one, vol. 4 iss.1

people you should knowtwenty

2014

oneone voice for the rockford area business community

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Recognizing and developing strong leaders has been a key component to the service and growth of OSF HealthCare for nearly 140 years. It has allowed us to live our Mission — to serve persons with the greatest care and love — and meet the needs of the Rockford area families seeking our care.

Similarly, we appreciate the breadth and depth of the leadership in our community. Rockford is blessed with many men and women with whom we proudly associate and join in efforts to make our region better and improve it for the generations to come.

It is the ideas and innovation of these individuals — aptly represented by the people on these pages — that is providing the citizens of this city and area a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. Through their words and actions, these leaders give us confidence that we are in a good place and an excitement that being the best is within reach.

It is with that pride that OSF HealthCare and OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center are the presenting sponsors for People You Should Know. We invite you to join us in congratulating this year’s honorees and be inspired by what they exemplify.

OSF HealthCare/OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

Sponsor’s Welcome 20

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. 190 Rockford, Illinois 61101 Periodicals postage paid at Rockford, Ill. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: One, 308 W. State St., Ste. 190 Rockford, IL 61101

staffEinar K. Forsman, President & CEO

Heidi Garner, Executive Assistant to the President/CEO

Doug Hessong, Director of Publications & Technology

Lynette Jacques, Vice President, Member Investment

Vee Jevremovic, Manager of Education Programs and Events

Crystal Larson, Financial Assistant/Administrative Support

Joy Moriarty, Vice President, Finance

Stacy Mullins, Director of Events

Diane Navickis, Membership Relations Manager

Mary Ann Suprenant, Membership Development Manager

Joan Sundvall, Membership Contact Coordinator

Visit us online rockfordchamber.com

oneone voice for the rockford area business community

4 » November 2014 One

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” HENRY FORD

Almost any successful person will tell you they had help “getting there.” But getting help is only part of the equation. Study the work habits, the talents, the perseverence of a successful person and you’re just scratching the surface.

In this edition of One, we offer a glimpse into the lives of our twenty success stories. The 2014 class of People You Should Know are people who have given their time, talent and provided leadership in many different ways, from their own business dealings to support for worthy causes in the Rockford area.

The photo shoot this year was at Riverfront Museum Park. The weather cooperated and we were afforded access to the various locations inside and out: The Discovery Center, Northern Public Radio, The Rockford Dance Company, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, The Rockford Art Museum and Burpee Museum of Natural History. Thank you to the gracious staff of Riverfront Museum Park!

And, please enjoy learning more about our 2014 People You Should Know in their featured profiles in this magazine. I think you’ll agree with me, we have many talented people in our city!

Einar Forsman, President/CEO Rockford Chamber of [email protected]

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http://www.rockfordchamber.com


LEADERS ARE NOT ALWAYS PERFECT. And, sometimes, they are downright quirky. But they display a set of behaviors that make them admired and loved. Let’s look at some of the rare ones.

GREAT LEADERS...Play Devil’s Advocate

Have you ever seen a leader who continuously pushes you to look deeper and challenges status quo by regularly and passionately taking the other side of the argument, even if s(he) agrees with your point of view? My guess is your answer is no. Playing devil’s advocate and ferociously challenging your assumptions works well in scientific experiments, but we rarely see it in business.

Great leaders play the game of 10 “why?”s, asking the question over and over again to test their understanding of the underlying strategy. They defend the opposite point of view just to explore what else their teams forgot to uncover that may be critical to their mission or a project.

It is easy to think that we are right, it soothes our egos. But it takes courage to stand up to and challenge your own experiences, knowledge, ideas.

Take the blameIf there is a blame to be had, great leaders take it on. If there

is a credit to be given, they give it away to others. Granted, it’s a very rare behavior, but the one that truly creates a following. Exceptional leaders protect their teams and they are humble when it comes to owning up to the accomplishments.

Couldn’t care less about conventional wisdom

The more you say “it’s never been done” before, the more excited they get about changing that fact. And they build the teams around them that never take no for an answer. It’s hard to manage a team of rebels, but that’s exactly what’s needed to change the norm, to challenge the old, and invent the new.

And they don’t care about the failures, because they know that the only thing that matters is their response to those failures. Failures teach. Circumstances change. Pioneers stumble while shaping the path for others. And that’s okay.

Shut UpHave you ever been in a meeting when the most senior

executive in the room has not spoken a word during the whole meeting? And I don’t mean because (s)he would be on a laptop or a mobile phone doing email. No, rather sitting in the room intently listening to the very important strategic discussion. No? Well, I have. And I have to tell you – it is both a little creepy and awe-inspiring at the same time.

Malcolm Forbes once said: “The art of conversation lies in

7 UNCONVENTIONAL BEHAVIORS OF INSPIRING LEADERS

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by Ekaterina Walter, Contributor, Forbes Magazine, 2014

There are very few great managers. And even fewer great leaders. Making your team happy by displaying behaviors that are expected from you as a manager is hard.

But it is even harder to inspire people to follow you, especially if you don’t have direct authority over them.


listening.” Some of the best leaders make it a point to not have their opinions heard right off the bat, but rather sit back and truly listen to what their teams have to say, maybe occasionally asking a question or two. You can get some amazing insights and inspire some great ideas just by sitting there and not contradicting (or agreeing, for that matter) with the opinions of others. Those leaders tell me that it is very hard to do, but tremendously rewarding to exercise this every now and then.

Intentionally seek diversityWe’ve all seen managers surround themselves with “yes”

people. We’ve all seen favoritism in our careers – after all, it is human nature to like those that look/speak/dress like us. But exceptional leaders go outside of their comfort zones in recruiting their teams, they intentionally seek diversity of opinions/ages/genders/perspectives/experiences. They don’t want to build an army of “yes” men and women, they want to innovate and evolve. And one can’t do that without the benefits of diversity.

George S. Patton said, “If everyone is thinking the same, then someone isn’t thinking.” That’s something true leaders try to avoid by building and developing diverse teams.

Invite naivetéGreat leaders are also great innovators. And they know that

curiosity and naiveté are critical conditions of innovation. They are humble enough to accept if they don’t know something and smart enough to constantly learn throughout their career.

But they are also sharp enough to know that times change and that no one person can know everything. They ask “why?” and “why not?” constantly, and are always open to reverse mentorship with younger generations realizing that there are some things younger professionals are just smarter about.

DisappearUnderstanding how critical it is to sometimes disconnect and

reflect, extraordinary leaders will disappear for a while. They will do something else, change their routine, and learn something absolutely new outside of their professional interests. They are masters of creating white space in which creativity thrives. Not only that, they are masters of knowing their limits and when their energy levels need recharging to continue to operate successfully long-term.

What are the rare behaviors you see remarkable leaders display?

Congratulations! Kathy Velasco

Hard work and perseverance has earned you this

well-deserved recognition. You’ve been a trail-blazer,

mentor, and advocate… An example of walking

through life with grace. Congratulations!

“Character is what emerges from all the little things you were too busy to do yesterday, but did anyway.” ~Mignon McLaughlin

for being one of the People You Should Know!

http://www.marketingv2.com

Presenting Sponsor: OSF Healthcare/OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center Prairie Street Brewhouse • October 23, 2014

One Magazine and Rockford Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 2014 “People You Should Know” award recipients at a special reception, sponsored by OSF Healthcare. More than 350 guests enjoyed appetizers and drinks in the ballroom of the Prairie Street Brewhouse near downtown Rockford. Chamber President Einar Forsman, Paula Carynski of OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Patti Thayer, incoming Chamber Board Chairman, and Mike Broski, Chamber Board Past Chairman announced the awards and recognized each of the twenty recipients.

To see all the Event pictures, go to rockfordchamber.com.

oneevent

2014 People You Should Know pose for a “class” picture.

2014 One “People You Should Know” Reveal Reception



Rockford Chamber President Einar Forsman addresses the enthusiastic crowd at the PYSK Announcement Event.

http://www.transformrockford.org

http://www.rockford.edu

http://www.henrypwm.com


Honoree Tom Muldowny receives his award. Past recipient Bob Guirl and his wife offer congratulations to Jim Derry, 2014 honoree.

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http://www.rockfordhealthsystem.org


Right, Matthew Simpson, enjoyed the evening with his family.

2013 PYSK Dr. Fred Sweet and wife Amy take in the evening.

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Honoree Karen Brown was offered congratulations from previous award recipients David Scherz and Paula Carynski.

http://www.morrisseyfamily.com


Dan Saavedra and Mike Webb (center) and their group of supporters. Honoree Patrick O’Keefe receives congratulations from Gloria Cudia.

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http://www.blackhawkbank.com


Honoree Kathy Velasco (right) receives congratulations from Karen and LaVonna Peterson.

Honoree Paulina Sihakom (left) and Lily Remond (PNC Bank) and Romero Bennett (Blue Sky Insurance Agency).

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http://www.savewithups.com/rockford

http://www.savantcapital.com


(Center) Jeff Simonic receives congrats from fellow UPS supporters, Justin Neuasavanh, Leasha Johnson and Paul Kofoed.

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Rick Bastian and Kady Hevrin (Field Fastener) enjoy a drink with Sue Castrogiovanni (Giovanni’s).

http://www.osfsaintanthony.org


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Honoree Caitlin Ludwig (left) and her –––supporters, Bridget Finn, Katie Wester, and Jayme Bastian.

Honoree Dan Parod receives his award.

http://www.the-alliance.org/voice

https://www.pnc.com


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To see all the Event pictures, go to rockfordchamber.com.


People You Should Know

This page, (l to r) back row: Kevin Polky, Mike Webb, Ricardo Oceguera, Dan Malaney, Rick Bastian, Karen Brown, Dan Parod (l to r) front row: Paulina Sihakom, John J. Morrissey, Rebecca Cook Kendall, Dan Saavedra

People You Should Know

This page, (l to r) back row: Kris Kieper, Jim Derry(l to r) middle row: Jeff Simonic, Patrick O’Keefe, Tom Muldowney (l to r) front row: Luz Ramirez, Kathy Velasco, Caitlin Ludwig, Matthew Simpson


Reaching HigherExecutive director Luz Ramirez believes La Voz Latina’s mission, “to promote the progress and serve the needs of Latinos in our region,” is best done through education. The double major in business and dance, who “didn’t have it in her to go to Hollywood or Broadway,” returned to Rockford after college, where the need for bilingual teachers was great. She grew in 16 years from part-time Kindergarten teacher to director of the Family Resource Center to a cabinet-level executive reporting directly to the superintendent. She earned a master’s degree in education.

“Working as executive director seemed like the best opportunity for me to use my experience and help my community.”

For three years she’s strived to offer a higher level of services to a diverse Latino population. La Voz Latina’s new home in the historic Rockford Business College building, has opened doors to expand educational outreach, at lower operating costs. “My goal is to make the organization self sustainable, with programs that bring in revenue, while continuing to offer services at no cost.”

Monthly meetings with the Coalition of Latino Leaders draw from a community representing more than 25 Latin American countries. The needs vary, with client factors such as first- or second-generation American born, and level of educational and English language skills. Second language acquisition, she says, is difficult for those with little or no formal education. Others with higher education can’t practice in their fields without English mastery. Those with bicultural lifestyles often face identity issues. She’s seen Latinos attending universities at higher rates than other groups, but dropping out to provide for families and not completing their four-year degrees.

“My parents left their home country Colombia and made many sacrifices so that I could live the life I lead now. My continued quest for a higher education is to demonstrate to them that their sacrifices were worth it.

“For those who know me, they have come to understand that I simply cannot sit still. I am motivated by seeing people progress, improve their lives, achieve their goals and set higher goals.”

By Barbara Connors

La Voz LatinaExecutive Director

Luz M. Ramirez 20


Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley CollegeProducer and Managing Director

The Show Goes OnWhen Mike Webb was a graduate student in college, one of his theater professors predicted the Rockford native would have a thriving career as a New York director. But Webb shunned the bright lights of the big city and returned home to oversee Rock Valley College’s Starlight Theatre.

“I’ve always felt that we can have the same caliber of shows here as in New York,” says Webb. “So many people here in Rockford have never seen a Broadway show. I’m proud to be able to deliver productions that may bring some hope for the community.”

For the past 30 years, Webb has been the only producer and director of theater that the college has known. Webb possessed a theatrical spirit even at an early age. In the 1970s, when he attended Rockford West High School, Webb directed the student production of The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail. Webb also volunteered to build sets for Starlight productions.

When director Neil Thackaberry, who was Starlight’s director in the early 1980s, needed someone to lead Evita in 1985, he turned to Webb.

“The thing about theater is that it’s live,” Webb says. “There’s a chemistry. You buy a ticket, or a season ticket, anticipating a great experience that you share with significant others and with other random people. You take your seat, the lights go down, the actors come out, and you’re willing to go with whatever they do, as long as they fulfill the promise. Theater gives you things that you can hold on to.”

This past summer, Webb directed the musical, Angel, a personal story about his daughter, Kaitlin, who was diagnosed with Rett syndrome at the age of three.

It’s projects like these that keep Webb excited about his work. “I haven’t lost any enthusiasm,” he says. “There’s always something to look forward to that I’ve never done before.”

By Paul Anthony Arco

Mike Webb 20


A Positive ContrarianDon’t tell Matthew Simpson what can’t be done. People told him not to come back to Rockford after college. Rockford needs changes but that’s like trying to move a brick wall, they said.

His response?“Being the contrarian that I am, I came straight home,” says

Simpson. “I felt like if I didn’t come back and at least try to make a difference, I would be turning my back on my community.”

Simpson has been chipping away at the “brick wall” for four years. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and a master’s in public administration from Northern Illinois University-DeKalb, he worked in business retention and expansion for the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, then in community development for the Rockford Housing Authority. In August, he became community impact manager for United Way of the Rock River Valley. His job involves connecting with residents on ways to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. One goal, he says, is to insure that solutions come from neighborhood people and are not simply imposed on them.

Simpson’s passion to make a difference is not confined to his job. He is a member of the Master Builders Masonic Lodge, a fraternal organization whose members mentor local youth and support outreach programs. He is vice president of the Wabongo Leadership Council, which works to increase leadership capacity in young adults and rally resources to battle the challenges facing African-American communities. Simpson also is a member of the Transform Rockford Visioning Team.

At age 27, Simpson is a landlord; a DJ (hosting karaoke on Tuesday nights at the On the Rocks Bar and Grill); gospel singer with Carl Hanserd and Friends; and amateur actor. He loves running, recently took up fishing and this summer, caught his first bass.

Simpson says one benefit of living in Rockford is that people like him can reach the movers and shakers of the community. “As a young person, I think the access that I have to decision-makers and the opportunities I have to influence decisions is awesome,” he says. He would like to see more people from the “margins” use these opportunities, and considers it his role to encourage them.

Just don’t tell him it can’t be done.By Geri Nikolai

United Way of Rock River ValleyCommunity Impact Manager

Matthew Simpson 20


OSF Saint Anthony Medical CenterVice President, Chief Operating Officer

Good MedicineWithout question, Karen Brown’s greatest teacher has been her mother, who raised four children after her husband passed away from cancer at a young age.

“My mother was the strongest influence in my life,” says Brown. “Mom demonstrated that integrity, hard work, and accountability were the way to live. She expected each of us to live a better life, which included graduating from college, having a career and maintaining good values. She instilled those values in us from an early age.”

Brown maintained those values in various leadership positions she held over the years. In 2000, she joined OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, where she is responsible for several areas of the medical center including human resources, marketing, food services, rehabilitation, laboratory and others.

It’s wonderful to be part of this industry,” she says. “I’m inspired by the professionals who have the expertise to care for individuals at the most vulnerable times of their lives. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

Brown is also passionate about giving back to her community. She has served on a variety of boards including the Northern Illinois Workforce Alliance, YWCA of Rockford, Byron Chamber of Commerce, The Discovery Center, Central Illinois Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives and she volunteers for Transform Rockford.

“I believe you have to step up to be part of efforts that are positive and moving the community in the right direction,” she says. “I’m involved with several areas that keep me energized and focused. I also have a strong commitment to the development of families, which is why I get excited about organizations such as the YWCA and the Discovery Center Museum.”

Away from work, Brown looks forward to sharing time with family and friends. She credits her husband for supporting her and helping her maintain balance. “I love to cook, I love to create and I love to entertain,” she says. “I want people to feel welcomed when they come to my home.”


Karen Brown 20


Family RootsYou can take the man out of Rockford, but you can never take Rockford out of the man. Case in point: John J. Morrissey, born here, a Boylan grad who majored in accounting at Creighton University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

He left for 17 years, working for Coopers & Lybrand (now PriceWaterhouseCoopers) in Omaha and New York City. Then he went to Gateway 2000, a Fortune 500 computer company where he was controller, treasurer and then, managing director of Gateway Australia.

So what brought John J. Morrissey back to his hometown?“My wife, Maureen, and I returned in 1998 to bring our young

family back to their grandparents and my Rockford roots, as well as to play a role in our family businesses,” Morrissey says.

There are four firms in the The Morrissey Family Businesses. John Morrissey Accountants, was started by John’s father in his basement in 1972. With more than 17 professionals on staff, it is today one of the largest accounting firms in the region. Staff Management was started by John’s parents (John F. and Fran) in 1983. It specializes in human resource consulting and outsourcing services. Market Dimensions, which helps companies manage payrolls and payroll taxes, joined the Morrissey group in 2000. And MPower HRIS Solutions was founded in 2005 to help clients who require customization in their management of employee information. At the head of all this is John J. Morrissey, who is a principal of The Morrissey Family Businesses and president of Staff Management and Market Dimensions. His role, he says, is to demonstrate personally and professionally the integrity and responsibility The Morrissey Family Businesses stand for. That comes with the opportunity to help other businesses succeed through services the Morrissey firms provide.

Morrissey is active in various community and professional groups. He golfs, has tried amateur acting and, this summer, logged more than 1,000 miles on his bicycle. Rockford’s greatest assets, he says, are its friendly people who “are doing their part to make the region a superior place to be.” Among them are leaders of Alignment Rockford and Transform Rockford. He plans to contribute.

“We can achieve a great deal working together along a disciplined plan,” he says. “I think the pieces are generally in place to make that difference.” By Geri Nikolai

The Morrissey Family BusinessesPrincipal, President of Staff Management and Market Dimensions

John J. Morrissey 20


Savant Capital ManagementPrincipal

Renaissance ManSome things to know about Thomas Aquinas Muldowney: Tom is pro-Rockford; He is chairman of the board for Savant Capital Management and chairman of the board for Rockford University; He wishes someone would fix the clocks at the Clock Tower Resort. The last time he looked, the clock showed four different times on its four faces, and none were correct.

He writes self-described “pithy” poetry about the financial industry; recently saw the Swan Lake Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia, and decided he should write some lyrics (“So the black swan turns to the white swan and says…); loves spending time with family; does copper weaving, photography, glass bonding, painting and bicycling; has been married 42 years to his high school sweetheart Rosemary; and is a born and bred Rockfordian, attending Boylan High and Rockford University before getting a master’s in financial services from the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pa.

That’s Tom Muldowney, the man. Now you need to hear about Tom Muldowney, the financial professional.

In 1986, Muldowney launched a company called Savant Planning Group, now Savant Capital Management. He was the sole financial advisor.When current CEO Brent Brodeski joined in 1992, they added management of financial assets. Since then, Richard Bennett and Glenn Kautt have joined as principals of the firm, which follows the Mayo Clinic model — teams of specialists working together on client care.

As Barron’s magazine explained in its July 14, 2014 article “When Teamwork Pays,” that structure enables Savant to have only 28 advisors working with clients while the rest of the 105-person staff “back them up, providing world-class support in everything from investment research to financial planning to legal guidance.” Barron’s called Savant “one of the U.S.’s top teams for financial advisory organizations.” The firm now manages assets of $4.1 billion for 3,500 clients.

Savant prides itself on employing not salesmen, but advisors who are trained to focus on client needs, whatever they are. Muldowney believes that approach makes the end result better for everyone. “By helping our clients become stronger,” he says, “they make it possible for the communities in our region to become stronger.”

By Geri Nikolai

Tom Muldowney 20


20/20 VisionaryRockford native Patrick O’Keefe says he became aware of the Transform Rockford movement in November, 2013. The organization aims to make the Rockford Region a top 25 community by 2025.

“As I learned more about the approach and methodology for the effort, I became more and more interested,” says the former director of marketing for local manufacturer Eclipse, Inc. “What most impressed me was the strategic planning approach that was being taken.”

As Transform Rockford began hosting its Community Visioning Sessions to gather feedback from the Rockford Region, O’Keefe was uniquely suited as a volunteer for the communications team; providing advice and guidance on media relations, communication and team building. He co-led the team for the Community Vision Rally in July this year, when the community’s draft vision was revealed.

“The rally was an awesome culmination of the work by our entire community to create a vision for a preferred future. This was the work of the people, not a consulting firm or select group of leaders.” O’Keefe now is working full time for Transform Rockford as its communications manager.

“I can say that volunteering has been an extremely important part of my life, and I have met many of my closest friends through various volunteer efforts.” He’s a past officer of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau board, current board vice president of the Friends of the Coronado, current chair of the strategic committee for Rockford Art Museum’s Board of Trustees, and on the Rockford Memorial Hospital Foundation board.

“I have been involved in volunteering in my community since I was a child,” O’Keefe says. “I have my parents to thank for that. At an early age it was not a question of IF we were going to volunteer, but for what we were going to volunteer.”

By Barbara Connors

Transform RockfordCommunications Manager

Patrick O’Keefe 20


Blackhawk BankChairman and Chief Executive Officer

Banking on the CommunityRick Bastian is no stranger to the banking industry, with more than 45 years in the business.

“I’ve learned a couple of things in my career,” says Bastian, who joined Blackhawk Bank in 2001. “I don’t work in large organizations very well. They were great training grounds but not good at allowing me to be responsive to the customer sitting across from me. I quickly realized that it was better to be a fish in a small pond. You can have more control, be more creative, and more responsive. Whether it’s a loan to a business, a mortgage on a house, or a contribution to a charity, it’s been a great career for making a difference in people’s lives.”

Bastian has been a particularly good friend to the manufacturing industry. He supports and sponsors many manufacturing organizations including the Manufacturers Alliance of the Rock River Valley, Women of Today’s Manufacturing, the Rock River Valley Tooling and Machining Association and the Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s Manufacturer’s Council.

“In 2005, we took a look at the landscape and knew the Rock River Valley depended on manufacturing,” Bastian says. “The backbone of local manufacturing is small, family-held manufacturers. If we were going to help the community grow, we really should understand manufacturing in ways that banking hadn’t in the past.” For his efforts within the manufacturing community, Bastian was honored with the 2011 Manzullo Individual Business Catalyst of the Year award.

Over the years, Bastian has served on the boards of many local civic, charitable and economic development organizations. He is an advisor to the Rockford Association of Realtors and recently became a certified Family Business Advisor to help small businesses plan for ownership and management succession. “If those transitions are done with the right level of planning and execution, it won’t leave the community with a next generation of empty buildings,” he says. “As a banker, this is a value-added contribution that I can make to the community.”


Rick Bastian 20


Agent of ChangeWhen Kris Kieper accepted the position as CEO of the YWCA of Rockford, she had a short-term goal. “I thought I would be here a maximum of three years,” she says. “When I came in I was working for a philanthropy consulting firm and I really enjoyed that. I had a variety of clients, traveled and worked from home. I wasn’t interested in changing that.”

But a funny thing happened along the way. Kieper found that she really embraced the vision and the mission of the YWCA, which has changed from a recreational venue to an organization that strives to create opportunities for women’s growth, leadership, and power and works towards eliminating racism and social injustice.

Kieper became instantly hooked. “I got sucked in,” she says. “It’s such a challenging job and the mission is so huge. We could work the rest of our lives and not achieve parts of our mission. It’s challenging mentally, physically and emotionally.”

Kieper chalks up her can-do attitude to the five years she spent serving in the Army in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She juggled a variety of roles including working on special assignments for the Army Inspector General. It was a spur of the moment decision for Kieper, who admits she wasn’t ready for college at the time.

“I was really lucky to have a great military experience,” she says. “I had great mentors who cared for me. My experience gave me the drive and work ethic that I have today.”

It’s that attitude that serves Kieper well in her role as trustee for the Village of Winnebago. “This is a good test for me,” she says. “The people on the board all have hearts of gold who want the best for the community.”

Who knows, Kieper admits, this just might be the springboard she needs to run for state office in the near future. “You just never know,” she says.


YWCA of Rockford President/CEO

Kris Kieper 20


V2 Marketing CommunicationsPresident

Visual AidsAs the president of a marketing agency, Kathy Velasco knows the true meaning of being recognized for her efforts within the community.

“As a small business owner I can have a voice in helping the community,” she says. “I don’t have big budgets or a lot of time, but I can help out in small ways and that’s really important to me. I’ve had a blessed life. I grew up in a blue-collar family in Rockford and never wanted for anything. When I needed health care, I had health care. There are too many people who don’t have those options. For those of us who do, it’s important to find ways to help those who don’t.”

Velasco started out working for a professional organization that promoted the metal forming and fabricating industry. She left in 1995 to open her own marketing agency, Velasco and Associates. Two years ago, she teamed up with Chris and Heather Kelley, owners of Argyle Marketing, to form V2 Marketing Communications, a Rockford-based firm that specializes in advertising and marketing.

“It’s been a total roller coaster ride,” says Velasco. “I started out really strong because most of my clients were in manufacturing due to my background. Then my business partner left and we lost our three biggest clients. I went into deep hole when the recession hit, and I spent years digging out. But I stuck with it. I’ve always had enough work to keep me going.”

As a company, V2 Marketing Communications was recognized last year by United Way as a Business Volunteer of the Year. Earlier this year, the agency was named the Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year.

“I love being able to produce something tangible,” she says. “I’m a visual person and we get to be creative every day. I love pointing to a website that we did, having one of our brochures in my hand or seeing a logo on a billboard and saying ‘We did that.’ I’m proud of our work.”


Kathy Velasco 20


Making a Better LifeIn the 1980s, Dan Saavedra fled his native Colombia,

a country that was suffering from political turmoil and saddled with drug traffickers. “Violence was random and hard,” he says. “I was leaving school by public transportation one day, when a bomb exploded blocks away. We never knew when the next one was coming.” So he left for the United States with his girlfriend and now wife of 28 years, Diana, a native of Milledgeville, Ill., who was in Columbia studying abroad.

When Saavedra, who was 25 at the time, arrived in Milledgeville he found not only tranquility, but opportunity. He volunteered for local churches and community groups. He learned the English language and found part-time work with a Dixon architectural firm and in 1988 with the Rockford firm Ware Associates, which gained him valuable experience to eventually open his own business, Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects, in Rockford in 1991. In October, Saavedra celebrated 30 years of his arrival to the U.S. and 20 years as an American citizen. “I love this country,” he says.

Saavedra is known as one the region’s top architects. Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects has designed and developed many well-known buildings including Anderson Japanese Gardens Visitor’s Center, Practice Velocity, various buildings at Rock Valley College, SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center, Poplar Grove United Methodist Church and many churches. His firm also has designed projects in Central America and South America, and is working on a master plan for a Catholic church in Hawaii. In 2013, Saavedra Gehlhausen was named in the Top 500 Hispanic-owned businesses in the U.S. “My job is to solve my client’s needs,” he says. “No two projects are alike, even if they’re for the same client.”

Over the years, Saavedra has volunteered for a number of organizations such as United Way, Rockford Art Museum, La Voz Latina, Rockford University and the Rock Valley College Foundation. He also makes time for Latino youth by teaching them the value of hard work. “I like being an example to the young people,” he says. “I came to this country with $250 in my pocket. I’m proof that you can work hard and aim high.”

By Geri Nikolai

Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects President

Daniel G. Saavedra 20


Rockford Health SystemSenior Vice President of Hospital and Administrative Affairs

Opportunity to HelpFamily brought Dan Parod home to Rockford after he and his wife, Holly, lived in a central Illinois community for three years after college.

It is a decision he has never regretted.“Returning, 20 years ago, to live and work in the community I

was raised in has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” he says. “Rockford has been a great place for us to raise our family and I have enjoyed being a part of and contributing to the community.”

Working in the health care profession in his hometown brings satisfaction to Parod, who is senior vice president of hospital and administrative affairs for Rockford Health System.

“I chose to work in health care because our mission and purpose is about helping others who need care,” he says. “Each and every day we come in contact with patients and their families at critical moments in their lives, and have the ability to touch them and make a difference in significant ways. Being able to do this in the community I was raised in is a special opportunity.”

When he’s not working, Parod can be found volunteering or at school and travel team sporting events in which his son and daughter compete. Or working on his yard, running, boating, or indulging in his brainier hobbies of collecting quotes, researching Rockford history and collecting Rockford antiques.

Rockford, says Parod, needs to work on its problems but at the same time, should give more emphasis to the positive parts of this community. “I think our area has a self-esteem problem where we can start to believe that it’s hopeless or impossible to change,” Parod says.

He’s irked when he hears people say there’s no reason to live here and nothing to do here. His response: a multitude of parks and recreation spaces, sporting opportunities, the YMCA, good restaurants and shopping, Anderson Japanese Gardens, art and entertainment options, and housing values. “There is more to do here than most of us have time for,” he says. “It’s all how you look at it.”

By Geri Nikolai

Dan Parod 20


Community ConnectorCaitlin Ludwig is a key player in the ambitious goal to make Rockford one of the top 25 places to live by 2025, and one of the key elements in stopping the “brain drain” of talented young professionals. Since IGNITE Rockford’s launch in 2008, she’s pursued that goal of attracting and retaining young professionals through meaningful social, career and volunteer opportunities.

“I grew up in Byron, and so many people view staying in Rockford as almost a failure,” Ludwig says. “I see it as the complete opposite! Rockford is a place where I can get my hands dirty and make a difference.”

In 2009, Ludwig picked up a leadership role with IGNITE as the GIVE committee co-chair; getting young professionals on area boards and contributing to not-for-profit organizations. In 2010, at only 24, she became IGNITE’s executive director, increasing membership from roughly 200 to 250. The organization today is 400+ members.

She continues to serve as IGNITE coordinator and REACH committee co-chair and a frequent columnist in The VOICE.

“The naysayers bring an unusual challenge,” says the marketing specialist at Blackhawk Bank in Roscoe. “There are so many good things happening here, but some people focus on the negative. Never mind the pure beauty of where we live, or the amazing arts scene and fantastic local restaurants, or our commutes that barely go over 15 to 20 minutes or the myriad big cities at our back door.”

Ludwig’s LinkedIn profile encourages people to contact her to brainstorm ideas on improving the region or for advice on attracting young professionals. “I firmly believe in transparency. I am a big believer in discussing the messy issues in the open.” Her master’s degree thesis in organizational leadership from Lewis University focuses on engagement levels of those active in a young professionals organization.

She quotes the wise words of Dr. Seuss, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” She says, “And I care an awful lot!”

By Barbara Connors

IGNITE Rockford/Blackhawk BankLeadership Team Member/ Marketing Specialist

Caitlin Ludwig 20


El Sol de RockfordEditor

The Write StuffRicardo Oceguera will never forget that first time he stepped onto American soil. He was a member of a Mexico national swim team who traveled to Dallas, Texas, to compete in 1977. “Everything I saw here was beautiful,” he says. “I was impressed and still am today. I knew this is where I wanted to live.”

Oceguera graduated from medical school in Mexico, and practiced internal medicine for three years before realizing that healthcare wasn’t for him. He and his family moved to California and then to Chicago in 1996 to be closer to family. Eventually they found their way to Rockford, where his sister, Eloisa, was the editor of Espejo, a Hispanic newspaper. Oceguera pursued his own passion for journalism and accepted a job as copy editor for the Rockford Register Star, before eventually replacing his sister as editor of Espejo.

In 2012, Oceguera left the newspaper to start his own publication, El Sol de Rockford, a free weekly Latino newspaper that is distributed in Boone, Winnebago, and Ogle counties and southern Wisconsin.

As editor of a small, two-person operation — his sister handles graphic design — Oceguera wears many hats: reporter, photographer, videographer, and sales. The days are long, Oceguera says, but he’s proud of the fact that his 40-page newspaper is helping bridge the gap for Latino residents when it comes to local news. “The newspaper business has had its ups and downs, especially when it comes to advertising revenue,” he says. “But it’s important for the Latino community to have their own newspaper.”

Oceguera, who is married and has two children, was recently named the 2014 Latino Father of the Year by the Ethnic Heritage Museum. “My family is very important to me,” he says. “I love my children and will do anything to make sure they succeed in life. In order for them to grow, it’s necessary to teach them values and the importance of going to college.”


Ricardo Oceguera 20


Strength in Body and MindKevin Polky was a business major until he decided that a helping profession suited him better. Now he combines the two as a licensed clinical social worker who owns KP Counseling LTD and Four Corners Wellness Center.

Both are located at 6392 Linden Road in Rockford, a wooded site that Polky says is a perfect setting for therapy. The 10 clinical therapists there are free to take clients outside whenever weather permits.

With a support staff of nine, the two businesses serve about 300 clients a week in individual or group counseling. The professionals work with all ages, from preschoolers to senior citizens, in areas that include family counseling, primary psychiatric disorders, trauma, addiction, grief and loss issues.

Four Corners was started in 2010, nine years after the counseling center opened. It focuses on the whole person, with services such as health alternatives, nutrition counseling, massage, and chiropractic care. Recently, Polky has been concentrating on developing programs for businesses and public speaking about getting maximum creativity and productivity from yourself and your colleagues.

A graduate of Harlem High, Rock Valley College and Illinois State before earning his master’s in social work at the University of Illinois, Polky was intrigued as a teenager by the concept of motivation. He started reading about it and, when he got into competitive sports, used the motivational tools he had read about.

It worked well. Polky’s main interest was body-building, and he won the Mr. Teenage USA title in 1987. He decided to close that chapter in his life, and then met his future wife, Diane. They agreed to live close to their families as they raised their own children and returned to Rockford. Polky still exercises regularly, and heads outdoors whenever he can for biking, hiking or walking.

In his therapy, Polky often looks for the strengths within a client and urges that they be used to overcome obstacles. Rockford can do the same, he believes. It’s already happening in downtown development, improvements in academics and growth in sports arenas, he says.

By Geri Nikolai

KP Counseling LTD Four Corners Wellness CenterOwner

Kevin Polky 20


PNC Bank Market Executive

Overcoming All ObstaclesPaulina Sihakom’s past is what fuels her drive to make every day better.

In 1983, Sihakom and her family left behind Communism in Laos to start a new life in the United States. Now, as PNC Bank Market Executive, Sihakom is making positive changes both in the Rockford community, as well as for members of her village back in Laos.

Growing up, Sihakom stayed mostly with her grandmother, while her father served in the military and her mother was busy growing vegetables to make ends meet. Her family spent a year living in a refugee camp. “We didn’t have electricity or running water,” Sihakom says. “We lived in a remote area. I saw a car maybe once in my village. That’s all I knew.”

Thanks to the organization Unicef, Sihakom and her family eventually made their way to the United States, where they lived in Chicago before moving on to Dixon, Ill. Her father worked as a landscaper and her mother cleaned houses. Sihakom’s first American clothing came from the Goodwill, including a cheerleading outfit. “I thought it looked cute,” she says. Sihakom, who first learned English by reading the Bible, went on to excel in high school and college. Her first job was as a part-time teller at a bank.

Sihakom is known by many for her generosity, especially in the Laos community. She pairs employers with job seekers and assists families to find child care. She volunteers as an interpreter and she organizes a clothing drive to benefit children in her native village. She also leads a hat and glove drive at PNC Bank to help local children. She’s active with her neighborhood association, her children’s activities, her temple and serves on various boards, including Goodwill. “I’m leaving my community a better place than when I found it,” she says.

Sihakom loves sharing her story of courage and determination with others, whether it’s business professionals or young students. Her message is simple: “It doesn’t matter where you come from, it only matters what you do with yourself.”


Paulina Sihakom 20


Rebuilding LivesJim Derry was working in sales at Harris Corporation in Minnesota, when he realized he was one of 35,000 employees in a very large organization. The graduate of University of Illinois with a degree in mechanical engineering moved back to Rockford, where his six brothers and sisters lived, to raise his family with his wife Susie.

Derry and his brother, Bill, purchased Field Fastener Supply. “Buying Field with my brother got me out of ‘Corporate America’ and into a very small, 12-person business that I could make an impact on.” The industrial distributor of fasteners and Class “C” items with 900 clients from 15 countries, has for the last 23 years averaged 19 percent annual growth. It was named one of “America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies” by INC 500/5000 magazine for four consecutive years.

Inspired by a conversation with a board member, Derry and his wife Susie became involved with Carpenter’s Place, an organization that helps homeless adults rebuild their lives. “The mission really resonated with us.” As board vice president and chair of the facilities committee, Derry has helped to secure Success House, a four-unit apartment building for eight formerly homeless adults committed to a productive lifestyle. “We were inspired by the approach Carpenter’s Place used to provide a ‘hand up,’ not a ‘hand out’.”

Through Holy Family Church, Derry became involved with The Haitian Project in 2002. He and a group of men expanded facilities, installed a solar power system and built a playground at a Catholic boarding school. “The combination of very hard physical labor during the day combined with prayer and reflection in the evening made for a powerful experience.” Many of the men continue to work on playground projects in Rockford. “We realized that we didn’t need to travel to Haiti to find people that needed assistance.”

Derry has mentored high school students; bringing them to Field and offering insights into potential jobs in Rockford. He’s encouraged his employees, with 100 percent team participation in United Way of Rock River Valley and quarterly blood drives for Rock River Valley Blood Center.

By Barbara Connors

Field FastenerPresident

Jim Derry 20


UTC Aerospace Systems Chief Engineer, Electric Systems

Guiding Future WorkersDaniel Malaney knows personally the importance of mentoring students in their future careers. “I really knew I wanted to be an engineer after participating in the co-op program at UTC Aerospace Systems while in college.” The combination of real-world, practical application to his classwork and mentoring helped him navigate through his engineering program at University of Wisconsin. Networking with experienced engineers led him to his first job with current employer, UTC Aerospace Systems.

Most recently, Malaney has been project engineering manager for the Pratt & Whitney engine programs; leading the entry into service of four components for the F135 engine on Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter. Earlier this summer, he joined Electric Systems as chief engineer.

Being a strong leader for his company has meant giving back. In 2012-2013, he was chair of UTC Aerospace Systems’ United Way Workplace Campaign, and co-chair/advisor for the 2013-2014 campaign. In June he became chairman of the steering committee for the Joint Institute for Engineering & Technology, Aerospace (JiET-A).

JiET-A helps students combine academic studies with real-world work experience at leading aerospace companies. Students at participating area colleges and universities select a starting point and design a career pathway to their chosen professional destination. They receive innovative, high-quality internships integrated with their academic curriculum, which allows them to enter the aerospace industry with valuable — and marketable — skills and experience.

“My goal as chairman is to use the local aerospace network to build on the internship and mentoring program to include outreach opportunities for our students and community related to aerospace.”

Malaney himself has been an advisor to several younger professionals in his company and in Rockford. “I believe I’ve helped some of these young professionals better understand how they can move within the organization based on their experience and desire. I was fortunate to get that kind of insight from my own mentors, and am pleased to be able to pay it back.”

By Barbara Connors

Daniel Malaney 20


Healthcare AdvocateDisparities in health among people of different socioeconomic classes — age, gender, ethnicity or financial status — remain a troubling issue in the community. The knowledge that in Rockford, African-Americans die before the age of 65 at twice the rate of Caucasians (51.6 versus 24 percent) has not been lost on leaders like Rebecca Cook Kendall.

Under Kendall’s leadership, Rockford Health Council developed the 2010 Healthy Community Study to identify healthcare gaps, focused on key priorities. Area healthcare organizations have used this information to leverage funding and develop strategic plans to serve the community’s needs. The council has fostered collaborations among community partners to target several priority issues identified by the study. “The health council board has begun to see ourselves evolve into a voice to be heard regarding quality issues in health.”

What’s next? “I think our community needs to value behavioral health as an important issue. Poverty is another issue we all need to work on together.” The Health Council was a key player in looking at how patients at Singer Mental Health Center would receive care when it closed in October, 2012. Today, the council is bringing together the judicial and health care systems to look at how health care is delivered in jail.

“Becky tackles the big issues: healthcare, education, diversity and mental health,” said nominator Barbara L. Huffman, partner at McGreevy Williams, P.C. “These issues push emotional buttons in people. It takes passion to speak for underserved groups, to remind the comfortable that they have a community responsibility to engage in the dialogue and work for solutions.”

Another of Kendall’s passions is mentoring the next generation. She’s raised scholarship funds for organizations such as the Rockford Association of Minority Management and the Junior League of Rockford. She’s served as president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; which recently coordinated a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Summit to encourage middle school students.

She said one of her proudest moments was when a young person told her, “You’ve been a leader I can look up to.” She says, “I didn’t even realize I was being noticed.”

By Barbara Connors

Rockford Health CouncilExecutive Director

Rebecca Cook Kendall 20


UPS Air Division Manager

Special DeliveryJeff Simonic joined UPS 21 years ago simply because he was looking for a part-time night job to supplement his income as a tool and die maker. But what he found was much more than a job; he found a home at UPS.

“I knew it was a good company,” he says. “I started at the bottom and worked my way up into a supervision role by the time I was 20. I knew this was the place for me. I continued to grow and it has turned into a great career.”

Simonic is the division manager of the second largest air hub in the UPS transportation service industry. The Rockford hub employs more than 1,000 employees and processes over 80,000 package a day between all shifts. During the holiday season UPS processes approximately 275,000 packages a day with an increased workforce of 2,000. Under Simonic’s leadership, the Rockford facility has been named the top-ranked air hub in the country for three straight years based on safety, service and production. “I believe in putting people first,” he says. “If you properly train your staff and treat them with dignity and respect, they’re going to give you 110 percent effort every day.”

UPS also paved the way for Simonic to earn his college degree. In 2008, he graduated from the University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s degree in business management, and is just months shy of obtaining his MBA from the same institution. “Growing up, I never imagined being a college graduate,” says the Chicago native. “My mother and grandmother raised me and my two brothers. We didn’t have a lot of things, but we had plenty of love and support.”

That’s why Simonic and wife, Lisa, believe in helping others. The couple is involved in a number of local activities including the March of Dimes, United Way, Make-A-Wish and cancer-related organizations. “We believe in giving back to the community,” Simonic says. “We’re thankful for everything we have. We’re both busy professionals, but we’re never too busy to help the less fortunate.”


Jeff Simonic 20


the selection committee 20

Thank you to our People You Should Know committee who dedicated time and effort to make the difficult choices.

Romero Bennett, Blue Sky Insurance

Andy Benson, Benson Stone Company

Veronica Blake, UTC Aerospace Systems

Joe Castrogiovanni, Giovanni’s Inc.

Kelly Davit, The Alliance

Brian McIntyre, Rock Valley College

Dan O’Boyle, Fiberglass Innovations LLC

Jennifer Wood, CPA Rick ZumwaltOSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

Brian Thomas Photography and V2 Marketing Communications:

Two companies that worked together to help create One publication.

And proud to help represent the People You Should Know.

PROUD

815 985-9000brianthomasphotography.com

815-397-6052marketingV2.com

http://www.brianthomasphotography.com

http://www.marketingV2.com

Burpee Museum and the Riverfront Museum Park provided the locations for this year’s photo shoot. The museum complex created some stunning backdrops— thank you to the gracious staff of The Discovery Center, Northern Public Radio, The Rockford Dance Company, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, The Rockford Art Museum and Burpee Museum of Natural History.

For more information about these museums, visit www.burpee.org and www.riverfrontmuseumpark.org.

the venue


20

http://www.rockfordchamber.com


Paul Anthony Arco is the senior staff writer for Northwest Quarterly Magazine, and frequent contributor to the Chamber newspaper, The VOICE. His work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Bloomberg News, Rockford Register Star and many others. For more information, visit paulanthonyarco.com.

Barbara Connors, M.S., journalism, University of Illinois, is an editor and writer with 20+ years of experience in newspapers, magazines, and newsletters, including The VOICE, Illinois Farmer, Wisconsin CPA, and the Rockford Register Star. She’s done extensive work leading committees, seminars and special projects, and recently completed her degree in Nursing from OSF Saint Anthony College of Nursing.

Geri Nikolai is a freelance writer who spent 40 years

in the newsrooms of Rockford Register Star and Wausau, Wis., Daily Herald, She’s been a Rockfordian since 1986.

For advertising rates and a

publishing schedule, please

contact Lynette Jacques at the

Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Lynette Jacques Vice President, Member [email protected]

THIS IS THE ONE TO BE IN!

one magaz ine

the writers 20

http://www.rockvalleycollege.edu

http://www.lavozlatina-rkfd.org

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.sgadesign.com

Congratulations!The Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors would like to extend their

congratulations to the 2014 Twenty “People You Should Know!”

Your Rockford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Andrew Benson Benson Stone Company, Inc.

Jan Bowman TLC Construction

Larry Bridgeland Mid-City Office Products

Mike Broski Entré Computer Solutions

Paul Callighan ComEd, An Exelon Company

Joe Castrogiovanni Giovanni’s, Inc.

Dr. Rena Cotsones Northern Illinois University

Darlene Furst Furst Staffing

John Groh Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Jeff Hultman Illinois Bank & Trust

Michael F. Iasparro Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Michael Mastroianni Rock Valley College

Paul McCann Stanley Steemer

Patrick Morrow Alpine Bank

Michael Nicholas Rockford Area Economic Development Council

Amy Ott Chicago Rockford International Airport

Mark Peterson CBL Associates Cherry Vale

Michele Petrie BMO Harris Bank

Laura Pigatti Williamson Rockford Park District

Timothy Rollins WilliamsMcCarthy

Henry SeyboldRockford Health System

Patrick ShawMcGladrey LLP

Patti ThayerThayer Lighting, Inc.

Rich WalshSwedishAmerican Health System

Tim WhiteUTC Aerospace Systems

Jennifer Wood CPA

Visit us online

rockfordchamber.com

Richard ZumwaltOSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

Einar Forsman Rockford Chamber of Commerce

The Rockford Chamber’s PYSK of 2013, 2012, and 2011 welcome the 2014 honorees!

PYSK Class of 2013

PYSK Class of 2012

PYSK Class of 2011

http://www.drpryor.com

http://www.osfsaintanthony.org

one, vol. 4 iss.1

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