ONE Magazine Spring 2022

one the

ONE VOICE FOR THE ROCKFORD AREA BUSINESS COMMUNITY | SPRING 2022

lightning bearers

40 LEADERS UNDER

FORTY 2022

workplace staffing & search IS HONORED TO BE THE PRESENTING SPONSOR FOR THE

40 LEADERS UNDER FORTY 2022 At workplace staffing & search, our core purpose is to connect people with opportunities which enables fulfilling lives, exceptional workplaces and stronger communities. It is a natural choice to join forces with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in honoring the newest class of 40 Leaders Under Forty. Our company is committed to making a positive impact on our region’s growth and vitality through identification and attraction of top talent for our employers. The 2022 honorees exemplify why our region is full of promise and on trajectory of increasing strength and opportunity.

Much like the past recipients of this award, this group of honorees are impacting our region both professionally and personally. They are engaged, dedicated and energized and are finding ways to get involved and contribute to the civic, economic and cultural strength of our region. Their stories are inspiring and we praise their achievements.

They are each considered community leaders for varied and unique reasons. Take time to learn their stories, support their achievements and discover new ways to influence and inspire our region’s future successes. Let us also take a moment to acknowledge and thank those individuals that inspired, supported and mentored our honorees. They play an important role in each of our stories.

We wish to sincerely congratulate and thank the 40 Leaders Under Forty honorees. We are inspired by your achievements and grateful for your dedication to our community.

one PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Electrifying

one voice for the rockford area business community

staff Caitlin Pusateri, President Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment Jeff Bailey, Membership Development Executive Susan Contrady, Account Executive Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology Carmen Kellerman, Events Manager Kristin Muehlfelder, Member Relations

Did you know that the average striking length of regular lightning bolt is two to three miles and carries the electrical power of nearly 100 million volts? With a strike, the surrounding air is immediately heated up to the temperature of 54,000 °F —

Doug Rand, Accounting Manager/Controller Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator

five times hotter than our sun‘s surface. That is some amazing power!

Edward Caceres, Director, Small Business Development Center

A lightning strike produces a lot of power and it takes a special person to be able

Visit us online rockfordchamber.com

to carry it — just like our 40 Lightning Bearers! A Lightning Bearer is a person who searches for knowledge and enlightenment and who in so doing, seeks to bring it to mankind (in our case, the Rockford area.)

Lightning Bearers are brave folk, indeed.

As you turn the pages you’ll see dynamic men and women that represent a wide array of interests, industries, and walks of life — all making a positive differences that thunder out into our community.

Turn the pages and get acquainted with these local powerhouses. Learn, as they have discovered, “To ignite your dream, you need only to find your spark.”

The Chamber proudly presents the 2022 40 Leaders Under Forty.

Caitlin Pusateri, President, Rockford Chamber of Commerce cpusateri@rockfordchamber.com

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce ­publishes One once a year.

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The Selection Committee

thank you!

to our selection committee who dedicated time and effort to make the difficult choices.

Anna Derocher, Fehr Graham Jocelyn Hare, Ethnic Heritage Museum/Graham-Ginestra House Theresa Kegley, Movement Fitness Britney Lindgren, United Way of Rock River Valley Amy Ott, Boylan Catholic High School Peter Schmeling, Schmeling Construction Co. Gabrielle Torina, Region 1 Planning Council Robert Young, Midwest Packaging and Container

The Writers Paul Anthony Arco is a media relations coordinator for OSF HealthCare, and a contributor to the Chamber newspaper, The VOICE. His work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Rockford Register Star, and Northwest Quarterly Magazine, among many other publications.

Emily Ramboldt is a resident of Belvidere, IL. She recently graduated from Rockford University, with a BA in English. Emily enjoys reading, watching movies, playing video games, and spending time with her two cats, Remy and Luna.

Crystal Behling is a Rockford area native who recently earned her BA in English from Rockford University. She is thrilled to have the opportunity share her writing and editing skills with the workforce.

Andrew Wright is a Rockford native who loves telling the stories of people and places that make Rockford great.

When he’s not helping companies and their employees understand the role of supplemental benefits, you can find him announcing for the Rockford Rage Roller Derby, or playing card and board games with friends. Wright is a member of the 40 Leaders Under Forty Class of 2012, and is married to Melissa Westphal, a legendary journalist and genuinely wonderful human.

Lynne Conner is a Rockford native with over 30 years of experience in journalism, photography and videography. She works as a free-lance reporter and photographer for several area newspapers and magazines. Lynne holds a bachelor’s degree in communication education from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb and a Master’s degree in teaching and leadership from St. Xavier University, Chicago.

lightning

in a jar

40 LEADERS UNDER FORTY | 2022 To catch lightning in a jar is to accomplish a nearly impossible task.

Some attribute this phrase as a reference to Benjamin Franklin and his electricity experiment, in which Franklin flew a kite in a thunderstorm in the hopes to harness and collect that energy in a Leyden jar.

Our 40 Leaders have captured their own lighting: through inspiration and creativity and hard work, they have electrified their businesses and careers.

Thunder is good; thunder is impressive; but it is lightning that does the job.

The Rockford Chamber is pleased to present 40 Leaders Under Forty:

OUR COMMUNITY’S LIGHTNING BEARERS.

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Ana Montoya Director of Community Outreach, Rock Valley Credit Union

Making Service A Priority Ana Montoya was just five when she moved with her mother to the United States from Mexico. While it was a big change, the transition opened the young girl’s eyes to more possibilities than she could ever imagine. “I came here as a person who didn’t know anyone,” she says. “I wanted to make connections.”

As she got older, Montoya poured her energy into school activities – she participated in anything and everything, including sports, band, student council, key club and yearbook and newspaper.

“I wanted to make my mom proud for the sacrifices she made for me,” Montoya says. “She gave up her dreams so I could have a better future.”

Today, Montoya, a graduate of Rockford Jefferson High School, is the director of community outreach for Rock Valley Credit Union. In her role, Montoya is the face of her organization, responsible for marketing and public relations activities including community events, internal communications and educating various groups about the importance of finances.

Montoya lends her expertise to many local organizations. She’s a founding member of the Rockford Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, was recently appointed to the Community Relations Committee through the City of Rockford and serves the Stateline Boys & Girls Club and Family Services of Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.

Married with four children, Montoya looks for opportunities that will have the greatest impact, whether it’s volunteering for Habitat for Humanity or speaking to area students about how to budget their money.

“I had a great mentor, Mrs. Erickson, who was my journalism teacher in high school and changed the course of my life,” she says. “Her belief was ‘integrity over everything.’ That is the foundation of everything I do.”

By Paul Anthony Arco

Colin Peterson Senior Director of Assurance Services, RSM US LLP

Building to a Crescendo “I have a feeling I got here just under the wire,” Colin Peterson, 38, said with a chuckle.

He’s done quite a lot to earn this recognition and join the ranks of 40 Leaders Under 40.

Peterson, a CPA with RSM in Rockford, is also the board president of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and plays music with his wife, Hana Hinkle-Peterson.

It’s a long way from his early years working on the farm with his family in Winfield, Iowa. “Growing up on a farm taught me a lot about the importance of hard work and character,” he explained.

A rising star at the accounting firm, Peterson is an award-winning graduate from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. He was honored as a “Future Maker” at RSM, recognition for his skills as a leader and mentor to RSM staff. Peterson also serves as a Senior Director, and his responsibilities include recruiting and developing the future of RSM’s Rockford office.

Public service is important to Peterson, who has served as treasurer for the Swedish Historical Society of Rockford, and is currently presiding over the Rockford Symphony Orchestra as they write their next chapter in the search for a new music director to replace the retiring Steven Larsen. “He’s a tough act to follow,” Peterson suggested, “Going through the process of finding his successor is such a huge change for RSO, and I’m most proud of leading them through the process.”

Peterson is excited for the future of Rockford. “There’s a lot to be excited about here,” he said. “There’s a lot of energy coming into Rockford, young people and cool experiences… there are a lot of talented people here working on making Rockford a great place to live.”

By Andrew Wright

ONE | ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Annie Hobson Youth Services Manager, City of Rockford – Mayor’s Office

A Ray of Sunshine Annie Hobson was eight years old when her mother gave her a talk about families in need. So, the young girl gathered up some of her old toys and they took them to a Head Start site. “My parents always made sure I knew the purpose of giving back.”

That message resonated with Hobson, who is youth services director at the Rockford Family Peace Center, where she works with young people to overcome the trauma of experiencing violence.

Hobson graduated from Auburn High School before moving on to college where she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in human services. She began working with the Rockford Park District, then the City of Rockford Human Services Department, the University of Illinois-Extension and managed the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council – all roles that help engage youth and provide them with access to critical life skills and resources.

It’s a calling to be an advocate, she says, especially for youth of color. “As a black woman, I know how it feels to be looked past because the color of my skin,” she says.

Hobson also serves on the boards of United Way and Circles of Learning, as well the Mayor’s Domestic & Community Violence task force.

She credits family for instilling in her that sense of community spirit. Her father, Gill, a retired forklift driver, “worked his fingers to the bone to get his daughter through college” and mother, Sandra, spent 20 years working for Head Start, before passing away from cancer in 2006.

“When I think of the work I’ve done in the community that’s my mother and father flowing through my veins,” she says. “The work is hard, but I see the rays of sunshine that I pass on to children who need to just believe in something or someone.”

Ashley Rogers

By Paul Anthony Arco

Clinical Lead; Co-founder, OrthoIllinois; Breasties, Young Breast Cancer Warriors of Northern Illinois

Bound and Determined Ashley Rogers has always considered herself an optimistic person, but her attitude was severely tested in 2019 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at 35.

“I tried to stay positive, but some days it was hard to put one foot in front of the other,” says Rogers, who has spent 10 years at OrthoIllinois, where she is the clinical coordinator for Sports, Pediatrics and Podiatry.

“Fortunately, I met other breast cancer survivors, along with doctors and my family who made my experience more tolerable.”

The support helped Rogers, a Rockford native, power through a double mastectomy, four months of intense chemotherapy and reconstructive surgery. Today, she is cancer free and helping others traveling a similar path. Rogers, along with other survivors, has started a support group called Breasties, Young Breast Cancer Warriors of Northern Illinois. The survivors started a Facebook group and offers connections to cancer resources for women diagnosed under the age of 50.

Rogers, a former head athletic trainer for Rockford University who once helped revive a football player who had a medical emergency on the field, says she’s finally feeling like her old self again. In addition to helping other cancer survivors, Rogers and her family are passionate about Special Olympics. Her grandmother, DoAnn Geiger, brought the first Special Olympic games to Rockford, and her twin brother, Trent Geiger, is the Region A director of sports.

Rogers provides athletic training and medical assistance for several Special Olympic events. In addition, she serves as board chair for SAM’s Sweet Heart, an organization that provides resources to families facing critical diagnoses for their children.

“Cancer changed my perspective,” she says. “It’s cliché, but, you have to live for each day. Tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone.”

By Paul Anthony Arco

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Chris French Golf Professional, Aldeen Golf Club

Fore the Love of the Game Chris French has traveled the world thanks to golf, but it’s Rockford where he’s made the greatest impact in the sport he loves.

French, a PGA professional, is the operations manager for the Rockford Park District’s Aldeen Golf Club where he’s involved with everything from managing the business side of golf, to running tournaments and giving lessons.

“I enjoy helping people get to the next level of their game,” he says. “Whatever that means for that person – to get on the course for the first time or to earn a Division I scholarship. I believe my experience as a golfer can help others achieve their own goals.”

French started playing at 8, when his father, an avid golfer, introduced the sport to both of his boys. French excelled almost immediately; he played four years at Byron High School where he was named to the all-state team his senior year. He also shined at Rock Valley College earning NJCAA All-American honor in consecutive years.

But French says he lost his passion for golf and took a break for about six years, spending more time pursuing another interest – music – working as a recording engineer, before he realized how much he missed the game he grew up playing.

For years, French has played competitively all over, including the PGA Tour Lationamerica and the Asian Development Tour, where he’s played in Thailand, Brazil and Chile. He’s won 12 Illinois PGA events and was named the Illinois PGA Assistant Player of the Year in 2017 and 2019. Despite his hectic schedule, French still finds time to play about 25 tour events a year.

“Being a golf pro encompasses your entire life,” he says. “Between playing, practicing, and teaching, there aren’t many breaks. But I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

By Paul Anthony Arco

Laura Kane Chief Executive Officer, Marshmallow’s HOPE Nonprofit Organization Corp.; HERO Mentor Program

A Mother’s Hope Growing up in Florida, Laura Kane was a normal girl with dreams of motherhood. Though she achieved that goal at eighteen, hardships soured the experience for her. Between domestic abuse, divorce, and an unplanned move to Illinois, Kane struggled for years. Despite this, she excelled in her career and always prioritized her three children—even buying her daughter a “real” unicorn for her twelfth birthday. Given Kane’s commitment to her family, it came as a shock when she lost her son, Zachary, to suicide in 2018.

Devastated and confused, Kane began searching for answers in Zachary’s social media. In doing so, she realized that many other kids were suffering as he had. This inspired Kane to start Marshmallow’s HOPE, where at-risk individuals can find support and education. As this endeavor flourished, she also published an autobiography titled Lost to Darkness; Enlightened by Grace.

At Marshmallow’s HOPE, Kane and her team work with families that have been affected by suicide, offering resources and individualized assistance to overcome life’s setbacks. Through their HERO program, they also connect suffering children—the Zacharys of the World—with a veteran, servicemember, first responder, or community member who can serve as a role model for bettering their mental health.

Kane’s work is tireless and ongoing, but she describes it as a rewarding experience. “All it takes is one person showing us compassion, understanding, and kindness to help rebuild our hope and keep us going.” Her mission is to be that person for others whenever possible.

By Crystal Behling

ONE | ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Dr. Ian James Behr Surgeon, MD, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center

Returning to His Roots Dr. Ian Behr could have practiced medicine anywhere, but to do so in his hometown of Rockford has special meaning.

“I grew up here, my family and friends are here, and I love the area,” says Dr. Behr, a surgeon at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center.

Dr. Behr was destined to become a physician. His father, Jeff, is an orthopedic surgeon and his mother, Diane, is a nurse. “My Dad was a huge influence on my career,” he says. “I remember going to the hospital with him sometimes when he had to work. Seeing his hands-on empathetic approach and the enjoyment and reward of helping his patients get better, inspired me to pursue a similar career path.”

The younger Dr. Behr attended Boylan High School before graduating from a boarding school on the east coast. He performed his general surgery residency at Michigan State University and then completed a one-year specialty head and neck endocrine surgery fellowship at Harvard Medical School. Endocrine surgery focuses on the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

“There’s a lot of complex anatomy in the neck, which is always interesting and requires continuous focus and attention to detail,” he says. “The ability to cure cancer is hugely rewarding. Thankfully, in regards to thyroid cancer, I can cure 90% of my patients as long as we find it early enough.”

Dr. Behr has operated on some patients who were also treated by his father and great uncle. “It’s great to be a Behr surgeon and carry on that legacy,” he says.

In his free time, Dr. Behr enjoys spending time with his three-year-old daughter, Elaina. He also participates in outdoor activities such as fishing, golf and tennis.

By Paul Anthony Arco

Autumn Schaal Personal Counselor, Disability Coordinator, Rockford University

A Natural Healer As Rockford University’s Disability Support Services Coordinator, Autumn Schaal understands that a student’s environment plays a vital role in their academic success and overall health. Luckily, Schaal has a wide range of experience in fields of wellness, and her holistic healing practices allow her to meet each student’s needs on an individual basis.

Getting to this point was quite the journey, however. While Schaal was pursuing her BA in marketing at Columbia College Chicago, she had no plans to become a healthcare professional. It was only after working at a nutrition store that she found fulfillment in helping people treat their ailments. She earned her massage therapy license and opened a private practice, which would support her as she studied for her MS in Ayurveda and Integrative Health. Not one to hesitate when opportunity knocks, Schaal then dove straight into a second master’s degree for mental health counseling.

It was then that Schaal started her internship at Rockford University’s Lang Wellness Center. After earning her degree, she was thrilled to find that a full-time position had opened for a personal counselor and Disability Support Services Coordinator. In this position, Schaal works with her team to provide students with confidential support and to stimulate their physical and mental health.

Schaal intends to continue expanding upon her knowledge of health services as she fosters the wellbeing of Rockford University’s student body. By helping these young professionals access the accommodations they need, she hopes to see them thrive and join the local workforce.

By Crystal Behling

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Sarah Lambert Vice President of Programs & Community Investment, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois

The Long Journey Home When Sarah Lambert’s family moved to Freeport, 22 years ago, it was just the first stop on her journey home.

Lambert, the vice president of programs and community investment at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, graduated from Freeport and moved to Minnesota to attend Macalester College. While there, Lambert discovered an interest in sports management by working as an intern with the Minnesota Twins, and pursued that interest in a Masters in Sports Management at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. From there, she worked in community outreach with such teams as the Nashville Predators, Rockford IceHogs and the Muskegon Lumberjacks.

After 15 years of a career in sports, she felt a calling to return to Northern Illinois when an opportunity arose at Rockford’s Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden.

“One week after I moved back, my dad had a heart attack. Though he’s fine now, that was a wake-up moment for me. I know if I’d been in Michigan and I got that call, I’d put my dog in the car and go home,” Lambert recalled.

In 2015, she continued her mission in service to her community by applying for a grants officer position at the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. “We joke that when you’ve seen a community foundation, you’ve seen… one community foundation,” Lambert explained. “There’s a huge world of things that community foundations can do.” Lambert especially loves the way the CFNIL can provide grants and scholarships to local non-profits and students.

Lambert’s drive and success has lead to her current leadership position at the foundation. “I love working with the non-profit community, connecting with people, learning how they work, and helping them do their work more effectively.”

By Andrew Wright

Justin Rosecke Service Manager, Mr. Goodwater, Inc.

The Family Business In 2005, Butch Rosecke founded Mr. Goodwater, a water treatment company that has served the Rockford area for over fifteen years. Though he was already an expert in the field, running a business was a new frontier, and it shifted his family dynamics. His son Justin recalls how challenging it was to tag along for business meetings and service calls after school instead of hanging out with friends. Despite these sacrifices, Rosecke now recognizes that his efforts prepared him for a bright future.

By his sophomore year at Byron High School, Justin Rosecke had enough experience at Mr. Goodwater that he could match the full-time employees in skill. Still, he found himself lacking direction after graduation, and it wasn’t until he earned his associate degree in business administration and management from Kishwaukee College that he realized the family business is where he belongs.

Today, Rosecke is the vice president of Mr. Goodwater. Along with the service calls and installations he spent years perfecting, he has assumed additional responsibilities in scheduling and management. Rosecke’s father admires his work ethic, commending his willingness to put leisure on the back burner to get each job done right.

Mr. Goodwater currently provides water softening equipment and drinking water systems to homes throughout northern Illinois and the western suburbs of Chicago. As their reputation grows, they hope to expand both their range and the services they offer. As they do, customers can count on Butch and Justin Rosecke to continue treating their clientele like family.

By Crystal Behling

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ONE | ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Jordon Vold Physician Assistant – Psych & Addiction, Mile Square Health Center – L.P. Johnson Rockford

Helping Others, Changing Views Hard work, compassion, and perseverance are the keys to success in Jordan Vold’s job as a physician assistant with Miles Square LP Johnson Family Health. “In my current position, I work with folks dealing with opioid and substance use disorders. We focus on using evidence-based treatments and medications to help people get into recovery,” he said.

“I think the two biggest challenges we face in treating substance use disorders are increasing access to outpatient services and erasing the stigma associated with addiction,” Vold said. “Working to educate the community about this chronic disease helps combat that prejudice.”

Vold also works with the Winnebago County Jail to help connect the recently released population with health services. “We know that individuals with substance use disorders have a very high mortality rate within the first month of release…so it’s important to coordinate their health care. We strive to provide the approach of same day or next day appointments.”

“I’ve worked in community health for a long time, and I know our clients’ barriers,” he said. “Addiction is a complicated disease to treat, and that’s why our underserved population needs to have an advocate to help them navigate treatment options.”

Vold’s job satisfaction comes from helping to change the community’s view of substance use disorders.

“When we talk to people about behavioral health and addiction issues, some deeply seated biases and stigmas exist. Often, these biases are not accurate with the findings of established and respected medical organizations.

Viewing substance use disorders like other medical conditions is the first step to overcoming treatment barriers.”

By Lynne Connor

Emily Burke Associate Financial Representative, Thacker Financial — Northwestern Mutual

Change Agent Emily Burke has always embraced exploring new opportunities, whether it’s moving to different states, traveling abroad as a college student or transitioning into a new career path.

Burke was born in Texas but moved to Missouri and then Illinois due to her parents who worked in education. Finally settled in Rochelle, Burke graduated from Northern Illinois University, where she majored in Southeast Asian Studies. The summer before her senior year, Burke spent three months in Thailand and Cambodia to perform field research thanks to an Undergraduate Student Opportunities in Academic Research (USOAR) grant.

The experience of living in a third-world country was eye-opening, she says. “I was exposed to different types of culture and people. What I learned was people from different backgrounds all want the same thing – to provide for their families, be happy and live a good life.”

Burke started her career in Rockford at the YWCA Northwestern Illinois, first as a case manager for the Child Care Assistance Program and eventually becoming a supervisor. Last year Burke was ready for a change; she now works as an associate financial representative for Thacker Financial – Northwestern Mutual.

And, she’s wasted little time getting immersed within her new environment. She obtained her Health and Life Insurance license and has started working on her Series 6, 65 and SIE investment licenses. She has completed more than 40 hours of leadership and management training, and she’s also working on earning a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence. Burke previously served as a trustee on the Talcott Free Library board.

Despite her busy schedule, Burke wouldn’t have it any other way. “I am more than happy to give up some time to help my community grow and thrive.”

By Paul Anthony Arco

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Drake Grindle Financial Advisor, Savant Wealth Management

Buying into Rockford Drake Grindle, 30, is operating on little sleep these days. He and his wife, Danielle, welcomed their first baby, Delilah, just a few weeks ago.

“Sleep varies day to day, but we’re getting used to the variety. She keeps us always on our toes.”

Despite functioning on just a few hours of rest, Grindle has made himself available as a leader here, both at his office at Savant Wealth Management, and through the Leadership Rockford program. After participating in the 2018-2019 class, Grindle was nominated to be a moderator for the following year’s leadership class. “I really enjoyed that program,” Grindle explained, “getting to know professionals in a variety of industries and companies from a variety of backgrounds.”

Grindle’s expertise stems from studying accounting, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He worked in Chicago for two years, and then he returned to Rockford and began his work at Savant in financial advising. “After trying out the big city for a couple years, the traffic and commute was terrible, and the seasonal nature of auditing – the 70-80 hour weeks during the busy season… I wouldn’t have had patience for that long term.”

When asked about the things he liked about Chicago, Grindle admitted “The cool thing about Chicago is you can play softball in Grant Park with that skyline behind you – the views are incredible. But Rockford is hands-down better with the variety of parks. It’s one of the great aspects and it’s very attractive for people who like to be outdoors.”

Coming back to Rockford to settle down with his family brought with it a commitment to the community.

Once a month, Grindle volunteers in the kitchen at Rock House Kids, a local youth non-profit.

“I want to give back to the Rockford community to make sure it’s a great place for Delilah to grow up,” he said.

Danielle Muskovin

By Andrew Wright

Nurse Manager, MercyHealth

The Healing Touch Danielle Muskovin is a natural-born nurse. “There were many amazing nurses in my family while growing up. My mom is a nurse, and watching her build an incredible community of nurse leaders as a part of her job inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare.”

As an OB/GYN service line manager at Mercyhealth, Muskovin’s passion for nursing has led to additional responsibilities. “I fell in love with leadership. I enjoy being part of the development and formation of new nurses,” she said. Working to build teams and run emergencies has been a most gratifying part of my job.”

Helping her team of nurses navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, Muskovin said, highlighted the dedication of her colleagues. “Healthcare is constantly changing, so we have to improve and grow our skillset. Despite significant workforce shortages and difficulty getting supplies, I think my nurse leaders see beyond that.”

Muskovin knows that being a leader in her field means collaborating with others. “In healthcare, crucial to understand how the resources and knowledge of others can supplement your work and provide an optimal patient outcome. The responsibility for others is not something to be taken lightly.”

The risks and rewards of Muskovin’s job are closely related. “As a nurse leader, I have the fantastic privilege of being present at the beginning of life and when life ends. There is no better feeling or bigger reward for me than supporting life in all stages. There are many challenges in healthcare, but I’m proud to be part of a team that has persevered and continues to provide top-notch care.”

By Lynne Connor

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ONE | ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Dr. Mandolen Mull Chair, PURI School of Business; Assistant Professor of Leadership, Rockford University, PURI School of Business

Leading with Momentum In less than a decade, Dr. Mandolen Mull has transitioned from industry to academia, earned her MBA and Ph.D., and became the Chair of the business department at Rockford University. Despite ongoing struggles with her health, Mull pours herself into her work, mindful of the legacy she upholds as the first woman to occupy her position in the school’s 175-year history.

Before moving to Rockford in 2018, Mull lived and studied in Texas. She discovered her interest in academia while working as a supervisor at McLane Company, where she mentored employees pursuing higher education.

One of these workers suggested she apply for an opening at Tarleton State University Waco. While managing the business department there, she began studying Organizational Development and Change at the University of Texas, where she would earn her doctorate while instructing her first semester of classes at Rockford University.

Less than a year after being hired, Mull was appointed the Director of the Puri School of Business Degree Completion program, where she implemented a policy to accept work training for college credit. A few months later, she was elected to Department Chair. In this position, she continues to foster the academic and professional development of the Rockford community.

Mull is currently writing a book on leadership, early success, and burnout. Through her firm, MullMentum Consulting, she helps others navigate such life challenges. Her goal is to develop authentic leaders and to help people share their talents by discovering genuine fulfillment in their work.

By Crystal Behling

Kristin Hamblock Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Rosecrance Health Network

Keeping the Human in Human Resources “A strong, vibrant workforce only exists when the focus is on providing that comprehensive employee experience,” said Kristin Hamblock, senior vice president of human resources for the Rosecrance Health Network. As a leader in the field of behavioral healthcare, Hamblock advocates for a universal approach to workforce satisfaction.

“Organizations need to be creative in how they package the employee experience. A total compensation mindset goes beyond the monetary value of the job and encompasses other benefits of employment,” Hamblock said. “Many companies offer wellness apps, flu shots, and HSA accounts. These health-related perks are good for the workforce and make businesses more competitive.”

Hamblock champions workplace fulfillment by challenging how employees view personnel managers.

“There’s a lot of misconceptions about the field of human resources. People believe that HR staff can be harsh and unforgiving. I’ve made it my career’s work to overturn those stereotypes,” she said. “Certainly, a human resources department has to represent the employer; however, this job can incorporate kindness and dignity.

Human resource professionals have the ability to make a significant and positive impact on employees and their families.”

“A region’s overall well-being,” Hamblock said, “begins by increasing strategic connections. The behavioral health workforce has had to find creative ways to meet the needs of our community. The Rosecrance Health Network maintains partnerships with Northern Illinois University and the states we operate in to attract dedicated employees.”

“Education and job experience always allow us to see our work through a broader lens,” Hamblock said. “A dedicated human resources department is the key to success in any business.”

By Lynne Conner

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Vic Rivera Arts and Culture Ambassador

Ambassador of Art Rockford is home to many things. One of those is a rich arts and culture scene, which is partially in thanks to Vic Rivera. “The stuff I do now [in the art world] is the stuff I wanted to see growing up. Being young and Mexican, I didn’t think art was for us.”

During the day, Rivera works at Collins Aerospace. However, he doubles as an arts and culture ambassador for the Rockford area. He hosts art shows, cultural events, and volunteers to help expose residents to an otherwise underground/unknown scene of sheer creativity and vibrancy. Rivera is also helping remove the stigma around break dancing and graffiti in Rockford, which have since gone on to become respected mediums.

Artists like Banksy have graffiti pieces that sell for vast sums of money and break dancing will be an Olympic event in 2024.

Rivera’s main goal is to inspire people in the community and provide opportunities he wasn’t afforded as an adolescent. He went on to say that his children often find it strange when there’s not an exquisite mural decorating something. “They only know a world of art [in Rockford].”

One of his favorite memories of the Rockford art scene was the painting of a 30 x 50-foot mural of his oldest daughter, on a wall that had been empty for 20+ years. “She’s become a face of hope in our community and neighborhood,” he explained. “I want people to see that you can succeed as an artist in Rockford.”

By Emily Ramboldt

Neeley Erickson Government Affairs Director, Illinois REALTORS®

Finding Her Calling Neeley Erickson turned her childhood passion for helping others solve their problems into a career. Now, on a daily basis, this Belvidere native uses her problem-solving skills to help others achieve housing and protect their private property rights.

Erickson, who previously worked as a legislative aide to State Representative Joe Sosnowski, is a governmental affairs director for Illinois REALTORS®. Among her duties are lobbying, grant writing, policy, and education. “I want to take advantage of the success that REALTORS® can bring to the community,” she says. “They are doing more than just brokering property transactions. They live and work in these communities and can make a positive impact.”

For four years, Erickson served as an elected official on the Poplar Grove Village Board of Trustees. During her time on the board, Erickson helped to eliminate impact fees which spurred new housing construction and worked to revitalize Poplar Grove’s parks and playgrounds, which is important to this mother of an 11-year-old son, Brayden.

Erickson, an avid runner, spends much of her free time volunteering for several organizations including the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Family Peace Center and Habitat for Humanity. Recently, Erickson helped REALTORS® partner with the Rockford Park District on a project at Levings Lake to build an accessible deck and plant trees to beautify the area.

For three years, she served on a special committee that raised private funds to renovate the Illinois Governor’s Mansion. The $15 million project was completed in time for the Illinois Bicentennial in 2018.

There is no project — big or small — that Erickson is afraid to tackle.

“I make the time to improve our community for present and future residents,” she says. “I make community outreach my first priority.”

By Paul Anthony Arco

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Danica Keeton Director of Development & Community Relations; Owner, Beloit Area Community Health Center; Weddings by Danica

Lighting Fires Promoting philanthropic ventures in the Rockford area is a top priority for Danica Keeton, president of IGNTE Rockford and the president-elect of the Junior League for the Rockford/Beloit area. “In everything I do, I always try to be community-focused. I view my leadership roles as a way to give back; because the Rockford community has given so much to me.”

Keeton said that a proactive mindset drives the success of IGNITE. “We provide professional development and outreach opportunities to keep our members engaged in the Rockford community. We want them to call Rockford home.”

Meet a Non-Profit is one of IGNITE’s key projects. “This gives our members a chance to learn about different nonprofit organizations in our community,” she said. “Our members get a first-hand look at the services these nonprofits contribute to the community. Meet a Non-Profit also encourages our members to give of their time and talent.”

Keeton’s work with the Junior League aims to improve youth education in the Rockford area. “We train and empower our local women leaders to improve childhood literacy. Our goal is to have book vending machines in area hospitals and clinics, so every child treated leaves their appointment with a new book.”

Keeton approaches all of her leadership endeavors by assessing what’s best for each situation. “Leading means asking the questions: “What do the members need from me? What motivates them? What can I learn from them? And, what can they learn from me? Collaboration of the team usually predicts how well an organization will succeed.”

By Lynne Conner

Kyle Saunders Director of Public Works, City of Rockford

In the Works Kyle Saunders has been a Rockford resident his entire life. He was born and raised here, went to Rockford University (for undergraduate and graduate school), and is now the Director of Public Works for the City. He oversees all things public infrastructure including roadways, bridges, and water distribution and treatment, to name a few. “Being a part of rebuilding [my] hometown and really serving the community [I] grew up in is really something I’m proud of. I meet with residents in neighborhoods I know and [get to serve] people I grew up with,” he explained.

Saunders was an intern in the Water Division while in college and during that time learned a tremendous amount about Public Works. After completing his undergraduate degree, he was fortunate enough to start in the Engineering Division with the City. Saunders went on to get his MBA from RU to better understand the business aspects of Public Works.

He was soon promoted; through commitment and a solid work ethic, he naturally moved up in the organization to his current position. “I think [it’s a combination of] hard work and being exposed to great mentors [that] led me to where I’m at.” Saunders is currently working towards his second master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, to be the best possible director he can be, and to keep his department moving forward and upward.

When Saunders isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family.

By Emily Ramboldt

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Joseph Landmichl Manager - Education and Community Volunteers, Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter

Lending a Hand Where He Can Joseph Landmichl’s nonprofit career has taken him to various parts of the country. While he cherishes the memories and experiences, the Chicago native is glad to be back in the Midwest, close to family and friends.

Landmichl is the manager of education and community volunteers for the Alzheimer’s Association in its Rockford branch. While he has no personal connection to the disease, Landmichl knows the impact that Alzheimer’s unleashes on so many families.

“The biggest misconception people have is that Alzheimer’s is part of the normal aging process and it’s just memory loss,” he says. “It is not. We don’t know what causes Alzheimer’s, but it’s a horrible disease that affects so many people.”

For Landmichl, variety truly is the spice of life. Landmichl has long been a proponent of volunteering, starting with his days as an Eagle Scout. He volunteered at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago as an animal care educator.

Prior to moving to Rockford, he traveled as a volunteer management and community development consultant, working with nonprofits in Mississippi, Michigan and Florida, where he lent his experience to help support an exhibit at the Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation & Society.

Landmichl’s generosity has no limits. He teaches line dancing to residents at a local senior living facility and bakes cookies for families in need. Last year, he organized a virtual health fair that included more than 20 nonprofits. Landmichl is always looking for the next opportunity where he can make a difference.

“If I see something lacking in our community, I want to help to build it,” he says. “Our community has many needs and I’m happy to be here in Rockford to make it happen.”

By Paul Anthony Arco

Nicole Frazer Teacher, Jefferson High School, Rockford Public Schools, District 205

A History of Excellence The Rockford Public School District (RPS) is the second largest employer in the Rockford area, and it boasts over 28,000 enrolled students across all grade levels. When an organization becomes this essential, it must rely on its staff to keep things running smoothly. That’s where teachers like Nicole Frazer come in—lifelong learners who advocate for the wellbeing and future opportunities of Rockford students.

Frazer always knew she wanted to work in education. With this goal in mind, she earned her teaching certification and a BA in history from Northern Illinois University. After student teaching at RPS, she knew that this was the district she wanted to grow alongside. In the twelve years since then, she has earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction while teaching history, economics, and government at Jefferson High School.

In her classes, Frazer fosters the development of life skills through cooperative and project-based learning, evidenced by the Shark Tank exercise she designed for the students in her economics class in 2018. They were instructed to create business proposals that would address community needs, and Frazer even recruited local leaders to mentor the students and help evaluate their work. Today, the school offers an Incubator course where a similar project spans the entire academic year.

For her dedication, Frazer has received fellowships from C-SPAN and, more recently, the James Madison Foundation. She now plans to pursue a second master’s degree while providing her students with opportunities to earn college credit while still in high school.

By Crystal Behling

ONE | ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Maryjo Pirages Reynolds Partner, AllenGalluzzoHevrinLeake, LLC

Navigating the Legal Landscape Growing up, Maryjo Pirages Reynolds, a Rockford native, had thoughts of becoming a pediatrician. “I love kids and felt like that was my calling. However, towards the end of high school, I had an opportunity to sit in on a deposition and that opened my eyes to becoming an attorney” she says. After undergrad, Reynolds studied law at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Reynolds is one of 22 attorneys at Allen Galluzzo Hevrin and Leake, LLC (AGHL) in Rockford and made partner in January. She concentrates her practice on employment law, helping employers comply with the everchanging legal landscape and defending their interests. “I enjoy being able to establish long term relationships with my clients and proactively helping them.” AGHL is a Rockford firm founded in 2021 by a group of seasoned attorneys and focuses its practice on assisting businesses with their varied legal needs. Reynolds says, “It’s been exciting to be part of this new venture since its inception.” Reynolds’ father also practices employment law at AGHL. He, along with another former boss and mentor, led her to focus on that practice area.

Reynolds is also very active in the community. She was previously the President of ‘Next Rockford,’ a young professionals’ group, and sits on several other boards. “When you volunteer, you receive more than you give. We all have to invest in the betterment of our community.”

Outside of work and community involvement, Reynolds loves spending time with her family and is grateful for their support.

By Emily Ramboldt

Lea Evers Financial Advisor, CFP,® Edward Jones

Taking Stock in Happiness There was little doubt the career path Lea Evers would travel in life.

Her grandfather was a stockbroker and a financial investor. Evers herself learned about accrued interest by the time was she six. In fact, Evers charged her older brothers interest whenever they needed to borrow her allowance. “Whenever we played Monopoly, I had to be the banker,” says Evers, who became a financial advisor at 28 and today works for Edward Jones.

“I love what I do,” she says. “And I have an amazing relationship with my clients. My role is to help them achieve their goals and dreams. It’s the best part of my job.”

Evers’ first job as a teenager was working as a deejay at a small radio station in Clinton, Ill. She was also passionate about theater and performed in many school plays.

It’s her upbeat disposition and positive attitude that has helped Evers overcome some rough patches along the way. Evers’ parents divorced when she was young, and her father later died when she was just 15. Evers also experienced divorce herself and is now raising son, A.J., who was born with a rare malformation of the brain and needed surgery at age three. Seven years later, he is doing well.

“I’ve always been focused on not letting anxiety or stress overwhelm me,” Evers says. “Sometimes you have to just plow through. I joke that a Marine raised me. We were taught to do what we have to do.”

Away from work, Evers is on the board for the Stateline Chamber, Rockford University Alumni, and active with Women of Today’s Manufacturing and the PTO at her son’s school.

By Paul Anthony Arco

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Ricardo Montoya Picazo Chief of Staff, Office of State Representative Dave Vella – 68th

Building Foundations In November 2021, Dave Vella was elected to the office of Illinois State Representative, making him the first Democrat to hold the 68th District since 1995. At his side on this momentous occasion was Vella’s Chief of Staff, Ricardo Montoya Picazo. Together, these two men have built a foundation on public service through hard work and community engagement.

Montoya discovered his passion in public service at fifteen, when he heard a state senator speaking at a political event. Shortly after, he began joining local advocacy groups and church programs centered around social, political, and economic issues for people of color and their communities—matters that he still holds close to his heart today.

As Representative Vella’s Chief of Staff, Montoya operates the district departments in Constituent Services and Outreach. He prioritizes the interests of their constituents, taking time each morning to personally respond to emails before meeting with his staff. He also tackles larger community outreach projects, such as the “Ready to Read with Dave” series, in which Representative Vella reads aloud at local elementary schools to inspire a love of reading in children.

Montoya spends much of his free time giving back to the community he serves by getting involved with local boards and organizations. Recently, he helped found the Rockford Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a group that supports and advocates for small businesses. With the support of the Rockford community, he hopes to see this enterprise flourish into a resource for Latinos and other minority business owners.

By Crystal Behling

Kristina Reuber Director of Welcome Center Relations, Rockford Public Schools, District 205

A Warm Welcome Kristina Reuber is a Rockford native with a history of community service and personal growth. A graduate of Jefferson High School, Reuber has returned to the Rockford Public School District (RPS) as the Director of Welcome Center Relations, where she leads a team that helps students and their families through the enrollment process and serves as a resource throughout their academic journey.

After high school, Reuber earned her associate degree from Rock Valley College before pursuing a BA in economics and political science at Loyola University Chicago. She returned to Rockford in 2010 to join La Voz Latina as their youth programs director, where she forged connections that would jumpstart a decade’s worth of community partnerships.

Today, Reuber runs the RPS Welcome Center, where she has worked to improve efficiency through crosstraining and an emphasis on improving customer experience. She also serves as a mentor to Rockford Promise scholars, RPS students who have earned a full-tuition scholarship to local institutions of higher education.

Though Reuber and her team have already made great strides in modernizing the Welcome Center, they are not planning to slow down any time soon! As part of their efforts to streamline enrollment for students and their families, they are working toward online access. Additionally, they have partnered with the Process Improvement department to begin digitizing old transcripts and other student records. Efforts such as these guarantee that everyone from parents to alumni will leave the Welcome Center with a positive impression of Rockford Public Schools.

By Crystal Behling

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Eric Brown Education and Advocacy Coordinator, RAMP

An Agent for Change Eric Brown has spent his entire life helping others navigate barriers while living with a disability. It’s a subject he knows all too well. Brown was born with cerebral palsy, and has used it as a platform to make things more inclusive and accessible.

“I’ve always been an advocate,” says Brown, who credits his parents for always pushing him to stand up for himself and others. “Those conversations with my parents laid the groundwork for the things I’m doing today.”

Brown is the education & advocacy coordinator for RAMP, a center for independent living that advocates for individuals with disabilities in Winnebago, Boone, Stephenson and DeKalb counties. Brown works to identify and eliminate barriers to independence for clients through education and advocacy for systemic change. One out of four people has some type of a disability, says Brown.

As part of his advocacy efforts, Brown serves on the Mayor’s Taskforce Against Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking working to ensure services are available to survivors with disabilities. He also serves on the board for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northern Illinois.

Brown joined RAMP nine years ago. Since then, he’s been involved with the workgroup to rewrite the Illinois Accessibility Code, worked with legislators to draft and pass the Person First Language Act, and partnered with all three Rockford hospitals and the local deaf community to improve communication access. He’s even traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak with legislative leaders. The list of projects Brown has been involved with is a long one.

“I’ve been blessed to have great mentors in my career who kept me focused on making our community better,” he says. “I’ve opened some doors and show others just how strong our disability community really is. But there’s more work to do.”

By Paul Anthony Arco

Allison Bernardi Insko Realtor, Dickerson & Nieman Realtors

Finding the Bright Side Alli Bernardi Insko always looks for the positives in life. Now a talented realtor, Insko just broke into her field last year, at the height of COVID-19. Connecting with her passion has been a long journey, but Insko knows she can make it through by relying on her experience and the support of her family.

Growing up in Rockford, Insko used to love exploring historical neighborhoods and viewing new construction with her mom. She now recognizes this as her first clue that real estate was the field for her. Not long after earning her bachelor’s degree, Insko moved to Texas to pursue work in marketing and sales. Though she loved Dallas, she came back to Rockford in 2017, when her father and his business partner offered her a job at Alpha Controls & Services.

2020 was an intense year, but for Insko, it was a chance to take stock and make mindful choices about her future. Feeling that she was in the wrong industry, Insko left her job and started taking real estate classes, which led to her joining Dickerson Nieman in January 2021.

Today, Insko is a top producer with glowing reviews. In her free time, she serves as a board member for United Way of Rock River Valley and The Laurent House by Frank Lloyd Wright. To those who are hesitating to take a chance in their life or career, Insko offers this advice: “Do it! You’ll figure it out, and you might love your life even more.”

By Crystal Behling

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Jeff Lewis Financial Advisor, Savant Wealth Management

Managing Team Efforts Those who know Jeff Lewis will say he’s a pretty good financial adviser. But if he had followed through on his childhood dreams, he might have been a running a professional basketball team instead.

Lewis was a huge sports fan growing up, thanks to his grandmother who always had a sporting event on television when he visited. He played basketball at Hononegah High School, but it was video games that really brought out the inner general manager in Lewis. “I loved drafting and trading players and constructing a roster,” he says. “I got to call the shots.”

But reality set in and Lewis soon set his sights on a different career path. He earned a degree in economics from Illinois State University and returned home to the Rockford area. He’s been with Savant Wealth Management for seven years.

As a financial advisor, Lewis manages all aspects of the financial planning and investment process for more than 180 clients. He also serves on many internal committees and handles many media requests on behalf of the firm.

Lewis sees many parallels between overseeing a sports team to managing his clients. “There’s an art when it comes to developing and implementing a successful plan,” he says. “It’s not every day you win the lottery or draft Michael Jordan, so what are your options beyond plan A? Or even plan B? Coaching my clients through these decisions is the most satisfying part of my job.”

Lewis, who is married with a daughter, serves on the board of Rockford Promise, a non-profit that offers fulltuition college scholarships to deserving graduates of Rockford Public Schools District 205.

Life gets hectic balancing work and family, he admits, but it’s one that this general manager wannabe wouldn’t trade for anything.

Thomas R. Cross

By Paul Anthony Arco

Partner, AllenGalluzzoHevrinLeake, LLC

Marching to a Different Beat Tom Cross is well respected in the legal world. As a partner with Allen Galluzzo Hevrin Leake, LLC, Cross is known for his work in real estate and corporate transactions. His grandfather was an attorney, but Cross didn’t grow up aspiring to follow in his footsteps. “It came about naturally,” he says. “I thought it was an interesting career, took the LSAT on a whim, and graduated with high distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law.” Cross says producing solutions for his clients is his greatest satisfaction. “I like when two sides work together to produce a mutual benefit,” he says. “Every situation is different and there isn’t always an easy answer.”

But it was music that consumed Cross during his formative years. A native of Naperville, Cross grew up in a musical family; his grandfather and father played trumpet, his mother participated in musical theater, and his sister played piano. Young Cross picked up his first trumpet in third grade and as he got older, performed in front of large crowds during summer concerts in Naperville’s parks.

Cross attended the University of Illinois where he planned to study music performance, until he had a change of heart. “I realized early on what I liked doing as a hobby was no longer fun, as I sat in a practice room 12 to 14 hours a day. When it became more like a job, I switched my major to political science.”

These days, career and family take priority for Cross. His wife, Kate, is the Boone County Public Defender, and the couple have two young children. Cross serves as a board member for the Saint Anthony College of Nursing, the Rockford Coronado Association, and NW Homestart.

By Paul Anthony Arco

ONE | ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Kamrin Muhammad Recreation Coordinator, Rockford Park District

The Guide Along the Journey Kamrin Muhammad always loved being the “team mom” for her son’s sporting activities. That passion now flourishes in her job as recreation coordinator for the Rockford Park District. “I’ve always been into community service, volunteering, and youth development which are all part of my current position.”

“Overseeing the youth and teen program at the Washington Park Community Center allows me to provide guidance and mentorship to teens as they transition into adulthood,” she said. “We talk about teens being our future leaders, but we don’t always give them the tools they need to step into the responsibility of adulthood. I’m happy to help teens along that journey.”

Muhammad’s job is not without its challenges, but she views them as opportunities for growth. “I work with a population which has many needs. I think it’s necessary to be an empathetic person when working with teens to provide the support they require. Sometimes, that means pouring more of yourself into others than you anticipate.”

She said that representing future possibilities is crucial in helping kids reach their life goals. “I primarily work with underserved youth who don’t know what opportunities they could pursue in the future,” she said. “If there isn’t a strong example in their lives, they can’t fulfill their goals.”

Muhammad said that expecting the unexpected and knowing when to approach things differently have contributed to her job satisfaction. “Using a holistic method is sometimes the best way to work with teens. I’ve had to take ideas in a new direction, come up with alternative options and rely on my life experiences to guide the teens in our program. When you get creative, and it works, you’ve made a difference.”

By Lynne Connor

Bobby Reitsch Executive Director of Development, YMCA of Rock River Valley

Raising Connections Bobby Reitsch “fell into fundraising” during his college years at the University of Iowa. “I participated in a student organization called Dance Marathon, which raised money for pediatric oncology programs and services, and I was the philanthropy chairman of my fraternity,” he said. “I decided to pursue a fundraising career from that and brought my experience back to Rockford. I want to help those in our community regardless of my professional setting.” Reitsch draws upon that passion as the Executive Director of Development for the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

“The opportunity to identify donors who can make impactful gifts that benefit the health and wellness of the entire Northern Illinois region is extremely gratifying work,” he said. Beyond generalized established funding, Reitsch actively seeks to link donors to specific programs within the organization he serves. This goal, he believes, is best accomplished through building long-term professional connections.

“A major perk to my job is developing relationships with a diverse group of individuals, learning their stories, and understanding how I can best help them achieve their own philanthropic goals,” he said.

Reitsch has always had a passion for people and has integrated that philosophy into everything he does.

“I promised myself years ago that whatever I do in life, I want to make people smile. Being a fundraiser helps me achieve that long-held promise because I am in a position to help people envision the significance of their generosity while also fulfilling their dreams of making a difference in their community.”

By Lynne Conner

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Jason Holcomb Director of Community Impact, Region 1 Planning Council

Creating the Biggest Impact Managing money can be a daunting task for anyone, but overseeing public funds to affect the most significant financial and social outcome is just a part of Jason Holcomb’s job. As director of community impact for the Region One Planning Council, he knows that a good return on investment goes beyond dollars and cents.

“The planning council tries to utilize an impact investing mindset which generates financial gains and creates positive community and environmental outcomes,” he said. Holcomb’s background in community mental health and his past work with Transform Rockford serve him well in his other current role as director of the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (WCCMH). The WCCMH oversees a grant program funded by the halfcent tax for mental health implemented in 2020.

“It’s been gratifying for me to work with the board in developing and expanding mental health services in my hometown,” Holcomb said, acknowledging that each community has its challenges in providing public health services for its residents. “There’s not always a strictly scientific solution when you work in the mental health services. What has worked in another region may not necessarily work in our area.”

Holcomb favors being an “adaptive leader.” “I think it’s most important to lead by serving as a conductor instead of being a subject matter expert. I try to uncover the abilities and resources of those around me and use those qualities to move our projects forward.”

By Lynne Conner

Kate Blanchard, M.ED., RDMS, RVS, RT® Clinical Professor/Clinical Coordinator, Mercyhealth

High Frequency Helping to establish diagnostic ultrasound education in the Rockford region is just a part of how Kate Blanchard is making a lasting impact on the community. She serves as the clinical professor/clinical coordinator for Mercyhealth’s School of Sonography. Her mission is to provide new opportunities for the Rockford area.

“I want to increase access to ultrasound education while helping to supply the community with high quality sonographers.”

Blanchard launched an ultrasound program through Rockford Career College before she moved to Mercyhealth. She’s most proud of the community collaborations she’s made while helping to build these programs. She has connected with the Rockford Rescue Mission, GiGi’s Playhouse, the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Rockford, Northern IL Food Bank, and Mosaic to help enhance the learner’s journey. “I know I’m in the right area.

That look on their face when they get it…it never gets old. It’s the best.” She says the best part about working with students is watching them make lifelong bonds and gain confidence in their abilities.

Her work in ultrasound does not stop there. She is travelling to Kenya for an ultrasound mission trip and she helps train other medical professionals (First Responders, Residents, physicians, etc.) in emergency sonography through InDemand Ultrasound, LLC., a Rockford-based small business. “We saw a need for training in this facet, so we went with it. Ultrasound is fast, portable, efficient, and reliable. Learning new methods of what it can do is crucial, and there is A LOT we can do.”

By Emily Ramboldt

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Kyle York VP – Retail Banking; Real Estate Broker, Illinois Bank & Trust; Dickerson & Nieman Realtors

Leadership Through Service Kyle York likes helping people.

There’s a type of leadership that comes with a commitment of service to others.

York, 34, is a vice president and on-site manager at Illinois Bank & Trust. He’s been in the banking industry for 10 years, and is an active member of the bank’s senior leadership team, with a focus on customer service.

He’s also a real estate agent with Dickerson & Nieman Realtors, a way to help his customers above and beyond what the banking industry can offer. “There’s a lot of crossover between banking and real estate,” York said, “Helping people find their first home, sell their home to upgrade or downsize, I love helping people in different facets of service.”

But York also is proud to represent his bank through service to the Rockford community.

York is board chair for the Northern Region of Children’s Home & Aid. His volunteerism is inspired by his adoptive mother, who served with the agency as a social worker and retired last year. “It’s been great to share my story with the board and with others who are going though the fostering or adoption process.” York is quick to add “We are always looking for foster parents, volunteers and prospective board members.”

Chamber members may also know York from his work as a board member for Ignite, the young professionals group that is part of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. He has been a co-chair for their education committee, coordinating the “Lunch with a Leader” series which features speakers from local businesses and organizations.

At the end of the day, York makes sure there’s time to take care of his family. He recently celebrated an anniversary with his wife Michelle, 35, and has three kids ages 14, 8 and 6, who are involved in youth sports and after school activities.

By Andrew Wright

Maureen Kirschmann Family and Community Engagement Manager, Rockford Public Schools, District 205

Making Connections Rockford – and supporting its residents – is Maureen Kirschmann’s passion. She’s the Family and Community Engagement Supervisor for Rockford Public Schools. Her job allows her to connect families with community resources, work with district volunteers, and coach the district parent liaison team who work directly with the families of RPS’s 28,000 students. Her proudest accomplish so far is the support RPS offered at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. She worked with RPS administrators, City of Rockford leaders, and community organizations to saturate the city with food access, academic resources and other needed supports.

Kirschmann’s background is in non-profit work with human and social services organizations both domestically and internationally, even living in Zambia at one point. However, when the opportunity arose in her hometown to be a part of such a community-based role, she jumped at it. “When I applied for this job, I was very…persistent. I knew, coming in for the first interview ‘I’m going to work here.’”

Rockford isn’t without its challenges and Kirschmann knows that, but she says that every place you go will have its challenges. “It’s up to us what our story is going to be and how we move forward. I want to help other people see Rockford as a place with opportunities. There is so much good in our community.”

Kirschmann is also a board member for the Rockford Area Arts Council and Rockford Historic Preservation Commission. Community work, supporting her hometown, and removing barriers for families are what drives her.

By Emily Ramboldt

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Jacob Bradt President, Rockford Buzz

Rockford’s Biggest Fan Eight years ago, Jacob Bradt finally had enough of the negative talk surrounding his hometown. “I’m proRockford and I got tired of people talking smack about our city,” he says. “The negative article in Forbes magazine was the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

In 2014, Bradt decided to do something about it. He launched Rockford Buzz, a website that features the good – people, places and events – that make up Rockford. Bradt started by posting cellphone videos of interviews he did with people running local businesses. “I didn’t know how to edit video or anything,” he says. “If I made a mistake, I’d just do it over again.”

Bradt grew up on a family farm 10 minutes northwest of Rockford. He graduated from Hononegah High School before moving on to Rock Valley College. For the next decade he worked in the IT industry in various roles – sales, project management and network design – before leaving to tackle his newest project full-time.

It took some heavy lifting, but Rockford Buzz has taken off into a full-fledged media company. In addition to the website, Bradt and his wife offer small businesses website content and video production services.

Now Bradt, who is financially supported by sponsorships, is getting ready to launch a similar site called Stateline Buzz, promoting the Rockton/Roscoe and Beloit areas. “The first five years were really a grind,” he says.

“The tide is turning and we’re finally able to make a living.”

Bradt’s philosophy is simple – the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. “Rather than looking over the fence people should put that energy into their own town,” he says. “Rockford has a lot of great amenities – museums, parks and entertainment venues. There’s so much right here in our own backyard.”

By Paul Anthony Arco

Melissa Childers Plant Quality Manager, Parker Hannifin

Manufacturing Success When Melissa Childers made the move from a small town in northeast Ohio to Rockford to work for Parker Hannifin, a world leader in motion and control technologies, she was planning on staying for two years at the most. That was six years ago, as Childers continues to grow and thrive both personally and professionally in the Rockford area.

Childers has a background in chemical engineering and joined Parker Hannifin as a leadership development associate in design engineering, before moving to the company’s Accumulator and Cooler Division in Machesney Park, as a product engineer. She was recently promoted to plant quality manager during the height of COVID, which was no easy feat.

“It has taken some time for me to grow and learn when it comes to developing relationships in the workplace,” she says. “I’m a very upbeat person and I had to learn to read the energy of the room. A year later, our team dynamic is strong, and we really are producing some excellent products.”

Working in a male-dominated profession has also provided Childers some unique challenges and opportunities. As a leader in her company’s peer-to-peer mentoring program, Childers meets with women from across the country every month to discuss key issues that impact their work as well as their daily lives. “We are building bridges for others who might need some additional resources,” she says.

In her free time, Childers and her husband are involved with their church, St. Bridget Catholic Church.

And she’s active with Alignment Rockford, serving the Academy Expo as a booth volunteer and job shadow coordinator.

“Manufacturing is not a glamorous field and that’s why these programs are so important for area students to be invited in so we can showcase the career opportunities that exist right in their own backyard.”

By Paul Anthony Arco

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Briana Dettmer Operations Manager, Maxim Healthcare Services

Keeping Home in Home Care It’s no secret that COVID-19 had unprecedented ramifications in healthcare. However, the pandemic was not going to stop Briana Dettmer from providing quality in-home care to as many patients as possible. “It’s scary when you have a child or a family member that’s diagnosed with a serious and potentially life changing condition. What’s rewarding is being able to offer alternative solutions to remain in their home and keep some level of normalcy.”

A Rockford native, she returned to the area after college in order to “make [an] impact on the community I grew up in, in a tangible way.” Dettmer had several community-based jobs before her current position. Her background is in Pediatrics, as well as Children’s Home and Aid, amongst other things.

Currently, she’s the Operations Manager at Maxim Healthcare Services. With her guidance, Maxim has been able to “provide skilled nursing care for medically fragile pediatric patients, adults with complex medical needs, veterans and their families.” Maxim also offers “companion care as well, for individuals with chronic and acute illnesses.” Dettmer has always had a passion for helping others, even before working with Maxim.

While she is in charge of a great deal, her primary goal is to provide excellent medical care and to alleviate as much anxiety as possible. “[We] offer alternative[s] to families who are struggling. [We are] able to educate and get them connected with resources they maybe didn’t know they could take advantage of.”

Dettmer enjoys spending time with family when she’s not working.

By Emily Ramboldt

Allison Huntley Assistant States Attorney, Ogle County State’s Attorney’s Office

On a Mission of Service Huntley, 33, has been working to protect victims of domestic violence, both as a career and as a volunteer.

“It’s my job to know about civic agencies that support all public needs,” Huntley explained. “The survivors I work with have gone through literal hell. If the hardest part of my day is going to work, for my survivors the hardest part of their day is going home. I hope that through prosecution, my survivor will have a safe place to go.”

Huntley, a Georgetown graduate who came to Rockford with her husband, Daniel, started by working at local law firm Holmstrom Kennedy in business, trust, and estates litigation, but she had a fondness for her criminal law classes at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and a call to serve the public. “I was someone who was always volunteering… I was born to serve,” Huntley said. And soon, when a job opening was posted for an assistant state’s attorney in Winnebago County, she applied to public service.

In 2019, Huntley was assigned to the domestic violence unit. When an opportunity opened in Ogle County, she pursued that as well, and found herself doing much of the same domestic violence prosecutions as in Winnebago County.

Getting involved in serving the public for Huntley goes beyond her career. She serves on the board of HOPE Ogle County, a non-profit that supports survivors of domestic abuse. Huntley also serves as a member of Junior League and on a task force that helps investigate and prevent child deaths.

Huntley is a passionate advocate for people in her line of work. “I may be the first sitting state’s attorney nominated to 40 Under 40, but I believe there are so many more of us working hard for our community that also deserve recognition as well.”

Allison and Daniel Huntley live in Byron with their 5-year old son James and their 7-month old son, Andrew.

By Andrew Wright

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ONE EVENT JUNE 23, 2022 VISIT ROCKFORDCHAMBER.COM AND VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE REVEAL EVENT

“Power is found from within our community.

Knowledge is power, but enthusiasm pulls the switch.”

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors would like to extend their congratulations to the 2022 40 Leaders Under Forty!

YOUR ROCKFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LaVonne Brown Savant Wealth Management

Samuel J. Castree Staff Management, Inc.

Jean Crosby Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby Starck Real Estate

Lesly Couper workplace

Doug Curry Stenstrom Construction Group

Don Daniels

Rebecca Epperson Chartwell Agency

Carol Friesen OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center

Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D. Rockford University

Ira Grimmett Collins Aerospace

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory

Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Carly LaMonica LaMonica Beverages, Inc.

Kris L. Kieper Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois

Nicole Radford UW Health Northern Illinois Region

Dan Ross Community Foundation of Northern Illinois

Denise Sasse RSM US LLP

Peter Schmeling Schmeling Construction Co.

Brent Scott Rockford Community Bank, A Wintrust Community Bank

John Schuster JFS Services

Teri Sharp American Precision Supply, Inc.

Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green Univ. of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford

Karl Swanson Illinois Bank & Trust

Christina Valdez CMM & Associates

Dustin Vock Meiborg, Inc.

Robert Young Midwest Packaging and Container

Caitlin Pusateri Rockford Chamber of Commerce

John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Therese Thill Rockford Area Economic Development Council

Visit us online rockfordchamber.com Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board as of 01/01/2022