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
Schedule to Meet with Jess! Your Location, Our Warehouse or Online!
Our Leadership

Adam Probst
Board President
Adam works for Risk Strategies and lives in Chicago.

Heidi Thompson
Board Vice President & Secretary
Heidi works for the Home Depot in the Merchandising Team and lives in Atlanta, GA.

Patty Russart
Board Treasurer
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

Jonathan Hammons
Board Director
Jon lives in suburban Chicago with his partner and 3 children and works for UPS.

Dan Wade
Board Director
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!
Become an Partner
Are you interested in becoming an investor with the ToolBank? Take a moment to fill out the information below and we will contact you.