Jody LaVoie Upholds Husband's Vision for His Company

Caption: A card posted on Caring Bridge and a red-ribbon in support of Steven LaVoie, of LaGrange

Jody LaVoie will act as CEO of her husband’s company, ArrowStream, as the LaGrange man recovers from gunshot wounds he sustained on July 31 when an employee shot him in the head and stomach.

As of Wednesday, Steven LaVoie remains in critical condition.

“Jody LaVoie is currently acting CEO of ArrowStream, supported in daily management by the existing executive team of the company,” reads a statement posted to ArrowStream’s website. “We are fortunate that she can step in to maintain Steven’s vision for the company. Jody will act in this capacity until ArrowStream names an Interim CEO to take over duties during Steven’s recovery.

“This selection process is already under way, and we intend to make an announcement in the near future.”

The company LaVoie founded — named one of Chicago’s “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” — sells supply-chain technology to Wendy’s, Applebee’s, IHOP, Panda Express, KFC, P.F. Chang’s and other major restaurant chains.

LaVoie, 54, is being treated at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He was shot in the company’s Bank of America building offices in downtown Chicago by ArrowStream’s chief technology officer, 59-year-old Tony DeFrances, days after DeFrances learned he would be demoted. The two men had worked together for 14 years. DeFrances shot himself to death after shooting LaVoie.

A family spokeswoman, Sue Michalowski, maintains a Caring Bridge page on which she posts updates for friends, family and the people of LaGrange. Many trees in town are decorated with red ribbons in a show of support for the LaVoies.

“Through this long and extremely difficult week, his family has felt wrapped up and safe in your love and prayers. As the end of the summer approaches, they are noticing the everyday miracles of life and each other,” Michalowski wrote. “School starts in just a few weeks and the girls have much to look forward to. This past week, their teachers and fellow students have taken them on adventures at the zoo, made inspirational signs, wrapped up trees all around town, and presented them with hand-made hope chests filled with letters, pictures, stories, artwork and goodies.”

On the day of the shooting, the Chicago police superintendent told news media that downsizing had taken place ArrowStream.

A letter sent Tuesday to ArrowStream customers, however, sought to correct this statement: “Contrary to erroneous reports, we have not been reducing our workforce or downsizing in any way.”

» Caring Bridge: Visit the page for Steven LaVoie on Caring Bridge