Our Team
Stephen Dakota (he/him), Director and CEO/Chief Executive Officer
“This just started as us doing a good deed, and now I’m just so astonished with what we’ve built in such a short amount of time. It’s amazing.”
Starting with a plate full of tacos, a few cases of water and a good friend by his side, Stephen has turned a token of good gesture into a weekly action of helping the homeless around the City of Chicago. Armed with a backpack, his team, a network of donors and other not-for-profits, Stephen pushes to help those less fortunate every way he can. With 15 years of experience in the financial sector managing and training teams of direct reports and managers alike, Stephen left the for-profit sector to work solely on his passion which is helping the world. Stephen sits on the Board of Directors as Chief Executive Officer and is the Director of Operations in the field.
John King Johnson (he/him), Assistant Director and CXO/Chief Experience Officer
“Be supportive of the things we do… or the next package we hand out might be to you.”
John King Johnson sits on the Board of Directors as our Chief Experience Officer and holds the position of Assistant Director of Operations in the field. Bringing more than 10 years of experience working in management, John King presents new opportunities to aid the homeless by outreach, location acquisition, and pushing the message of “help those because you don’t know when you may need it.” Armed with a backpack and a “go-get-’em” attitude, John King works hard to ensure that those less fortunate have a shoulder to lean on before, during, and after outreach.
Brit Musser (they/she), Director Of Logistics and COO/Chief Operating Officer
Brit Musser sits on the board as the Chief Operating Officer and holds the position of Director of Logistics remotely for the organization. With over ten years of experience managing inventory and direct reports Brit manages the logistics, licensing, and all B2B communications between The Backpack Operation and other vendors. Having dealt with homelessness through first and third hand accounts, Brit works hard to keep the Pack moving forward through strategizing and research.
Alicia Shelton(she/her), Logistics Manager and Volunteer Specialist
Alicia Shelton works as the organization’s Logistics Officer and is also one of our field specialists. Alicia brings more than 20 years of experience in the food services world and uses her skills to ensure that every pack is stocked with all the necessary items before presenting them to clients. Working with Brittany, Alicia assists in the pack creation process and with locating areas with the field team to bring assistance to the community.
Trina P. White (she/her), Consultant and Mobile Unit Team Lead
Trina White works as an independent consultant for our organization and also assists with leading mobile teams on missions to provide aid packs on the road and throughout her travels in the world. Trina bring more than 25 years of management, executive and C-Suite experience in owning her own businesses, managing portfolios and equities and leading and educating professionals all around the world.