Nathaniel Ekman is the Executive Director of NAMI Cook County North Suburban, part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. He was hired in 2019 following seven years on the Board of Directors and more than 15 years in the nonprofit sector. Nathaniel has done extensive work in strategic planning, fund development, and consulting to nonprofits. He is a mental health advocate who is personally invested in the mission of NAMI, has led support groups for those in recovery, and speaks publicly through NAMI’s signature speakers bureau, In Our Own Voice. Nathaniel holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree from Harvard. He lives in Chicago.