Meet Our Board
Barbara J. Dabler
President
Barb, a mother of 5 and grandmother of 9, is one of the original founders of Operation North Pole. Introduced to the idea of fantasy trips for sick children while also working for UAL as a flight attendant in the mid-2000's, Barb decided that the idea could be developed into a much larger community-based program. She spearheaded the other co-founders to start ONP in 2009. She has primarily worked in Emergency Services at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital since the mid-70s and as a result, has been responsible for the large participation of the public safety personnel she has met along the way. Her compassion to help others has been an inspiration for the many volunteers who make ONP the organization that it has become.
Timothy J. Crossin
Treasurer
Tim is one of the original founders of Operation North Pole. He is a retired Firefighter/Paramedic, a Certified Public Accountant ("CPA") and held the designation of Certified Financial Planner ("CFP") for many years. Since retiring, he has devoted his time to giving back to help others in need in the community through his volunteer work with ONP.
Terry C. Chiganos Jr. M.D
Director
TJ has been involved with ONP since 2012, joining the executive board as a member-at-large in 2015. TJ grew up in Downers Grove, graduating with MD and PhD degrees from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2009. He currently practices emergency medicine at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL. He now resides with his wife and three children in the western suburbs. When not stuck at work, he enjoys spending time with his family and pretending to play sports like he's still 18.
Alan G. Wax
Director
Alan has served over 45 years in the fire service, with stints in Highland Park, Des Plaines, Schiller Park, and Hoffman Estates (where he is currently chief). The Des Plaines Fire Department is the hometown fire department to Operation North Pole, and served as the original "North Pole Fire Department" before "NPFD" membership was expanded to many other Chicago-area fire departments. After starting at DPFD, Alan was introduced to ONP and began his involvement. Alan is very honored to have been appointed to the ONP Board in late 2019.
Tracy O' Brien
Tracy is a Multi-Platform Producer at CBS News Chicago with a deep passion for storytelling and community connection. She’s been involved with Operation North Pole for over five years, ever since covering a story on the organization that left a lasting impact. From that moment on, Tracy became an active supporter—volunteering, helping with fundraisers, and using her media background to share ONP’s incredible mission. She’s continually inspired by the way ONP brings hope and joy to families and children facing unimaginable challenges.