Board of Trustees

Terry R. Wells, Chairman

Wells, a Phoenix resident, was appointed to the SSC Board of Trustees in 2001. He was elected Chairman of the Board on January 20, 2022, succeeding Frank M. Zuccarelli. His goal is to continue the growth of SSC programs, expand educational access in the community, and realize the completion of the historic Allied Health & Nursing Center project initiated by Zuccarelli.

Married with two children, Chairman Wells serves as President of the Village of Phoenix, a position he has held since 1993. He is also a retired history teacher of Thornton High School. In addition to his other roles, Wells has served as past President of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association.

As per IL Public Act 099-0692, Wells successfully completed Trustee Leadership Training – February 18, 2022.

Vivian Payne, Vice Chair

Vivian Payne was born and raised in Thornton and has been a resident of Lansing for the past 25 years.

She was elected Lansing Village Clerk in April 2017, and is currently serving a 4 year term.  She is actively involved in various organizations and has a long history of community involvement both professionally and on a volunteer basis.  Prior to being elected Clerk, she was the Executive Assistant to Lansing Mayor Norm Abbott for 8 years and took on the roles of Deputy Clerk, Freedom of Information Officer, Traffic Compliance Administrator and Zoning Board Secretary.  In 2010, Vivian initiated Lansing’s first annual Community Clean-Up Day, which brings together hundreds of volunteers each spring to pick up trash throughout the Village.  In addition, she formed the Village of Lansing’s first Beautification Committee, which enhances and maintains various areas of the Village.

Vivian is a member of the Lansing Business Women’s Association, an organization that brings together business women and provides them with professional development opportunities to enrich themselves and others through leadership, education and networking.  She also served as the Association’s past President and Secretary.  Vivian and her husband Steve have 2 adult children and attend St. Ann Church in Lansing.

As per IL Public Act 099-0692, Payne successfully completed Trustee Leadership Training – March 15, 2022.

Janet M. Rogers, Secretary

Rogers, a Harvey resident for nearly 40 years, was appointed to the SSC Board of Trustees in 2013 and serves as Chairperson of the Policy Committee. She retired from Bloom High School in 2009, where she was a Culinary Arts and Special Education teacher for 30 years.

Rogers brings significant educational leadership experience to the SSC Board. She is the current President of Harvey School District 152 Board of Education. She is a member of the National Association of School Boards (NASB) and the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB), where she was recognized as a Master School Board Member. Janet was also elected as Chairwoman of the IASB South Cook County Division, where she presides over 65 school districts.

She has been an active fundraiser in her community throughout the years.

As per IL Public Act 099-0692, Rogers successfully completed Trustee Leadership Training – February 18, 2022.

Anthony DeFilippo, Trustee

DeFilippo, a Calumet City resident, has served on the SSC Board of Trustees since 1989. His involvement in the community is rather extensive, as he belongs to a number of civic, social, church and professional organizations. DeFilippo’s Master’s Degree in finance allows him to focus on maintaining the financial integrity of the college.

As a registered pharmacist, DeFilippo works in the medical affairs sector and is responsible for the advancement of medical education and clinical trial opportunities at academic and medical centers. He serves in this capacity throughout the country.

Kevin L. Daly, Trustee

Kevin Daly was raised in Oak Forest, Illinois, and currently resides in Tinley Park, Illinois. Daly is a Governors State University graduate and an alumnus of South Suburban College. In addition, Kevin is the son of longtime South Suburban College Vice-Chair John A. Daly.

Daly has a rich history in public service, having spent his entire career working in government. Kevin worked for State Senator Napoleon B. Harris III, was Assistant to the Illinois Department of Insurance Director, and created over 3,000 jobs as Economic Development Director in the Village of Monee and the Village of Orland Hills. In addition, he was appointed by Larry Walsh Sr. to the Workforce Investment Board of Will County and currently serves as Director of Legislative Policy and Outreach for State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Kevin’s goals include ensuring that South Suburban College delivers high-quality education and career opportunities at affordable costs to the community’s residents. Kevin is committed to building partnerships with employers to expand career programs for SSC students and brings a youthful yet seasoned perspective to the Board of Trustees.

Sherelene A. Harris, Trustee

Dr. Sherelene A. Harris is a resident of South Holland, Illinois. Dr. Harris holds a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She has a robust educational leadership background, including a Chicago State University professorship and an administrator at Chicago Public Schools. In addition, she was a civil servant with the City of Chicago before completing a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Her goal as a newly elected Board of Trustee for South Suburban College includes working with the administration to bring together the best programs, facilities, faculty, and staff to fulfill students’ academic goals and vocational pursuits. She firmly believes that continuing education goals for students can aid in developing their skill sets, personal interests, and/or hobbies to create a self-fulfilling life that promotes positive-minded contributors to the local community and society.

Anthony W. Williams, Trustee

Pastor Anthony W. Williams is from Dolton, Illinois. Williams is the Pastor in the United Church of Christ (UCC). He received his Bachelor of Arts from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas. In addition, he received his Master’s at the Lutheran School Of Theology in Chicago, Illinois. Pastor Williams is married to Nicole Jefferson and is the father of eight children. He has over 20 years of experience in social services and education.

Pastor Williams’ broader goals include working in collaboration for 21st-century education and addressing the issues of violence as a public health crisis.