Our Story
TOOLBANK serves community-based organizations by providing tools, equipment & expertise to empower their most ambitious goals.
Our Beginnings
The ToolBank concept was created in Atlanta in 1991 with the idea of neighbors helping neighbors by giving their time and loaning their tools to do home repairs for their neighbors in need. In 2008, ToolBank USA was launched to replicate the model and establish ToolBanks throughout the United States. The ToolBank’s signature lending model allows charities to focus on their mission by relying on ToolBanks to provide, store, and repair critically-needed tools and equipment. ToolBanks share their resources with charitable groups so they can equip volunteers to efficiently complete work in less time, with the right tools, at minimal costs. Using ToolBank tools, community-based organizations avoid the expense of purchasing, repairing, and storing tools. Each year, the ToolBank recognizes a ToolBank Affiliate who has been outstanding in furthering the mission and vision of the ToolBank.
Our Mission & Values
Our Staff
Jessica Pohto
Executive Director
Jess’ lifelong passion for community service began in her hometown of Fairport Harbor, Ohio, where the spirit of helping others was a way of life. After moving to Atlanta for a role at Allstate Insurance, she discovered the Atlanta Community ToolBank in 2003, quickly becoming a dedicated volunteer and later serving on the Atlanta board and taking the role of president during the formation of ToolBank USA.
Her commitment to service continued after relocating to Chicago in 2009, where she joined several nonprofit boards and serving on the Board of Directors for Windy City ToolBank. From hands-on work in the warehouse to deploying disaster relief supplies, Jess has always prioritized direct impact. In 2024, she deployed to Asheville with a trailer full of disaster buckets, a service trip that reinforced her desire to transition full-time into the nonprofit sector.
In 2025, Jessica took on the role of Executive Director of the Windy City ToolBank while also serving as the Midwest Territory Manager for ToolBank Disaster Services. She is committed to strengthening nonprofit collaboration, ensuring organizations have the tools and resources needed to focus on their missions.
Beyond her work, Jessica is passionate about home renovations, classic car and motorcycle restoration, crafting, and animal rescue. She lives in Lakeview with her husband, their dog Ernie, and a rotating cast of foster dogs finding their forever homes.
Favorite tool: Oscillating Tool
Email: jessica.pohto@toolbank.org
Schedule to Meet with Jess! Your Location, Our Warehouse or Online!
Ernie
Executive DOGrector of Morale & Volunteer Engagement
Ernie is the Windy City ToolBank’s four-legged morale booster and official greeter. He welcomes volunteers, donors, and visitors to the warehouse, supervises activity from carefully selected napping stations, and helps create a warm, inclusive environment where everyone feels at home.
For kids and first-time volunteers, Ernie is often the first friendly face they meet, helping ease nerves and turn service days into positive, memorable experiences. During volunteer events and donor visits, Ernie plays an important role in reminding everyone that giving back should be joyful, welcoming, and a little fun.
Ernie is also a proud ambassador for our community values and occasionally appears in photos, tours, and special events, spreading smiles and helping connect people to the mission in a very tangible way. Treats, belly rubs, and enthusiastic praise are his preferred performance reviews.
Favorite tool: Dog Treadmill (Only for cheering on canine friends though)
Our Advisors
Ed Redensky
Director of AI & Technology Innovation
Ed serves as an advisor to the Windy City ToolBank, supporting the organization’s technology strategy, operational resilience, and long-term innovation. He provides critical insight and guidance to help scale systems, streamline processes, and thoughtfully apply emerging technologies in support of mission delivery.
As the sole staff member of the Windy City ToolBank navigates a complex and growing operation, Ed’s expertise helps bridge capacity gaps by translating technology and AI concepts into practical, mission-aligned solutions. He also serves on the ToolBank USA AI Council, contributing to national conversations around responsible, impactful use of technology across the ToolBank network.
Ed is passionate about using technology as a force multiplier for nonprofits, ensuring small teams can operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably while staying focused on community impact.
What is your favorite tool? The Mighty Hammer
Patty Russart
Advisor, Financial Management
Patty previously worked for ToolBank USA as the CEO and lives in South Carolina.
What drew you to Windy City ToolBank? I was the CEO of ToolBank USA and I am excited to play a role in establishing the Windy City Toolbank.
What excites you about WCTB? ToolBank is a unique nonprofit that will serve the Chicago area very well. And I can’t wait for more people and groups to learn about it, utilize the resources and they realize they can’t live without a ToolBank!
What is your favorite tool? Nifty Nabbers
Our Leadership
Dan Wade
Board President
Dan sits on the Executive Management Team for Hilti North America, living just outside Chicago with my wife and two boys.
What drew you to Windy City ToolBank? There’s something beautifully simple and extremely impactful about meeting people where they want to be met and giving them the tools to be successful. I’m sure most communities have the heart and hands required to make a difference, but they lack the tools – this is where ToolBank comes in.
What excites you about WCTB? Chicago is ripe with opportunities for communities and corporations alike, to go do good in a variety of ways. ToolBank’s mission and opportunity here in the Windy City can really become something special.
What is your favorite tool? The right one!
Brian Barnicle
Board Director
Brian is the Owner of Barnicle Consulting LLC and an avid DIYer with extensive hands-on experience across a wide range of tools and construction projects. He has completed a full gut rehabilitation of a two-flat, performing much of the work himself, and brings deep practical knowledge of tools, project management, and problem-solving. Brian has also previously served on the board of a 500-unit condominium association, where he focused on budgeting and general maintenance. He is passionate about expanding access to tools as a way to help organizations and communities complete impactful projects efficiently.
What drew you to Windy City ToolBank? Brian supports the ToolBank’s mission of providing organizations access to tools they may not otherwise have, allowing them to complete projects in a cost-effective way. He was particularly drawn to the ToolBank model because it aligns with his own interest in expanding tool access and community resource sharing.
What excites you about WCTB? The tool access that Windy City ToolBank provides allows organizations to enhance their communities in a budget-friendly way, creating long-term benefits for the communities they serve.
What is your favorite tool? Welder
David F. Fanning
Board Director
David is a Shareholder at Johnson & Bell, Ltd., a Chicago-based litigation firm, where he focuses on general litigation, including products liability, business and commercial disputes, and complex civil matters. He brings more than two decades of legal experience, along with a strong background in fiduciary responsibilities, risk management, and governance. Outside of his professional work, David enjoys continuing education, research, and contributing his expertise to mission-driven organizations.
What drew you to Windy City ToolBank? David was introduced to the Windy City ToolBank through a respected colleague.
What excites you about WCTB? Coming together to help our neighbors in need is a core principle of being part of a successful community, and the ToolBank’s mission of helping those who help others makes it a vital part of our community.
What is your favorite tool? The Shovel
Hung Nguyen
Board Director
Hung is a teacher with Chicago Public Schools and a former nonprofit researcher, bringing experience in education, community-focused work, and emerging technologies. With a strong interest in hands-on learning, Hung is passionate about expanding access to tools and maker-style resources that empower students and community organizations. He brings expertise in education, 3D printing, and robotics to the Windy City ToolBank board.
What drew you to Windy City ToolBank? Hung sees Windy City ToolBank as a valuable resource for schools and the broader community, helping organizations access tools that support learning, creativity, and community engagement.
What excites you about WCTB? The ToolBank’s mission is an ambitious goal that functions as a force multiplier for other community groups, amplifying their ability to serve and create impact.
What is your favorite tool? 3D Printer
Jonathan Hammons
Board Director
Jon lives in suburban Chicago with his partner and 3 children and works for UPS.
Adam Probst
Board Director
Adam works for Risk Strategies and lives in Chicago.
Randy Sandlin
Board Director
Randy is the Senior Vice President of Global Product Management and Industrial Design at Generac Power Systems, where he leads global product strategy, innovation, and customer-focused design across diverse product categories. Trained as an industrial designer and product developer, Randy brings deep expertise in building scalable solutions, aligning innovation with market needs, and turning ideas into real-world impact. He is also an executive sponsor of Generac’s African American Employee Resource Group and is deeply committed to community engagement, equity, and service.
Our Partners
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