Megan Everett

Megan Everett is the Executive Director of Illinois Joining Forces (IJF), where she leads efforts to connect veterans, service members, and their families to critical resources across Illinois. A Navy veteran and longtime IJF board member, Megan brings a deep understanding of the organization’s mission and a personal commitment to the military and veteran communities. Her extensive experience and leadership in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors uniquely position her to guide IJF’s continued growth and impact.

Megan served as the Veterans Program Director at the Robert R. McCormick Foundation for over nine years, managing a $3.5 million grant portfolio focused on veteran employment, education, entrepreneurship, behavioral health, and systems navigation. Working with national, state, and local veteran nonprofits, government agencies, and corporations, she developed her skills in strategic program development and partnership building, expertise she now applies to advancing IJF’s mission.

Her path to leadership began in the United States Navy, where she served as a Surface Warfare Officer (Lieutenant) from 2000 to 2006. She deployed on the USS JARRETT (FFG-33) during Operation Enduring Freedom and the USS DENVER (LPD-9) during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and completed her final tour in a Personal Exchange Program with the Canadian Fleet Atlantic in Halifax, NS.

Megan also held key roles at Northwestern University, including Assistant Director of the Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and positions at the Center for Civic Engagement and Center for Leadership. These experiences enhanced her skills in collaboration and innovation, which she now brings to IJF.

Megan earned a BA in Biology and Society from Cornell University (with a Naval ROTC commission), an MBA from Penn State University, and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University.

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