Beth E. Ragsdale
Executive Director for Words on Wheels, Inc.
Beth Ragsdale is the founder and first Executive Director of Words on Wheels, Inc. Motivated by the fact that vocabulary provided in the earliest stages of brain development makes a critical difference in the success of children. She formed this organization to coordinate volunteers willing to bring the power of words; through stories, books and song to underserved children.
Beth is very active in the Lake County Illinois community. She has served as a chair person, treasurer, executive and other committee positions on a wide range of advisory boards and boards of directors. Beth has been involved with A Safe Place since 1996 where she became part of a capital campaign committee, which raised $5 million to build a transitional living facility for the organization. Beth brings this strength to the Board of Directors as well as her love for children to become strong and productive adults.
- CTP (Association of Financial Professionals credential Certified Treasury Professional) in 1998
- Received the Joyce Fitzgerald Memorial Award in 2001 from A Safe Place, recognizing her volunteer efforts.
- First chairman of the scholarship committee for the City of Waukegan Chamber of Commerce. She created and facilitated their annual scholarship award program.
- Retiring from banking as a Senior Vice president of First Midwest Bank, she was responsible for managing relationships of over 500 clients, and over $500,000 million in bank deposits & services.
