Accounting / Consulting

Allen Kostecki, John Kasperek Co., Inc.

John Kasperek Co., Inc. (JKC) is pleased to introduce new Associate, Allen Kostecki. Allen earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting/Finance with highest distinction at Indiana University Northwest (IUN). During his final semester at IUN, he participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Allen will be applying his knowledge and experience through JKC's consulting practice.

Architecture / Design

Elizabeth Wojtowicz, FGM Architects

Elizabeth Wojtowicz, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, has been promoted to Vice President at FGM Architects (FGMA), an employee-owned firm offering architecture, planning and interior design services in 8 offices across 5 states. Wojtowicz, FGMA’s Chief People Officer since 2021, has led initiatives focused on talent management, diversity and inclusion, organizational culture as well as recruitment, training and development. She received her Bachelor of Science in HR Management from Central Michigan University.

Architecture / Design

Caroline Brogan, FGM Architects

Caroline Brogan has been promoted to Marketing Leader for FGM Architects (FGMA), an employee-owned firm offering architecture, planning and interior design services in eight offices across five states. Caroline joined FGMA in 2004 as the Marketing Manager and became the Marketing Director and VP in 2018. AIA Northeast Illinois recognized Caroline for her contributions to advancing the practice of architecture in 2022. She received her BA in Organizational Management from Concordia Univ. Chicago.

Architecture / Design

Andy Leja, FGM Architects

Andy Leja, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, NCARB, CSI CDT has been promoted to Vice President at FGM Architects (FGMA), an employee-owned firm offering architecture, planning and interior design services nationally in 8 offices across 5 states. Leja joined FGMA in 2012 and focuses on PK-12 projects. A certified Construction Documents Technologist, Leja received his Bachelor and Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Architecture / Design

Joanna Zak, FGM Architects

Joanna Zak has been promoted to Regional Marketing Manager of FGM Architects (FGMA), an employee-owned firm offering architecture, planning and interior design services in 8 offices across 5 states. Zak will coordinate the creation of new business proposals and interview preparation as well as event and conference management for FGMA’s practice in the Chicago region, including a growing portfolio in Wisconsin. Zak received dual Bachelor of Arts degrees from Loyola University.

Architecture / Design

Larry Nordin, Lamar Johnson Collaborative

Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC) welcomes Larry Nordin, AIA, CSI-CCS to the Chicago, Illinois office. As Principal and Technical Director with LJC’s Technical Assurance Group (TAG), Larry excels in resource management and technical support, guiding projects from inception to completion. His passion lies in solving complex technical challenges while ensuring that design integrity is upheld. Larry has over three decades of diverse experience across residential, corporate and healthcare markets.

Art

Bob Danon, The Danon Gallery

On the move? Chicago in 1976, Colorado in 82, Chicago in 89, Wilmette in 96, Evanston in 2009, KS in 2019, Evanston in 24. Now, 48 years in business, and not one employee. Owner, Bob Danon knows how to get things done, both residential (1,000's over the years), and corporate, to name a few: Jordan's, Ditka's, The Wirtz Corporation, United Center, Harpo Prod., Hyatt offices, NU Sports, Arrowhead Golf Club. And, over the years, here and there, numerous hospitals. And of course..., Willie Nelson!

Banking

Lisa Nichols, First Bank Chicago

First Bank Chicago, one of the five largest privately held banks in Chicago, is pleased to welcome Lisa Nichols as Chief Human Resources Officer. In this role, Lisa will manage the day-to-day operations of Human Resources and assist the Executive Leadership team with the development and implementation of the Bank’s strategic plan. Lisa has over 20+ years of HR experience where she held HR Leadership roles at Keller Williams, Citigroup, Hewitt Aon, Hyatt and other financial service organizations.

Banking / Finance

Patrick Sullivan, The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) welcomes back Patrick Sullivan as Executive Vice President, Group Head of the Mortgage Partnership Finance® (MPF®) Program, succeeding John Stocchetti. Sullivan will lead the MPF Program, helping financial institutions access the secondary mortgage market. He previously worked at FHLBank Chicago from 2014 to 2021, focusing on risk management and analytics for the MPF Program. Sullivan was most recently CFO of Wintrust Mortgage.

Financial Services

Craig Price, Mesirow

Mesirow announced that Craig Price, CFP®, CTFA has joined Mesirow Wealth Management as a Wealth Advisor based in Stuart, Florida. In this role, Price will serve the firm’s growing base of high net worth families and individuals, providing firsthand understanding of planning considerations specific to the Florida region and comprehensive financial planning. Before joining Mesirow, Price served as Founder and CEO of Price Wealth Management, an RIA firm in Stuart.

Investment Banking

John Lavin, Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc.

Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc., a leading corporate advisory and investment banking firm, is pleased to announce John Lavin as the newest Managing Director in the firm’s investment banking group. Mr. Lavin will be part of the Chicago, IL office and will lead business development and transaction execution for middle-market privately held companies seeking ownership transition and for large corporate clients seeking divestitures.

Law Firm

Angel Avalos, Jr., Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC

Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres is pleased to welcome Angel Avalos, Jr. to the firm as a paralegal manager. Angel is a seasoned paralegal with 17 years of experience in the corporate environment. His expertise includes reviewing, organizing, and maintaining due diligence and closing documents, and drafting essential legal documents such as certifications, affidavits, and more. Angel has held positions at several top law firms, as well as corporate roles at Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Non-Profit

Ronald G. Kaminski, Chicago Commons

Ronald G. Kaminski has been named Board Chair of Chicago Commons, where he served for 12 years, including 3 years as Vice Chair. He is an SVP at Quanta Services. Ron founded HBK Engineering LLC in 1998, which was acquired by Quanta in 2020. Quanta Services (NYSE: PWR) is a Fortune 200 company with over $20 billion in revenue and more than 50,000 employees worldwide, specializing in infrastructure solutions for the electric power, energy, and communications industries.

Non-Profit

Vickie Lakes-Battle, Chicago Commons

Vickie Lakes-Battle, executive director for the Chicago Metro region at IFF, joins the Chicago Commons board. A trusted advisor in the community development sector known for her ability to build relationships and alliances, Ms. Lakes-Battle brings to the role more than 30 years of experience in commercial and mission-driven lending and a proven track record of accelerating positive social impact and systems change.

Non-Profit

Virxhini Gjonzeneli, Chicago Commons

Virxhini Gjonzeneli brings over 20 years of financial industry expertise to the Chicago Commons board. Currently the Chief Financial Officer and Group Head, Financial Accounting and Markets, she has held various roles at Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago since 2003, including Director and Senior Vice President. Ms. Gjonzeneli holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a degree from Northwestern University, and a CFA designation.

Non-Profit

Scott C. Swanson, United Way of Metro Chicago

United Way of Metro Chicago announced Scott C. Swanson, President of PNC Bank in Illinois, as Chair of the 2024-2025 annual fundraising Campaign, which began on July 1. Swanson’s leadership will support United Way in raising critical dollars to extend its impact in the community, ensuring individuals can meet their basic needs such as food, housing and health care and driving transformative change alongside partners in 18 city and suburban communities via the Neighborhood Network Initiative.

Private Investments

Shane Kern, Erie Street Growth Partners

Shane Kern has been promoted to an expanded role as Managing Director, Investments and Value Creation at Erie Street Growth Partners, a private investment firm that unlocks next-level growth for businesses in highly disrupted markets. In his new and broadened role, he oversees a team charged with investment strategy, M&A transactions, and enterprise value creation across the end-to-end investment cycle. His leadership is integral as Erie Street creates transformational growth opportunities.

Professional Services

Jim Gusich, CrossCountry Consulting

CrossCountry Consulting is pleased to announce that Jim Gusich has been appointed Partner to lead the local and Midwest market Risk Advisory practice with a focus on growth with insurance and financial services organizations. Jim has extensive experience in the risk, governance, and internal audit areas of the corporate and professional services industry and is instrumental in providing guidance to clients to help them solve problems and improve their business.

Strategic Advisory

Patrick Crawford, Conlon Public Strategies

Consulting group Conlon Public Strategies is pleased to announce that Patrick Crawford has joined the firm as a senior advisor. Patrick brings over 30 years of executive experience in government, nonprofit management, and the private sector to the Conlon team. Previously, Patrick was the senior director of disaster services at Feeding America, where he supported the national network of 200 food banks with capacity building to address food insecurity, disaster relief, and community resilience.

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