It’s hard to believe that our outdoor season is complete for 2025. It was a wonderful experience for our young rowers and CCS would like to thank our board, coaches, and volunteers for your unwavering support. Now we’re on to our indoor season as well as announcing some exciting updates for Chicago Community Sculling.

CCS Welcomes New Executive Director

She brings her deep experience in community building, partnerships, fundraising, and the love of rowing to Chicago Community Sculling! For more information on Colleen, visit her LinkedIn profile.

Welcome aboard, Colleen.

Dear Chicago Community Sculling Supporters,

I have always loved to row, but had never been part of a team. Rowing was something I did with my Dad over the Summer, but wasn’t a sport that was accessible to me in my youth. In 2023, I was introduced to Recovery on Water (ROW) and it changed my life. My first race was Tough Cup XI in September. My Novice 8 took Gold and I became a Master the following week. As thrilled as I was with my season and my team’s finish, I was even more excited watching the CCS team from Altus Academy win GOLD as well. I knew I had made the right choice in joining the CCS team.

I’m a life-long Chicagoan with a successful career in the private, public and civic sectors, but I have also been a board member, board chair, and CEO for numerous youth organizations in Chicago, serving kids in our most marginalized areas. I understand the mission, and most importantly, find great joy with Chicago Community Sculling!

I’d like to also thank our board president, Fran Tuite and the entire CCS board for believing in me and entrusting me with their vision. At the core of my being, I am a community builder. With your support, I look forward to building something beautiful together.

Please feel free to contact me with questions, suggestions, or just a friendly hello! colleen@chicagocommunitysculling.org

Colleen D. Egan, Executive Director

Chicago Community Sculling has more to celebrate as our board president Fran Tuite participated in this year’s Head of The Charles Regatta with the Lincoln Park Boat Club which took place October 17-19th. Fran raced in the Women’s Veteran Doubles and the Directors' Challenge Women's Quads. In the 41 boat Challenge, Fran’s Lincoln Park Sirens took GOLD.

Fran Tuite also participated in this year’s SilverSkiff Trophy XXXIV Edition on November 8th-9th in Turin, Italy. The prestigious regatta on the Po River is a unique event that combines sports, nature, and historic architecture. The 11 km race has been called the “best single scull regatta in Europe” and Fran took SILVER with a time of 53’19. Well done Fran!

Chicago Community Sculling was out in force on Wednesday, October 15th at the Seven Star Venue celebrating Arshay Cooper’s new book "Let Me Be Real With You: Inspiring Lessons on Living a Life of Service" Arshay has been a long-time adviser to our organization. CCS represented with Board President, Fran Tuite, Executive Director Colleen D Egan and Board Members Andy Gush, Alfredo Villegas, and Tim Field.
If you haven't read his other books, "A Most Beautiful Thing" and "Suga Water" or watched the documentary "A Most Beautiful Thing", we encourage you to explore.
Arshay believes that "Courage, unity, and resilience can transform lives." Everyone at Chicago Community Sculling believes the same.