IH RISE BOARD
Kelly Burke
COO, Kifcure
Under Kelly’s leadership, Kifcure manages hundreds of acres of industrial hemp and has led Illinois’ first permitted hempcrete build, positioning hemp at the forefront of regenerative farming and materials innovation. She actively collaborates with policymakers, universities, and farm organizations to expand the state’s industrial hemp economy.
Kelly serves on multiple national and state boards, including the National Hemp Association’s SCOHO Board, National Hemp Growers Association Steering Committee, the Illinois Environmental Council Hemp Representative, Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders, Cannabis Curriculum for Community Colleges of Illinois board, US Hemp Building Association, and Hemp Feed Coalition. With a background in public health and business administration, she applies systems thinking to agriculture bridging soil health, cooperative economics, and climate resilience across IH RISE’s mission.
Stephen Chasse
Partner, GreenAssociates, Inc.
Stephen is a Partner at GreenAssociates, an architectural firm specializing in educational and sustainable design. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Operation Iraqi Freedom II-2 participant, he brings disciplined leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to service and community building.
Throughout his career, Stephen has managed complex public and private development projects that blend functionality, sustainability, and long-term community value. His passion for sustainable construction and youth empowerment drives his belief that well-designed environments can inspire innovation and growth.
As a long-standing member and past Chairperson of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials’ Service Associate Advisory Committee, Stephen has built strong partnerships across the education sector. He uses this experience to advance IH RISE’s pillars of innovation,collaboration, and equity—helping create inclusive spaces that nurture talent, spark creativity, and support the next generation of changemakers.
Stephen’s expertise in security, community engagement, and sustainable development helps ensure IH RISE continues to thrive as an incubator for ideas that build stronger, more resilient communities.