Leadership

Our Leaders

Cub Scout Pack 887 depends on a dedicated set of volunteers to support our Scouts. These parents and representatives from our Charter Organization help us to deliver a quality, year-round program.

“Success in training the [Scout] depends largely on the Scoutmaster’s own personal example.”

— Robert Baden-Powell

Pack Committee

Charter Representative: Rick Mason
Cubmaster: Jim Toomey
Committee Chair: Brian Sandri
Treasurer: Scott Gruenbaum
Advancement Coordinator: Emilee Rana

The Pack Committee handles administrative and support tasks that allow the Cubmaster, den leaders, and their assistants to focus on working with our Cub Scouts.

Den Leaders

Lion Den: TBD
Tiger Den: Sameer Bongale
Wolf Den: Shirin Naderipour
Bear Den: Pam Grabaskas & Brian Sandri
Webelos Den: Ryan & Kim Cook
Arrow of Light Den: Wendy Cortes, Bridge Biernacki & Jonnie Fitzgerald

Den Leaders carry out the activities related to the den adventures as they are presented in the Cub Scout’s handbook and the Den Leader Guide

Meet Our Leaders

Cubmaster - Jim Toomey

Jim is the Cub Master for Pack 887. Jim has four children, three of which are in Scouting programs currently. Jim was the Den Leader for his son from Tigers through Arrow of Light, then returned to be the Den Leader for his daughter until transitioning to Cub Master. While he never had the opportunity to be a Scout in his youth, Jim thinks the ideals of Scouting, including confidence, individualism, and teamwork are crucial for youth and adults!

When not Scouting, Jim works as a litigator providing defense for employers in workers’ compensation cases in Illinois and Indiana. He also enjoys rooting on his three daughters and son in sporting activities and dance, as well as being an optimistic supporter of the White Sox, Bears, and Blackhawks (to a fault).

Assistant Cubmaster - TBD

Committee Chair - Brian Sandri

Brian is the proud father of two amazing kids and is excited to be a part of such an active and energetic family pack. Both of his children are active participants in Pack 887. He finds that Scouting is a great experience for both him and the kids and encourages families to participate if they have the opportunity - it is worth it!

Advancement Coordinator - Emilee Rana

Leader Bio - TBD

Treasurer - Scott Gruenbaum

Scott is passionate about learning and shares his knowledge with Pack 887, both as treasurer and as an active parent to his two children that are in scouting.

Arrow of Light Den Leader - Wendy Cortes

Wendy has been part of Pack 887 for several years and also brings with her many years of Girl Scout experience. Her son, Ethan, is a Webelos scout. They enjoy the outdoors, including camping, hiking, bonfires, and fishing. In addition to Scouting, Wendy is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and a Professor. Wendy was a Girl Scout growing up.

Arrow of Light Den Leader - Bridge Biernacki

Bridge Biernacki has a life long love of the great outdoors! She grew up in East Tennessee with the Appalachian Mountains as her backyard and credits her appreciation for Scouts dating back to her days as a Girl Scout. She has two boys, Sterling and Frasier, two Airedale Terriers, and one very supportive husband! When she's not busy with Scouts she's heavily involved with her synagogue and volunteering at her sons' school. She has an M.A. in Anthropology and is an avid reader and lover of all music!

Arrow of Light Assistant Den Leader - Jonnie Fitzgerald

Jonnie loves the outdoors, being in nature and exploring. She has two boys that are both in scouting. They spend their time getting to know the community, seeking service opportunities, and trying out all that life has to offer. Jonnie has a BA in English and an MBA with accounting emphasis.

Webelos Den Leader - Ryan Cook

Ryan has been a den leader with Pack 887 for multiple years now. During his own time as a scout, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. His son Russel is a Bear scout.

Webelos Assistant Den Leader - Kim Cook

Kim has been volunteering with Pack 887 and leading this den over the past years. Her son Russel is a Bear scout.

Bear Den Leader - Pam Grabaskas

Pamela is the proud parent of a Wolf Scout. Pamela enjoys being outdoors all year round with her family, and what better way to learn from being outdoors than scouting! She grew up in a family full of scouts and enjoys sharing the experience with her kids. Pamela enjoys watching the developmental growth of the Scouts with all the different experiences they have through scouting and sharing the experience with them.

Bear Assistant Den Leader - Brian Sandri

Brian is the proud father of two amazing kids and is excited to be a part of such an active and energetic family pack. Both of his children are active participants in Pack 887. He finds that Scouting is a great experience for both him and the kids and encourages families to participate if they have the opportunity - it is worth it!