ONE Magazine - Superlatives 2023

ONE VOICE FOR THE ROCKFORD AREA BUSINESS COMMUNITY SPRING 2023

Healthcarethatsupports InYainbitions.

I see life as an adventure. It's not just how I play. It's how I work and how I live. This region attracts people like me who want to turn ideas into reality, and UW Health is here to support my goals and dreams.

With a team of globally respected physicians and scientists collaborating to advance medical research and health care innovation, UW Health delivers personalized care. Making sure I'm healthy, helping me successfully navigate the unexpected so I can go, see, do and achieve.

UW Health is honored to be the presenting sponsor for Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Superlatives.

Since our beginnings in 1911, SwedishAmerican has cared for our community and the great people who live here. That didn’t change in 2015 when we became a division of UW Health, and it didn’t change in 2021 when we became UW Health. As UW Health, we serve residents in 12 counties in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, offering patients all the benefits of an extraordinary academic medical center as well as the general care and compassion they expect from their beloved community hospital that still bears the SwedishAmerican name.

UW Health is committed to making a positive impact in our region’s growth, and supporting the Rockford Chamber of Commerce is one way that we can live out our mission. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, and thank you for your contributions to our community.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Most likely to …

My high school yearbook didn’t include any sort of “most likely to” awards. But if they had, I like to think I would have been voted most likely to talk your ear off, work with people, or get a project done.

This year’s class of Superlatives honorees are making waves throughout the Rockford region — regardless of their actual high school yearbook accolades. Our region is better because of these individuals and organizations.

I invite you to dive in and get to know our honorees and their accomplishments. If you see them out and about, congratulate them, and maybe ask them to sign your yearbook. These are the cool kids, the movers-andshakers, the everyone-wants-to-know-‘em leaders. And we are so lucky they call the Rockford region home.

We can’t go back and relive high school — and, most days, I’m good with that. But we can have some fun, high school year book style. Let’s celebrate all the good things in the Rockford area — the caring, witty, driven, innovative people who make this a great place to live and work.

Cheers, Caitlin Pusateri President

Rockford Chamber of Commerce

staff

Caitlin Pusateri

President

Melissa Adams

Executive Assistant

Susan Contrady

Account Executive

Doug Hessong

Director of Publications & Technology

Carmen Kellerman

Events Manager

Kristin Muehlfelder

Member Relations

Doug Rand

Accounting Manager/Controller

Joan Sundvall

Membership Contact Coordinator

Andrew Wright

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Visit us online rockfordchamber.com

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce publishes One once a year. For information about advertising contact Customer Service at 815-987-8100.

Rockford Chamber of Commerce, 308 W. State St., Ste. 350 Rockford, Illinois 61101

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Rockford Regional Business Community

THE WRITERS

Paul Anthony Arco is a media relations coordinator for OSF HealthCare. His work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Rockford Register Star, Rock River Current, Northwest Quarterly Magazine, The VOICE, among many other publications.

Lynne Conner is a Rockford native and award-winning freelance photojournalist with 35 years of experience. Her articles and photos appear in several area publications. Lynne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, and has a master’s degree in teaching and leadership from St. Xavier University, Chicago.

Monroe, Wisconsin, native Kathi Edwards has called Rockford her adopted home since 1991. She worked for the Rockford Register Star for 17 years and currently works for the Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford and Sunset Funeral Home. She is a volunteer advocate for CASA of Winnebago County and loves supporting local shops, events, organizations and people. She lives with the best dog ever, her 17-year-old rescued Shih Tzu, Farley Joy.

Melissa Westphal is the content development expert at Rosecrance. She’s been writing for more than 20 years, including 12 years as a reporter at the Rockford Register Star. Melissa lives in Rockford with her husband, Andrew Wright, where they enjoy local restaurants, shops, art, music and roller derby. She is also on the board of NAMI Northern Illinois.

Alex Gary was a writer and editor for the Rockford Register Star for nearly 16 years, capping off 23 years in journalism. Currently, Alex is the fund development manager for Midway Village Museum and a board member of Friends of Beyer Stadium. His passion for local sports has kept him active as the managing editor of the NIC-10 Sports History Book.

Andrew Wright is the director of strategic initiatives for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. His writing frequently appears in The Voice, and has also been found in issues of the Rockford Register Star – Go Now, Northwest Quarterly and Rock River Current. He shares an interest in pop culture and music with his wife, Melissa Westphal, and has announced for the Rockford Rage Roller Derby for 17 years.

SUPERLATIVES COMMITTEE MEMBERS

The Rockford Chamber would like to thank our selection committee members for their work identifying these remarkable people.

The selection process wasn’t easy. We received a mountain of worthy nominations for this year’s award program. We are so grateful to these dedicated volunteers for helping with The Superlatives.

Butch Rosecke Mr. Goodwater

Paul Happach Spectrum Insurance

Kristina Reuber Rockford Public Schools District 205

Jillisa Bondurant

Peter Schmeling Schmeling Construction

ROCKFORD CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Travis Anderson UW Health Northern Illinois Region

Samuel Castree Staff Management, Inc.

Lesly Couper, Vice Chair workplace

Jean Crosby, Chair Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Crosby

Starck Real Estate

Doug Curry Stenstrom Construction Group

Don Daniels, Vice Chair Primum Strategies

Kelly Epperson Rosecrance Health Network

Ira Grimmett Collins Aerospace

John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Troy Haggestad WilliamsMcCarthy LLP

Sherry Harlan Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP

Tim Honquest Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory

Carly LaMonica LaMonica Beverages, Inc.

Jake Loescher Savant Wealth Management

Jamar Luster Ripe Life Juice

Kris Machajewski YWCA Northwestern Illinois

Dawna Menke OSF HealthCare

Dan Ross, Immediate Past Chair Community Foundation of Northern Illinois

Denise Sasse RSM US LLP

Peter Schmeling Schmeling Construction Co.

John Schuster, Treasurer JFS Services

Brent Scott Rockford Community Bank

Teri Sharp American Precision Supply, Inc.

Ryan Snider Rockford Ice Hogs

Alex Stagnaro-Green, MD, MHPE, MHA University of Illinois

College of Medicine

Rockford

Therese Thill

Rockford Area Economic Development Council

Christina Valdez CMM & Associates

Dustin Vock Meiborg, Inc.

Alexis Wright Conniff Woodward, Inc.

Robert Young Midwest Packaging and Container

Caitlin Pusateri President

Rockford Chamber of Commerce

Ron Clewer

Paul Sletten

Kylar Hayes

Kevin Haas

Laura Gomel

Jill Beeman

Peg Herschberger

Peter Provenzano

Sarene Alshareef

Danielle DeDario

Kyle York

John Kale

Vanessa Hughes

Sally Noble

Mandolen Mull

Brittany Freiberg

Brent Scott

Maureen Solverson

Rick Nielsen

Cathy Bayer-Eberle

Miranda Swanson

Dr. Healther Psaltis

Merdeith MacKay

Franz Furwig

Patti Thayer-Giessler, OwneroftheCoolestCar

Samantha Hochmann, ExecutiveDirectorof TinkerSwissCottage

INGERSOLL MACHINE TOOLS GARY

THAYER ENERGY SOLUTIONS

TINKER SWISS COTTAGE

AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL’S GIRLS SWIMMING & DIVING TEAM

ROCKFORD’S A/V CLUB

WTVO Engineering Staff

ByAndrewWright

Last February, the Eyewitness News team was on the air reporting about an overnight ice storm that caused power outages and road closures when a call came in to evacuate the building.

The station’s chief engineer, Mike Real, was watching the ice-covered guywires of the 700-foot broadcast tower sway in the gusting winds, and he knew a failure could cause the tower to collapse onto the building. So, Real, along with general manager Mike Silecchia, made the call to evacuate the building.

Then the team started looking for workarounds to continue broadcasting.

Real remained at the WTVO/WQRF site to coordinate the evacuation of nearby homes in the event of a structural failure. He coordinated with local fire and police to calculate an evacuation radius and stayed in communication with them throughout the ordeal.

Silecchia partnered with the Rockford Rivets, who offered a space to broadcast from. And Steven Frank, assistant chief engineer, coordinated with a colleague at WMBD in Peoria to get the equipment needed for the evening broadcast.

That night, Eyewitness News was on the air again, albeit from an alternate location with borrowed equipment and weather maps drawn on dry erase boards.

The next day, a repair team was able to stabilize the broadcast tower. Over the weekend, huge chunks of ice fell from the guywires as temps began to rise. By Sunday, the staff was given the all clear to return to the newsroom.

The WTVO/WQRF engineering staff not only protected the lives of the staff and nearby residents, but they found a way to continue broadcasting during a significant weather event.

Gary Anderson & Studio GWA ROCKFORD’S BOOSTER CLUB

ByLynetteConner

Preserving great architecture that honors the past and plans for the future takes dreamers, visionaries and achievers. This combination of talent is what makes architect Gary Anderson, founder of Studio GWA, and his partners, Ashley Sarver, Jennifer Spencer and Aaron Holverson, Rockford’s Booster Club.

For more than 40 years, Anderson and his firm have renovated historic buildings, transforming them into vibrant spaces of residence, commerce and learning.

“When we save old buildings, we drive economic development and provide future generations with a piece of history,” he said. “I think we need to educate the public much more on the value of these historic structures.”

Studio GWA’s agility in handling a variety of projects is evident throughout the Rockford community.

“Our passion for a project influences our work beyond the scale of the assignment,” Sarver said. “The Prairie Street Brewhouse building, our office location, shows how powerful a smaller historic renovation can be; while the large Colman Yards project is a tribute to our community’s industrial past and provides an economic stimulus for the future.”

“People don’t understand the economic impact of tearing a building down and leaving an empty lot,” Anderson said. “All the buildings we’ve renovated, including Edward’s Apple Orchard, Stewart Square, The Standard and Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza, have a positive impact on our local economy.”

One of Studio GWA’s upcoming builds is the construction of a new Rockford Public Library (RPL) along the Rock River.

“We envision the new library as a downtown reading park with gorgeous river views and outdoor terraces that merge the urban and pastoral,” Spencer said.

For Anderson, advocating for historic buildings is an ongoing quest: “Part of our vision is how to inspire the next project.”

MOST ADORABLE OFFICE PET

Franz Furwig

CUTE POOCH FURST STAFFING

ByMelissaWestphal

Franz Furwig wears his best bowties to the office and is greeted daily with belly rubs from staff and visitors alike.

He’s the chief comfort officer at FurstStaffing, a fullservice staffing and recruiting firm. The three-year-old Bernedoodle belongs to Jennifer Furst, the company’s president.

Furst got Franz in 2020 – when the world shut down and dog snuggles made everything feel a little bit better. The well-behaved Franz even did virtual obedience training during the pandemic. Had it not been for the pandemic and hybrid work, Franz might not have become an office dog.

“He would walk around on his leash, and he would have to say good morning to everyone,” Furst said. “Eventually, after he was potty-trained, he could roam the office. We didn’t realize at the time the impact Franz had on the team, but it was significant.”

His full name is Franz Oliver Presley Furwig, which includes references to American painter Franz Kline and Elvis Presley. He also answers to the nicknames Franzie, Franzalini, Buddy, and Boo-Boo.

Franz loves to swim and play his favorite game of slipper – fetch with a slipper outfitted with squeaky toys –every night before bed. Not only is Franz social, he’s also a good snuggler and a good sleeper, Furst said.

He has amassed quite the bowtie collection, which is organized by color and holiday.

“I wanted him to know that he was going to work, and he had to behave in a way that’s acceptable for work,” Furst said. “He will protect everyone in that office. And he gets all the tummy rubs and treats once he’s there.”

BEST AMATEUR CHEF

Ron Clewer

What began as a necessity for Ron Clewer grew into a life-long passion.

LynetteConner

“I started cooking for my family when I was 10 years old,” Clewer said. “Growing up, I had dual working parents, so it was sometimes difficult for them to get dinner on the table every night. My mom taught me how to cook, so I started making weeknight meals to help out.”

As an adult, Clewer honed his culinary skills participating in events such as 100 Men Who Cook, a fundraiser for the Rockford Area Literacy Council.

“During the years I cooked in the 100 Men event, I never cooked the same dish twice. I made hors d’oeuvres, main dishes and desserts,” he said.

Some of his recipes included grilled bacon-wrapped stuffed shrimp and a coffee mousse for dessert.

“I always cooked with a group of guys, which included my brother,” Clewer said. “After my brother passed away, our dad joined the group, so we have many great memories of that time.”

These days, Clewer, Illinois market president at Gorman & Company, enjoys cooking for his coworkers.

“There are several folks at Gorman who love to cook. And though we don’t cook together, there’s some friendly online competition about whose dish is a little sexier than the others,” he said. “It’s fun and a great way to connect with colleagues.”

Clewer loves to cook traditional meals featuring gourmet side dishes and isn’t afraid to try new recipes for guests.

“I’ve never repeated the same menu when entertaining, because I figure we’re all in this together,” he said. “Cooking is about the food’s flavor, creativity and presentation. But more importantly, it’s about relishing those gathered around your table.”

ILLINOIS MARKET PRESIDENT GORMAN & COMPANY By

BEST PROFESSIONAL CHEF

Paul Sletten

RESTAURANT OWNER

ByLynetteConner

Combine hard work with perseverance, add a dash of creativity, and you have professional chef Paul Sletten’s recipe for success.

Sletten worked his way up in the restaurant industry from a job at McDonald’s to owning several prominent dining b rands.

“I always liked working in restaurants, because all the different roles in food service helped me discover what I wanted to pursue,” he said. “I celebrated my 18th birthday at Café Patou and asked the chef, the late Philippe Forcioli, if he would give me an internship. Over the next five years, I became the head chef, did some private catering, and opened Abreo Restaurant in 2005.”

In addition to Abreo, Sletten owns Social Charcuterie Bar & Cocktails, Disco Chicken Food Truck, Veedubs Mobile Cocktail Bar, and the Bad Humor Ice Cream truck. The variety of his brands reflects Sletten’s culinary interests and overall philosophy on food.

“I don’t like to pigeonhole any food into specific dishes. I love bringing together the unexpected like taking an Indian ingredient, a French cooking technique, adding in a South American flavor, and serving it with locally grown produce,” he said. “It’s exciting when everything comes together, the recipe clicks and the balance is there. Then, I’m on to my next challenge.”

Sletten’s cooking style is successful brand-wide and motivates him to offer dynamic dining experiences to the community.

“That’s why we re-invented Social as a charcuterie bar,” he said. “Meeting friends over drinks, caviar and an amazing charcuterie tray adds a fun layer to the uniqueness and vibrancy of celebrating events downtown.”

Kylar Hayes BEST DRESSED

ByPaulArco

EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST GOODWILL

Kylar Hayes was a standout basketball player at Harlem High School and Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa. These days, he still plays pick-up basketball and remains close to childhood friend and NBA champ, Fred VanVleet.

Hayes may not have reached the NBA, but when it comes to style and fashion, he’s an all-star. It started in college where he admired a professor who wore suits and bow ties. That’s when Hayes decided to beef up his own wardrobe.

“I’ve always taken pride in the way I present myself. And I’m big on first impressions,” said Hayes, who’s done his share of modeling. Looking good comes in handy for Hayes, who works as an employment specialist for Goodwill. His job is to connect clients with longterm employment, and he encourages his clients to dress for success.

“It’s important to dress for the occasion,” he said. “Whether it’s healthcare or trucking, you want to present yourself in the best possible manner.”

But Hayes admits that, since the pandemic, he’s become more relaxed when dressing for work. Instead of wearing suits, he’s more likely to wear a polo shirt and slacks or jeans and a jacket.

“People ask me if I spend a lot of money on my clothes. I tell them I find the best deals possible,” he said. “It’s about shopping smarter, not harder.”

Hayes says his closet is packed with suits, slacks and his favorite – turtlenecks. And most of what he owns is color coordinated, including his socks.

“The brighter and crazier, the better,” he said. “It’s always a party with my socks.”

Kevin Haas ROCKFORD’S CLASS CLOWN EDITOR AND WRITER ROCK

RIVER CURRENT

ByPaulArco

As a kid, Kevin Haas wasn’t exactly a troublemaker, but he could get loud in his pursuit of attention.

That is, until his fifth-grade teacher struck a deal with the future writer.

“We reached an agreement that if I could keep quiet through class, she would give me a couple of minutes at the end to deliver my jokes. I don’t remember what I said, but I crushed it,” he said.

Haas is a graduate of Boylan High School and the University of Illinois. He spent 20 years at the Rockford Register Star and now serves as editor and writer for the Rock River Current, an online news site from Mid-West Family Broadcasting that covers local news and events.

Haas’s wry sense of humor shines through in his writing, especially in the headlines. Recently, he wrote a story about one specific broken letter in the Rockford sign at Davis Park. The headline read, “What the F is wrong with the Rockford sign?”

Haas began dabbling in stand-up comedy about 10 years ago. His first gig was an open mic night. Now he performs about five times a month, mostly around town but also in Milwaukee, Chicago and Peoria.

Haas says he’s more of a storyteller who makes observations about life, especially his job in the news business. What you won’t hear are any jokes about politics or airplane food.

Haas enjoys making people laugh but has no plans to give up his day job.

“The only way to pursue comedy full-time is to live a road dog lifestyle, and I’ve never been comfortable with that,” he said. “I need my paycheck.”

ByAndrewWright

ROCKFORD’S COOLEST CAR

Electric Mustang owned by Patti Thayer-Geissler

The Thayer Energy Solutions Mustang Mach-E sports its EV status proudly, with the Thayer logo and a luminescent lightning bolt.

It moves as quick as lightning, too.

“The acceleration is incredible,” said Patti Thayer Geissler, owner of Thayer Energy Solutions. “Driving an electric car is fun. They’re quiet, smooth and the Mustang handles beautifully.”

The car’s technology is exceptionally cool as well. Sure, the Mach-E comes with a key fob, but users can also use their own phone to unlock and start the car, without using the fob at all. With a phone, owners can lock or unlock the car, open the trunk, or even raise and lower the windows remotely.

Synched with a phone, the car can identify the driver and automatically turn on the driver’s preset profile. It even learns the user’s driving style to modify battery range estimates.

Like many Fords, the Mustang has a touch-panel code lock on the driver-side door. The center console has a backup start passcode that allows the driver to start the car even when the cell phone is unavailable or has a dead battery.

The Mach-E leans into maximizing charge range by taking advantage of its aerodynamics design, like intuitive doors that open without an obvious door handle.

Thanks to the growing popularity of electric vehicles, charging options are more plentiful.

“There are apps that make finding chargers easier to locate in the wild,” Thayer said. “And setting up a charger in your garage has become more affordable while gas has become more expensive.”

Now, when Rockfordians see a Mustang with a lightning bolt, they’ll know they’ve spotted a very cool car.

Laura Gomel MOST ICONIC ARTIST

OWNER 317 ART COLLECTIVE AND FOUNDER OF SMARTY PANTS ROCKFORD KID’S ART STUDIO

ByLynetteConner

When Laura Gomel relocated to Rockford 13 years ago, the move was more than a happy accident; it was the beginning of many new opportunities for the artist.

“I always thought that I’d move back to Chicago. But I’m happy here, because I love what I’m able to do here,” she said.

Gomel, an active member of the local art scene, owns 317 Art Collective and is the founder of SmARTy Pants Rockford Kid’s Art Studio.

“I know, from living in Chicago, that I could never afford to have my studio at 317 Market Street,” she said. “I’m able to do so much more in the Rockford art community than I could ever do in Chicago.”

Working in acrylic paint, oil, watercolor and graphite, Gomel creates colorful and eclectic works of art with a distinct and unusual style.

“I like my art to address social issues while making people think,” she said. “The three most predominant themes in my work are women, pop culture and equal rights for all.”

Gomel takes a creative approach to promote the subjects of her work.

“I often use humor in my art, because it’s a great way to say something without being overtly blunt and still gain acceptance from my audience,” she said. “Humor is a powerful tool to convey the message of my art.”

Gomel challenges the Rockford community to buy art from local vendors instead of seeking mass-produced, mass-marketed pieces.

“I’d like to see more residents come out and support the art scene in downtown Rockford,” she said. “When you buy artwork directly from the artist, you get something special and unique which enhances your environment and supports the area economy.”

FIRST TO VOLUNTEER

Jill Beeman

ByLynetteConner

After the death of her husband in 2022, Jill Beeman channeled her grief into working for the greater good.

“I got into volunteering because my husband was in and out of the hospital quite a bit before he passed away, and I appreciated all the help I received from hospital volunteers,” she said. “It was the little things they did like bringing him a warm blanket or pushing his wheelchair.”

Now, Beeman is a fixture at UW Health’s SwedishAmerican Hospital.

“I know how much I was blessed by the volunteers during my husband’s illness, and I wanted to give back to the community,” she said. “I try to be positive and uplifting to those I assist at the hospital, and I think it gives them hope to heal.”

During Beeman’s weekly four-hour shift at the hospital, she restocks medical supplies and assists patients who are being discharged.

“I bring patients down to their cars when they leave the hospital, so they are pretty happy to see me,” she said. “Since I’m the last person patients encounter before going home, there are usually lots of smiles.”

Beeman finds personal satisfaction in volunteering at SwedishAmerican: “I like to be around people, and it’s very fulfilling to help them. The patients and their families have been through a lot during a hospital stay, and they appreciate the kindness and help volunteers provide.”

Beeman is a believer in the benefits of volunteerism, especially for teens and young adults.

“[It] helps them understand different occupations, leads them to discover their talents and gets them used to giving back to the community,” she said. “When you help people, it gives you a good feeling in your heart and soul.”

Peg Herschberger HARDEST WORKING VOLUNTEER

ByLynetteConner

An active and hardworking community volunteer, Peg Hershberger has a long history of helping others and is quick to advocate the many benefits and rewards of volunteerism.

“Through the years, I’ve volunteered at my children’s schools, Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter, Friends of the Library and at the Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity,” she said.

These days, Hershberger helps at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, where she manages incoming donations of household items that are sold at the store.

Hershberger enjoys the camaraderie of other ReStore volunteers and sees helping others as a way to foster community spirit.

“The reason we’re able to be successful in processing the donations is that we work as a team. It’s an effort from all who are involved that makes the difference,” she said.

Working with young adults at ReStore gives Hershberger a chance to mentor fellow volunteers.

“It’s so much fun to work with young people because they’ve never seen some of the vintage items that are donated,” she said. “I think we can all learn something from interacting with people of different ages.”

Hershberger encourages older adults to adopt a spirit of service too: “Volunteering in retirement builds relationships with others, gets you out of the house and helps keep you engaged and active.”

Hershberger understands the enormous impact volunteers have on a community.

“So many things in Rockford would never get done without volunteers,” she said. “Who would deliver Meals on Wheels? Who would call and check up on shut-ins? Who would help patients at hospitals and nursing homes? Many worthy organizations need help, and it’s up to everyone in our city to do their part.

#VOLUNTEERFORLIFE #DO [Y] OURPART

“WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO SIT HOME AND DO NOTHING?”

Peter Provenzano MOST LIKELY TO HELP THE WORLD

ByAndrewWright

PRESIDENT AND CEO SUPPLYCORE, INC.

SupplyCore began in 1987 as a supplier of mechanical components to the Department of Defense. Today, with Peter Provenzano at the helm as president and CEO, the company has grown to provide logistics support and special equipment to the military, civilian agencies and allied governments around the world. And it’s one of the top 20 small business U.S. defense contractors.

Despite SupplyCore’s global reach, the company remains in Rockford’s urban core.

Originally based in the Barber-Colman Complex, SupplyCore relocated its corporate headquarters to 303 N. Main St. in downtown Rockford in 2006.

“Why not be here? You can access everywhere from here,” Provenzano said. “We decided to help work on Rockford instead of relocating to somewhere where the work was already done.”

Provenzano attributes SupplyCore’s success to its team of associates, roughly 200 people worldwide, including many veterans.

“You treat people like grown-ups. You give them the parameters, create a collaborative culture and give them a venue to perform,” he said. “We keep our vision lofty, constantly refining the end state, always with the customer in mind.”

Ever the entrepreneur, Provenzano owns two other companies – MPOWR®, a technology company that helps organizations collaborate more effectively; and Joseph James Partners, a real estate company committed to the urban renewal of Rockford.

He’s also the chairman of the Rock River Development Partnership (RRDP), a nonprofit focused on driving economic development. In 2010, RRDP cofounded the popular Rockford City Market.

“Success in business, if you were to put it into an equation, is aspiration plus capability plus luck. Our job as leaders is to align our capabilities with our aspirations,” Provenzano said.

Sarene Alshareef MOST LIKELY TO SAVE THE PLANET

ByLynetteConner

According to Sarene Alshareef, the average American throws away 81 pounds of textiles every year, which end up in landfills. As CEO and cofounder of Tad More Tailoring and Alterations, she encourages her clients to reuse, recycle and revive their clothes with alterations.

“Through my research, I discovered the ‘fast fashion’ industry is the second largest contributor to air pollution, water pollution and deforestation,” she said. “Discovering that the manufacture of our clothing causes 10% of all carbon emissions in the atmosphere, I knew I had to do something.”

In 2017, Alshareef put her passion into action and opened Tad More Tailoring in Rockford. Since then, the business has expanded to include online tailoring services available across the U.S.

“We’re revolutionizing tailoring as people know it,” she said. “With our online tailoring option, people can use our website to choose needed alterations, send in garments and have them returned ready to wear.”

Alshareef and her staff encourage patrons to shop second-hand stores for “new” clothes and alter garments to extend their use. She’s not opposed to buying brand-new clothing but believes most people are underutilizing their wardrobes.

“Use the clothes you have as much as possible,” she said. “Altering what you already own and shopping at thrift stores saves time, money and the earth. If you’re purchasing new clothes, make sure they are good quality and are constructed to last.”

Since 2020, Tad More’s alterations have kept nearly 50,000 items of clothing out of landfills, making a positive impact on Rockford and the planet.

#RECYCLEREDUCEREUSE

Danielle DeDario MOST LIKELY TO GET SOMETHING DONE

VP AND BUSINESS BANKING RELATIONSHIP MANAGER US BANK

ByMelissaWestphal

For Danielle DeDario, passion and a detailed schedule are essential to getting things done.

Born and raised in Rockford, DeDario is vice president and business banking relationship manager covering northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin for U.S. Bank.

“I very much want to help in every area I can, from helping organizations move forward to impacting my customers’ lives to impacting our community,” DeDario said. “To do that, you have to get things done, or change isn’t going to happen.”

As a commercial banker, she loves helping customers grow their businesses and improve processes and efficiencies.

DeDario learned the art of getting things done early on. She was a single mom and worked at Lino’s for 14 years while putting herself through school, eventually earning her MBA.

“I’m a very ambitious person,” she said. “Being a single mom at 20 changes your whole way of thinking.”

To stay organized, DeDario always has a notebook so she can jot down notes, ideas and to-do items. She also embraces a focused calendar with time allocated for important projects.

“Mindset is also really important,” she said. “People always say I’m such a positive person. Training yourself to be grateful for what you have and what you get to do really raises your confidence.”

DeDario is the vice president of Circle of Change, programming chair for Next Rockford, treasurer of the River District Association and a member of RAMP’s finance committee.

She’s also part of Rockford Network of Professional Women, an ambassador for the Stateline Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Northern Illinois Community Development Corporation and served as a moderator for the 2023 Leadership Rockford class.

Kyle York HUSTLE AWARD

ByAlexGary

VP OF SMALL BUSINESS BANKING ILLINOIS BANK & TRUST REAL ESTATE AGENT DICKERSON NIEMAN

“I got into banking in 2012,” said Kyle York, vice president of small business banking for Illinois Bank & Trust and a real estate agent for Dickerson Nieman. “But real estate has always interested me. There’s a lot of crossover, and they complement each other.”

York joined Illinois Bank & Trust in 2015 as vice president, sales area manager for the Rockford market, and he was promoted to his current role in September of last year. He joined Dickerson Nieman as a real estate agent in 2020.

“I get some referrals to the real estate side from banking customers. But I’ve actually gotten more referrals on the banking side from real estate customers,” he said. “I’m a part-time real estate agent. I’m just taking on friends and family and referrals. They know banking is my full-time gig and priority.”

York does more than juggle two jobs. He’s a past board member of the Miracle Mile and IGNITE Young Professionals, and a current board member of the Children’s Home & Aid Society, Belvidere Cosmopolitan Club and Next Rockford.

York admits his schedule can get a little hectic: “There are times when everything is switched on. Kids need stuff. Work at the bank is steady. There are a couple of houses I have to show. Balancing everything is tough. And I still try to do some networking, but I’m just more strategic.”

How long can it last?

“I enjoy both jobs,” York said. “In banking, I’m helping people start or grow their businesses. In real estate, I’m helping people buy their first house, a dream home or downsize. The overall goal is helping people in both roles.”

John Paul Kale SMARTEST PERSON IN THE ROOM

ByAlexGary

PARTNER REINHART BOERNER VAN DEUREN

John Paul Kale wondered for a bit why he was chosen “Smartest Person in the Room.”

“When you do patent law, you have to apply a lot of math and science,” said Kale, who goes by JP. “Maybe that’s where the perception comes from.”

Considering his background, it’s likely Kale has been the smartest person in the room for a long time.

“I don’t know why, but I always wanted to be an attorney,” Kale said. “Maybe it was because I was argumentative by nature. I have a very strict sense of what is right and wrong.”

Originally from Peoria, Kale earned his bachelor’s degree in metallurgy at the University of Illinois. As he neared graduation, he felt drawn toward patent law because it allowed him to use his aptitude in math and science and his education in engineering.

After graduating from U of I, Kale earned his law degree from DePaul University. He worked for a Chicago law firm for three years before joining Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren in August of 2015.

Kale says he spends most of his time as a patent attorney helping clients navigate the patent process: “People think that being a lawyer is pretty exciting, but really it’s a lot of paperwork.”

Still, there’s the odd patent dispute to get his argumentative juices flowing.

“I’m in the midst of one now. It’s a logistics patent, tracking packages end to end and getting updates on location,” Kale said. “I’m involved in an inter partes [Latin for ‘between the parties’] review to cancel my client’s patent.”

And yet he still wonders why he’s thought of as the smartest guy in the room.

MOST IMPACTFUL DUO

ByMelissaWestphal

Vanessa Hughes & Sally Noble

HUGHES RESOURCES

Vanessa Hughes and Sally Noble aren’t just business partners; they’re sisters and the best of friends.

“We do make a great team,” said Hughes, founder and president of Hughes Resources. “We think in similar ways about the direction of where we want to go, but we bring different skill sets for how we get there. I’m more of the visionary, and Sally is the implementor – detailed and process driven.”

“Vanessa is that visionary thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset who comes with ambitious goals. She’s the risk-taker,” said Noble, vice president of Hughes Resources. “I’m the person who comes along to make those ideas work, breaking down the tasks and moving the boulder an inch every day to get where we want to be.”

Those complementary mindsets propelled Hughes Resources to expand to locations in Freeport, Dixon and Rockford, Illinois, and Monroe and Beloit, Wisconsin. The company employs about 25 people and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in May.

“These are exciting times. These upcoming years will focus on expanding our lines of business, developing professional search and HR consulting,” Hughes said. “I love every day figuring out what the next set of challenges are to get through and grow.”

Noble says it takes respect and communication for a two-person leadership team to be successful.

“We really have a sincere appreciation for each other, and we like spending time together,” Noble said. “It would be hard for one person to embody everything you need to be successful. Different mindsets help solve problems and move your company forward with more diversity of thought, ideas and creativity.”

EUREKA!

ROCKFORD’S INVENTORS

CLUB

Ingersoll Machine Tools

ByPaulArco

Dr. Jeff Ahrstrom, CEO of Ingersoll Machine Tool, gets fired up when talking about all the cool things his company does.

Ingersoll is a supplier of machine tools. Their creations include five-axis milling machines and large 3D printers for the aerospace industry, equipment for NASA, wings for a Boeing 787, and large telescopes for astronomy research.

Ingersoll has won numerous industry awards and was named the Rockford Chamber’s manufacturer of the year in 2020. In 2019, the Guinness Book of World Records certified that Ingersoll produced the world’s largest 3D printer, named MasterPrint, which was installed at the University of Maine.

“We’ve always been on the leading edge when it comes to manufacturing advancement,” Ahrstrom said.

Recently, Ingersoll scored another distinction when its Rosenberg Moon Habitat won the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s “Makers Madness – The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois” contest.

The habitat is a three-story, 3D printed living space made to house a crew of two for up to 90 days. It was designed by students at the Institut auf dem Rosenberg in St. Gallen, Switzerland, and printed by Ingersoll’s MasterPrint 3D printer. At 23 feet, it’s the world’s tallest single-piece, 3D printed polymer structure. Each of the six panels took 14 hours to print, and the entire project took nine months to complete.

Last year, Ingersoll expanded its manufacturing plant in Rockford –the same location that has housed the company since 1892. Many of Ingersoll’s 200 employees have worked there for decades. And the manufacturer is still growing.

“I’m proud of the cool things we do,” Ahrstrom said. “And the best part is we’re doing it right here in Rockford.”

“AND THE BEST PART IS WE’RE DOING IT RIGHT HERE IN ROCKFORD.”

BEST MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

Dr. Mandolen Mull

PURI SCHOOL OF BUSINESS DEPARTMENT CHAIR

ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

ByPaulArco

Growing up, Mandolen Mull never imagined becoming an expert in education and leadership.

“I was a wallflower who hid behind my sister. She was the social butterfly,” said Mull, who has served as the department chair of the Puri School of Business at Rockford University for four years. “I was awkward, shy, and I didn’t want to talk in front of people. It wasn’t until I went away to college that I finally found my voice.”

In addition to her work at the college, Mull launched her own business, MullMentum Consulting, in 2016 after a former student came to her seeking advice as he struggled with his job. The student walked away feeling inspired, and so did Mull.

“We all have a common story of struggle and challenges,” she said. “I want to inspire others, so they feel supported in their own walk.”

Whenever Mull presents to groups, she likes to begin by making her audience feel comfortable. A diehard Texas Rangers fan, she plays “Centerfield” by John Fogerty or “Old Time Rock and Roll” by Bob Seger as the audience files in.

“I value their time, and I try to resonate with them,” she said. “I want to make sure they get something from the experience. If I can’t reach them, I can’t teach them.”

Thanks to encouragement from her peers, Mull is nearly finished writing her first book.

“It’s about messy leadership and all those doubts and insecurities that we have,” she said. “I want to teach others how to navigate those minefields. I’ve always wanted to inspire people and create an environment where they can succeed. I want to light a flame for others wherever I can.”

BEST SHOULDER TO CRY ON

Brittany Freiberg

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

ByKathyEdwards

ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

When Brittany Freiberg moved back to Rockford in 2012, she rediscovered her love for the people, businesses and institutions in her hometown. This genuine care and concern earned her the title of “Best Shoulder to Cry On.”

Initially surprised and amused to learn of her award, Freiberg said she’s honored to win this category, both personally and professionally.

Freiberg has been with the Rock Valley College Foundation for nearly 11 years, the past five as chief development officer.

“Our team is made up of empaths and bleeding hearts. It’s what makes us good at what we do. But it can also take a toll.” she said. “I’m honored to be a soft, safe place for those who work with me. They are people before they’re employees, and I don’t ever want to overlook that.”

Of course, even the most compassionate leaders need validation and care on occasion. Freiberg’s greatest sources of support are her parents; her husband, Tim; and a few, close friends who truly listen and care.

“In my line of work as a fundraising professional, I’ve had to work on my listening skills for years. The donors I get to work with all have passions and hopes for the funds they give,” Freiberg said. “Listening to donors’ stories for 20 years has allowed me to know when to be quiet and simply be a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear.”

Freiberg offers these tips to anyone looking to offer comfort during difficult times:

1. Stop talking and just listen.

2. Let people know you are a safe, trusted place where feelings aren’t seen as a weakness.

3. Always keep tissues on hand.

Brent Scott MOST TRUSTWORTHY

ByPaulArco

PRESIDENT ROCKFORD COMMUNITY BANK

For Brent Scott, the best part about working in the banking industry is developing trust with his customers. It’s always been that way for the president of Rockford Community Bank.

“Being trustworthy means calling people back, always telling the truth, especially when it’s difficult, and exceeding expectations,” he said. “It’s about being proactive and coming up with new ideas and letting them know you have their best interest at heart. I was brought up to be a good person, and that’s the same philosophy we have at the bank.”

After graduating from Rockford Lutheran High School, Scott earned a finance degree from the University of Missouri. He landed at Chase and spent 20 years there before moving to Rockford Community Bank, a Wintrust community bank, five years ago. He became president earlier this year.

Scott feels he can make a bigger difference for his customers by meeting them on their own turf than by sitting behind his desk.

“It’s about talking with clients, touring their facilities and seeing them interact with their employees,” he said. “That’s the most rewarding part of what I do.”

An active member of the community, Scott serves on the boards of the Rockford Chamber, the Stateline Chamber and One Body Collaboratives. He also helped start Next Rockford.

“I have immense pride in the Rockford community and in the work we do at Rockford Community Bank,” he said. “Growing up here definitely gives me a leg up in our business. Rockford is different than other towns, and you need to understand that in order to be successful here.”

ROCKFORD’S VARSITY TEAM AWARD

ByAlexGary

Auburn High School’s Girls Swimming & Diving Team

Building a high school sports program is increasingly difficult in the cell phone/video game era. The key, according to Auburn swimming coach Dennis Bullard, is to create a strong team culture.

“I tell the kids that we’re going to work, and we’re going to have fun,” said Bullard, who began coaching at Auburn in 2012. “I’m not a yeller. It’s up to them to be how good they want to be.”

During his time at Auburn, Bullard coached individual swimming champions Lydia Przytulski and Ali Cushing, who helped him bring Auburn’s program into the top third of the conference.

Przytulski, who now studies biology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, said it was the team culture she enjoyed the most.

“A lot of the better swimmers swim for clubs, and we’d see each other at meets and want to say hi, but the other coaches were kind of weird about it,” she said. “All the girls would just come over to the Auburn side instead of sitting with their own team, because we were fun and friendly. It was really nice getting to know all of the other swimmers.”

Bullard goes out of his way to build camaraderie beyond practices and meets.

“Swimming is a hard sport. But after meets, both teams will go out to eat at Culvers, Beef-a-Roo, Stockholm Inn,” said Bullard, who runs his family’s farm in Boone County. “We’ll take our teams out to the orchard and go on a hayride or out to the farm. It’s always fun to watch city kids on the farm.

“They have fun in and out of the water. That keeps me coming back.”

MOST LIKELY TO KNOW EVERYONE IN THE ROOM

Maureen Solverson

NATIONAL SALES ADVISOR

AMERICAN BUSINESS CO.

ByPaulArco

Maureen Solverson lives by late President Ronald Reagan’s creed that ‘you can’t help everyone, but you can help someone.’ It’s not just part of her job; it’s part of her fabric.

There are very few people Solverson doesn’t know when she walks into a room. And if she doesn’t, she will by the end of the night. It comes from years of networking for both her job as national sales advisor for American Business Co. (a premium item company) and her volunteer work.

But that wasn’t always the case for the Rockford native who says it took her years to get comfortable with the idea of networking. Now, it’s second nature.

When Solverson started working for her company more than 25 years ago, she dreaded the thought of making cold calls.

“I was told no so much that it made me go home and cry,” she said. “But my husband, Steve, was my biggest cheerleader.”

Solverson became an ambassador for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, a volunteer role she still fills today. She was one of the first members of the Advantage Group Originals, a chamber networking group known for the TP Tower fundraiser. She’s also a member of the Rockford Network of Professional Women board.

Early on, as an ambassador, Solverson often volunteered at the front table, checking in guests. As a result, she’s made several contacts and helped others connect.

“It seems like a small thing, but to me it’s huge,” she said. “People want that interaction and are happy to be

Solverson met many of her closest friends through

“People energize me,” she said. “I’m in my element when I’m meeting people.”

MOST UNFORGETTABLE

Rick Nielsen

ByAndrewWright

MUSICIAN AND ROCK AND ROLL H ALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

Growing up in Rockford, Rick Nielsen wasn’t your typical musical prodigy.

“I was kicked out of band in the seventh grade for telling my teacher what I thought of him and banned from the Rockford school music program,” Nielsen chuckled.

That defiant youth went on to play guitar and form the legendary rock band Cheap Trick with Robin Zander, Tom Petersson and Bun E. Carlos. Together, they sold 20 million albums and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

Over the years, Neilsen has appeared on recordings with John Lennon, the Yardbirds, the Foo Fighters, and Hall and Oates, just to name a few.

Known for playing with three, four and sometimes five guitars around his neck at one time, Nielsen has a guitar collection that’s the stuff of legend. It’s been featured on programs like American Pickers and Gibson Guitar’s “The Collection” program. Nielsen knows each classic Gibson, Fender and custom-made Hamer inside and out and can recite the serial numbers from memory.

In 2012, the Burpee Museum hosted “Rick’s Picks,” a curated display of guitars from rock icons – the Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Jeff Beck, Slash, Todd Rundgren and many others.

Neilsen commissioned a custom Hamer/Fender guitar for the exhibit called Rick and Jane, bearing his likeness on the front and Jane the Dinosaur on the back.

“I had it made to be raffled off for the Burpee Museum,” Neilsen said. He recently bought back the guitar in an online auction.

Soon, a replica of Nielsen’s signature Gibson Explorer with the checkerboard body will rise above the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, and several guitars from his collection will be on display inside.

Phantom Regiment ROCKFORD’S PEP BAND

COMPETITIVE DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS

ByPaulArco

“When these 168 young adults put on their uniforms and perform under the lights, it’s the most engaging performance you’ll ever see,” said Dr. Todd Snead, director of programs for Phantom Regiment. “It’s the best combination of music in motion and storytelling on the world’s largest stage.”

Known initially as the Rockford Rangers, the group was formed in 1956 by VFW members who wanted a competitive drum corps. Over the years, it evolved and became the Phantom Regiment in the late 1960s.

Today, the competitive drum and bugle corps is known around the world for its powerful sound and precision moves. The Phantom Regiment has been a Drum Corps International finalist every year since 1974 and won the world championship in 1996 and 2008.

The Regiment, one of 22 world-class drum corps in the country, performs about 25 shows each year nationally, including local performances – the Show of Shows at Boylan High School, the Midwest Classic at Northern Illinois University, and its annual season kickoff at the Rockford Park District Sinnissippi Band Shell.

In addition, the Regiment organization hosts educational clinics across the country and participates in parades and festivals, not only to give back but to inspire future drum corps members.

The Regiment draws members from all over the world, including Japan, England and Canada.

“The best part about the Phantom Regiment is that our members learn grit, working as a team and giving back to the community through performance,” Snead said. “Something magical happens when they are in our program; they discover the best version of themselves and take it out into the world.”

Tinker Swiss Cottage MOST UNIQUE WORK SPACE

ByKathyEdwards

Samantha Hochmann, Executive Director of Tinker Swiss Cottage

Built in the late 1800s, Tinker Swiss Cottage is a 22-room mansion modeled after a Swiss chalet. It houses more than 10,000 artifacts, most owned by the Tinker family.

Samantha Hochmann is executive director of Tinker Swiss Cottage and has a master’s degree in history. Between welcoming visitors from around the world and hosting special events, she says no two days are the same at the cottage.

The museum even opened its doors to the “Ghost Hunters” TV show in 2012 to investigate reports of “visits” from long-dead Tinker family members.

“We also believe some of their workers are still present, as well as some children that once resided at the Illinois Cottage, a home for children that was where our parking lot is now,” Hochmann said.

The Tinker family’s contributions are integral to Rockford’s history. Originally an accountant, Robert Tinker became mayor in 1875. He was a founding member of the Rockford Park District and president of several businesses, including the Rockford Oatmeal Co., Rockford Steel and Bolt Co., and C&R and Northern Railroad.

“We try to continue their legacy by embracing the positivity and community support the Tinker family worked so hard to develop,” Hochmann said. “The museum weaves together the story of our city’s early beginnings and shows how the Victorian-era builders are still connected with us in our modern world.”

Robert Tinker wrote in a journal that he “wanted to build a home that would give Rockford a name.” More than 150 years later, his home is celebrating 80 years as a museum, and it remains one incredibly special workplace.

MOST LIKELY TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR DAY

Cathy Bayer-Eberle

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING MANAGER CRUSADER COMMUNITY HEALTH

Most days, you can hear Cathy Bayer-Eberle before you see her.

“I’m the loudest person I know… I have my mother’s laugh,” Bayer-Eberle said. “But brightening someone’s day can sometimes be equated to sheer volume – cranking excitement up to 11.”

Bayer-Eberle just started her new role at Crusader Community Health as communications and marketing manager after 10 years with Rockford Public School (RPS) District 205 as senior communications manager.

“If you can choose to be fun and loud and excited, why choose anything else? It’s fun to watch others be excited too,” she said.

“She looked for ways to infuse light, color and fun into her workplace,” said Meredith MacKay, a coworker at RPS. “She understood that if people were happy in their work lives, productivity and retention would reflect that.”

An assistant coach for the Guilford High School Girls Tennis team, Bayer-Eberle applies her positivity to the team as well.

“Being excited, happy and positive doesn’t mean you can’t be serious and take your work seriously,” she said. “Even if I’ve had a rough morning or if the work is going to be hard, I can show up for my team. There’s no better way to spend my time than being a positive role model for high school girls.”

Friends and family know this is true.

“She ensures everyone is invited to the conversation. She invites you to vent in her office without judgement. She openly invites everyone, not just those who seem like they might need it… She keeps things light, which is so refreshing.” said Kristina Reuber, another colleague.

“I’ll trick you into thinking we’re all fun and capable and cool. We can all be exciting to be around,” said Bayer-Eberle.

ByAndrewWright

Miranda Swanson ROCKFORD’S UP & COMER AWARD

ByKathyEdwards

VP OF MARKETING AND FUND DEVELOPMENT REMEDIES RENEWING LIVES

A strong work ethic and a sincere love of people are what make Miranda Swanson an up and comer.

Swanson, VP of marketing and fund development at Remedies Renewing Lives, loves Rockford’s big city/small town feel and values her local connections.

“I want to leave a legacy of community involvement, helpfulness and true impact on Rockford and the people in it,” she said. “And this recognition will motivate me to keep up my momentum.”

Swanson serves on the YMCA Advisory Board, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois grant and scholarship team, Illinois State University’s Alumni Advisory Board, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals board (Rockford chapter). She also teaches public relations at Rock Valley College.

As a nonprofit professional, she’s keenly aware of needs in Rockford. She endeavors to make sure service organizations are using their resources and abilities to their fullest potential.

Swanson credits Kay Larrick, former executive director of Carpenter’s Place, with being her most influential mentor: “She took me under her wing when I was fresh out of college. I’m blessed that she exposed me to many things – managing a nonprofit, fundraising and donor relationships, and having an attitude of gratitude.”

Dr. Heather Psaltis MOST HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE

ByLynetteConner

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Dr. Heather Psaltis has unique insight into the future of the Rockford Public Schools (RPS), and she likes what she sees.

“We have some awesome initiatives in place districtwide, and we’re all rowing in the same direction,” she said. “We’re also expanding upon the choices that families have within the public schools.”

Her job focuses on three main components: supporting school staff, overseeing special programs within the district, and developing educational opportunities for students.

“My role is to support, coach and mentor teachers and principals. As their advocate, my mission is to give school leaders vision and hope for the future,” she said.

Psaltis also manages special educational programs, including Two-Way Language Immersion at Barbour, Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), Gifted Academy, Maria Montessori at Marsh, and STEAM Academy at Haskell.

In the fall of 2023, RPS will implement the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

“The IB elementary program will launch at Conklin School and focus on teaching critical thinking skills, allowing students to take responsibility for their learning, teaching Spanish, and encouraging students to apply classroom lessons within their communities,” Psaltis said.

She’s excited about working toward an IB middle and high school program and the implications for its graduates. According to Psaltis, students receiving IB high school diplomas have advanced skills that garner global recognition at colleges and universities.

“In school leadership and at the district’s central office, we have a solid plan for the future of RPS with clear goals, a sense of urgency, equity and implementation to benefit all our students,” Psaltis said. “This is what makes me most hopeful for the future of our schools.”

Meredith MacKay ROCKFORD SPIRIT AWARD

DIRECTOR

CRUSADER COMMUNITY HEALTH F

OUNDATION

PositivityissomethingthatMeredithMacKayhasin abundance.

Leadershipisinherlineage.Shelearnedalotabout buildingconnectionsfromherfather,formerWinnebago CountyBoardMemberPeteMacKay.Andshepreviously workedatWesleyWillows,whereshegottoknowsomeof Rockford’smostinfluentialleaders.

“Wehada‘BreakfastwithTitans’atWillows,where workerswouldfrequentlynetworkwithlocaliconslike JackPackard[formerchairandCEOofElcoIndustries,and vicechairofAlpineBank].Theyremindedmealwaysthat Rockfordisworthinvestingin,”shesaid.

MacKayappliesthoselessonstohercurrentroleas directoroftheCrusaderCommunityHealthFoundation, supportingCrusaderCommunityHealththrough fundraising,eventmanagementandcollaboratingwith boardmembers.

“CrusadermakesRockfordbettereveryday.We servethemedicallyunderserved,butwe’realsoherefor everyone,”shesaid.“Crusaderrepresentsamicrocosmof whoweareasacommunity…Crusaderisasterlingexample ofwhatitmeanstoserve.That’samissionthat’simpossible nottolove.”

MacKayusesherconnectionstohelpothers.

“Meredithisalwaysawareoftheintroductionsthat couldbehelpfulindividuallyorforotherorganizations. She’saconnectorbynatureandalwayshastheRockford community’sbestinterestinmind,”saidMirandaSwanson, VPofmarketingandfunddevelopmentatRemedies

RenewingLives

Whenshe’snotworkingatCrusader,MacKay volunteersfororganizationssuchastheCommunity FoundationofNorthernIllinoisandtheYWCA.

ByAndrewWright