Our Leadership

Meet The People Behind Thrive Chicago

Thrive Chicago is guided by leaders whose experience spans real estate, development, entrepreneurship, law, nonprofit leadership, communications, community engagement, and neighborhood investment.

Irina Bugatova

President & Secretary

Irina Bugatova is a Chicago real estate broker, investor, developer, and entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience across residential real estate, investment, renovation, and construction. As Co-Owner of Reserve RE, she has built her career around seeing possibilities where others may see problems. She founded Thrive Chicago Initiative with the belief that meaningful change does not begin with talk. It begins with people willing to show up, take ownership, and do the work.

Timothy Rhoten

Vice President & Treasurer

Timothy Rhoten is a longtime Chicago real estate professional, Managing Broker, investor, and entrepreneur with more than two decades of industry experience. His work spans residential and multifamily real estate, development, investment, and property transformation. Timothy brings to Thrive Chicago the practical experience of building businesses, improving properties, and understanding how thoughtful investment can strengthen neighborhoods.

August Ajanaku

Board Member

August Ajanaku brings a community-centered perspective and a commitment to service, connection, and meaningful neighborhood impact. His voice on the Board helps keep Thrive Chicago focused on what matters most: people, community, and creating visible change that residents can experience and take pride in.

Bradford Miller

Board Member

Bradford Miller is the founder of Bradford Miller Law, P.C. and an accomplished real estate attorney whose experience since 2006 spans billions of dollars in real estate transactions, development, leasing, and property matters. His long record of civic involvement, including service in housing, fair housing, education, and charitable organizations, brings both legal expertise and a strong community perspective to Thrive Chicago.

Leora Conway

Board Member

Leora Conway is a nonprofit executive and strategic communications leader with more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy, public affairs, organizational growth, partnerships, and community engagement. Currently Vice President of Development at Union League Boys & Girls Clubs, she has spent her career helping mission-driven organizations turn vision into support, visibility, and measurable impact. Leora brings Thrive Chicago deep expertise in building the relationships and momentum necessary to grow a mission into a movement.

Nominate your block

See a block that needs care? Tell us about it.

Nominate a corner, a lot, or a storefront strip — anywhere that could use cleanup, greening, or ongoing upkeep. We'll evaluate it for feasibility, safety, and impact, then bring together the partners to make it happen.