintenance Departments.
You can reach Ray at rbenaitis@sertomacentre.org
Mary Gonzalez, CPA, Associate Director of Finance
Mary joined Sertoma Centre in 2017 as a Senior Accountant and was named Associate Director of Finance in 2020. As head of the Finance Department, Mary is responsible for overseeing the agency’s financial operations, strategic goals, and budgetary objectives. She ensures the smooth management of cash accounts, lines of credit, payroll activity, and internal controls. She serves as the point of contact for Sertoma’s annual audit and prepares year-end reports and tax returns.
You can reach Mary at mgonzalez@sertomacentre.org