Chamber Introduces 2015 Board Members

Submitted by the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce

The Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce introduced the 2015 Board of Directors at the chamber’s Annual Business & Government Breakfast on January 16 at the Lake Forest Club.

At the event, the Chamber also presented Lake Forest College with the 2015 Community Leadership Award in recognition for its service and commitment.

The LF/LB Chamber Board of Directors is comprised of 17 leaders in business, government and education, who donate their time and expertise to lead the Chamber’s initiatives to sustain the vitality of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff’s business districts and communities, and support the Chamber’s 450 members. The Board members represent the various Chamber constituencies: retail and service businesses, industries, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions.

The 2015 Executive Committee includes President Deborah Fischer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group; Vice President Tim Newman, Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management; Treasurer Steve Milota, Senior Vice President, Commercial Loans, Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company; Secretary Grace Ragsdale, Vice President, Ragsdale Inc.; Immediate Past President Deborah Haddad, Attorney, O’Donnell Haddad LLC; and the Chamber’s Executive Director, Joanna Rolek.

Four new Board members were elected to serve three-year terms. They include Phil Hood, Vice President of Development & Alumni Relations at Lake Forest College; Jennifer Howe, attorney, at Lesser Lutrey McGlynn & Howe LLC; Aric Shlifka, one of the owners at Kiddles Sports Inc.; and Michael Simeck, Superintendent of Lake Forest School Districts 67 & 115.

The four new directors join returning Board members Brad Andersen, Managing Broker/Co-Owner at Griffith Grant & Lackie Realtors; Malcolm Douglas, Vice President & CFO, Lake Forest Graduate School of Management; Matt Flynn, Senior Vice President & CFO, Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital; Drew Irvin, Village Administrator, Village of Lake Bluff; Bob Kiely, City Manager, City of Lake Forest; Larry Meilbeck, Director of Facility Operations, Hospira Inc; and Cindy Pasquesi Thorsen, Owner, Pasquesi Home & Gardens.

In her introductory remarks, Deb Fischer urged all members to consider becoming even more actively involved in the Chamber and its programs. “We have a wealth of talent among the 2015 Board of Directors and I encourage each of you in the audience to share your talents with us, as well.” She went on to invite all to seek out opportunities to take advantage of the many benefits of Chamber membership and partner with the other businesses in supporting the overall vitality of our communities.

For further information on getting involved with the LF/LB Chamber, visit LFLBchamber.com or contact the Chamber at 272 E. Deerpath, Suite 106, Lake Forest, IL 60045, 847-234-4282.