A Conversation with CMMB Board Member Stephen Sichak

We love what we do, but we can’t do it alone. From dedicated staff members and selfless volunteers to generous supporters and expert advisors, together our mission flourishes.
It’s a pleasure to introduce you to Steve Sichak, a CMMB Board member and former Board Chair. He is one of our expert advisors who quietly works behind the scenes to guide, empower, and share his knowledge in service of a mission he deeply believes in. Learn what inspires and shapes Steve’s service in our special Q&A.

1) What inspired you to get involved in board service?

One of the things that really motivates me is making a difference. I’ve been very fortunate in my life; I had the opportunity to get a good education, and I had a productive career. I don’t, for a minute, think that what I achieved was done on my own. My achievements were made as part of a family, a community, or an organization. I see my success as an outcome of a collective effort. The world helped me succeed, and now I feel an obligation to help others do the same—whether through mentoring, board service, or financial contributions.

Hopefully, those who come after me will feel the same, and the story will continue.

2) What drew you to CMMB?

My professional career is centered in the medical device industry, including experience in global health. I realized that this experience, combined with my knowledge of strategic planning and operations, could all contribute to CMMB’s mission.

Then there are my values as well. I’m Catholic and a graduate of DePaul University in Chicago, which is run by the Vincentians. The ideas of service and mission are very familiar to me, and I’ve always believed that you should share your gifts as widely as possible. I also think those are the teachings of Christ, love your brother as yourself.

So, it was a combination of my experience and values that brought me to CMMB.

3) What perspective or experience most shapes how you serve on the board?

My global health experience helped me understand that there is a tremendous unmet need in the world that may not be obvious to many people. For example, many of the medical practices that are easy to take for granted here in the United States are simply not available in many, many parts of the world.

The lack of infrastructure and skilled health workers means that healthcare remains out of reach for too many people around the world, no matter what they do. CMMB is working to address some of these gaps by ensuring that more people have access to healthcare, even under difficult circumstances.

I believe health is a fundamental human value and right. We need to do everything we can to extend that to as many people as possible.

4) What should everyone know about CMMB?

Our work is about hope as much as it is about health.

In places like Haiti or South Sudan, conflict is ongoing. Life is a challenge day by day, hour by hour. When a CMMB-supported community health worker shows up to check on a family, to make sure they have seen the doctor and that they get the medications they need, or to ensure a pregnant woman is comfortable. We are not just delivering health; we are delivering hope, too. CMMB helps those we serve realize that someone cares about them, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Anything you do for CMMB will make 10 or 100 times the difference in the world—whether you are in a position to volunteer, donate, or pray. I wish the need would diminish. I wish things would get better, but where there is a need, I am confident CMMB will be there, making the greatest impact possible.

5) Is there anything else you would like to share?

I’ve had experience with other not-for-profit organizations and for-profit boards, and I can’t think of a more competent, dedicated group than the CMMB Board. We are a team of financial experts, legal experts, global health experts, religious representatives, and more. All of the Board members are committed to the mission, and whenever we convene everyone is present with their heart and soul. You can’t ask for anything more powerful than that.