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Heather Acerra is a group benefits consultant and small business owner with extensive experience in human resources leadership, specializing in compensation, benefits consulting, and organizational development. Heather is passionate about helping employers design comprehensive total rewards plans to enhance employee engagement and retention.

Heather's business acumen extends to her entrepreneurial venture, Lux Blox, an award-winning educational toy she co-invented with her husband. Lux Blox has been a focal point in collaborative classroom projects at NEIU, where students have explored product development and marketing under the guidance of Professor Garo Agopian. As an Executive Advisory Board member at NEIU and College Relations Director for the Illinois SHRM State Board, Heather enjoys mentoring college students in business and career development. In addition to her professional roles, she serves on the Galesburg City Council and is an active member and lector at her church. Heather is dedicated to making a positive impact in her profession and the communities she serves, particularly the students at NEIU.

Jack Butler holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Washington State University and an M.B.A. from the University of Oregon, with a focus on Accounting and Business Statistics. His career began at the Department of Defense Computer Institute in Washington, D.C., where he developed and taught computer systems courses to senior military officers. This experience sparked a lifelong commitment to bridging the gap between complex technologies and non-technical users.

Jack’s professional journey includes leadership roles in technical education at a management consulting firm, a property management software company, and enterprise software leader PeopleSoft. Most recently, he managed global technology training at Medline Industries, an international medical products company. More than 25 years ago, Jack joined the NEIU Foundation Board, which led to his long-standing relationship with the university. He served as an adjunct professor in the College of Business and Technology, teaching Business Statistics for over 14 years, and has been an active member of the Dean’s Executive Council. Jack is proud to have played a role in NEIU’s mission and is continually inspired by the determination and resilience of its students.
 

Linda Del Bosque is a dedicated advocate for empowerment and education within the Latina community. She is the founder of Chicago Latina Magazine and the Business Foundation, two platforms that promote equity and provide essential resources to historically underserved groups. Her mission centers on nurturing growth and expanding access to educational opportunities that help Latinas succeed. Linda’s work focuses on eliminating disparities and creating inclusive spaces where Latinas can thrive. Through her leadership, she has become a catalyst for change, inspiring others to pursue their potential and build community.

A graduate of Northwestern University, Linda is now preparing to attend law school, where she plans to specialize in government affairs and business law. Her goal is to deepen her advocacy work and continue addressing systemic challenges that impact underrepresented communities. Linda’s journey reflects her deep commitment to service and leadership. By building pathways and expanding access, she continues to pave the way for a more equitable future.

Kristen Evans is an award-winning consumer strategist, business executive, TEDx speaker, and educator whose career spans Fortune 500 companies, mission-driven organizations, and academic institutions. With over 15 years of experience in market research, brand development, and general management, she has led strategy for global brands including Procter & Gamble, Kraft Foods, Johnson & Johnson, COVERGIRL, The Olympics, and the NFL.

As Principal and Managing Partner at The Embedded Group, Kristen is recognized as a conscious leader who centers purpose and people in business strategy. She brings this philosophy to ����Թ�’s College of Business and Technology, where she teaches entrepreneurship and small business fundamentals through the Business Innovation & Growth (BIG) Center.

Kristen is an active civic leader, serving on the Board of Directors for BUILD, Inc. and the Associate Board of the Chicago Public Library Foundation. Her TEDx Talk, Closing the Wellness Gap, explores the intersection of generational wellness, work culture, and rest. An alumna of the University of Michigan and Gonzaga University, Kristen is a fellow of the IMPACT and Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) programs. Her honors include the David Ogilvy Award, the She Shines Award from Girls Inc., and the Outstanding Arts Consultant of Chicago.

Dr. Jay Fulgencio is a passionate educator and innovator, known for advancing teaching through technology and entrepreneurship. A proud NEIU alumnus, Dr. Jay holds a B.A. from ����Թ� and earned a Ph.D., M.S., and M.A. from Oklahoma State University.

A U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) Teaching & Learning Scholar, Dr. Jay has authored numerous academic works and designed impactful online learning experiences that merge instructional design with emerging technologies. His certifications span learning management systems, tech tools, and entrepreneurial mindset assessments. Beyond the classroom, he has held leadership roles including Chair of the Online Entrepreneurship Education special interest group and Advisory Board Member for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City – Oklahoma City Branch. Dr. Jay also serves on the Illinois Education Association – Higher Education Council, shaping policy and practice in higher education across the state. With a focus on blending content creation, innovation, and digital learning, Dr. Jay continues to empower the next generation of educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

Richard Gendon is Managing Director of the Center for Professional Management, a consulting firm specializing in strategic development, turnaround initiatives, and operational improvement. With over 25 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, his work focuses on bridging strategic planning with functional execution.

He has led initiatives across supply chain and operations management in a range of industries—from FMCG to agricultural processing—with particular emphasis on demand planning, risk management, and long-range planning. Richard is a past president of APICS-Chicago and continues to serve on the chapter’s Board of Directors. A proud graduate of ����Թ�, Richard credits the College of Business and Technology with providing the foundation that shaped his career in leadership and strategic consulting.

Geoff was born in Detroit and raised in the suburbs of Detroit and Chicago. A graduate of Addison Trail HS, he earned a BBA in accounting from the University of Michigan, an MS in Taxation from Depaul, and an MBA from Northwestern. Geoff spent 44 years in public accounting, starting with Arthur Andersen and retiring as a tax partner from Wipfli. His involvement with the Illinois CPA Society, where he previously served as Chairperson of the Board of Directors, continues. He is currently serving as Treasurer on the Board of the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois.

For many years Geoff was a media spokesperson for the ICPAS and was a frequent guest on local TV and radio stations discussing tax matters. He also served on the Governing Council of the AICPA and as a member of the State of Illinois task force on
regulating income tax return preparers. Community involvement over the years has included being a founder of the Warren Cherry Preschool in Evanston, Treasurer of First Night Evanston and Peaceable Cities Evanston, and President of the Evanston Youth Hockey Association. Geoff joined the Executive Council of the NEIU College of Business and Technology in 2008.

A true gearhead, Geoff’s current project is building a replica of a 1965 Shelby Cobra sports car. He hopes to have it titled and licensed by the spring of 2026. Geoff and his wife Ginny are avid sports fans and long-time Blackhawks season ticket holders. They have three adult children, all of whom reside in the Chicago area. They split their time between a condo in Lakeview East and a home in Pentwater, Michigan.

Ann Kalayil is a distinguished leader in facilities planning, public administration, and digital transformation, currently serving as the Associate Vice President of Facilities and Construction at Columbia College Chicago. Her approach integrates the creative work of students and faculty directly into the design of campus spaces, showcasing Columbia’s artistic community in capital projects. Ann brings a deeply interdisciplinary and public-minded approach to her work, grounded in decades of experience across government, academia, and civic leadership.

Ann began her career in IT services and higher education administration, serving for nearly two decades as Director of Client Services and Support at the University of Chicago. She is also a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and currently serves as a Board Trustee at ����Թ�.

Her academic background spans both technical and humanistic disciplines, holding a B.Sc. in Computer Science from ����Թ�, a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois Chicago, an M.A. in Asian Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a Ph.D. in History from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Bill graduated from ����Թ� in 1972 and returned in 2014 to accept the ""Most Distinguished Alumni"" award and to give the commencement speech for the class of 2014. Bill spent 3 years on the ����Թ� Foundation Board of Directors.

Bill's organization, The Pollakov Financial Group Inc., was one of a kind, and has won numerous awards both from MassMutual and from the industry for outstanding performance, including being voted the ""#1 Best Place to Work in San Diego"" in 2014. Bill's individual achievements include: the “Founders Award” from Child Help International in 2008, was “Community Leader of the Year” for the city of Rancho Bernardo in 2008, was a finalist for the city of Poway “Man of the Year” in 2007. Bill was awarded the “#1 Most Admired CEO in San Diego” in 2011, and also the #1 Best Place to Work in San Diego.

In 2018, he entered the Financial Services Hall of Fame. Bill is a sought-after speaker, and has spoken all over the United States, Manila, Taiwan, Kuala Lampur, Singapore, Jamaica, and Canada. He was an expert witness for industry legal issues, and a consultant for  both the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University Grad School. And The Carey School of Business at ASU.

Bill has used his 46 years of insurance industry experience and expertise to merge Duke Insurance Benefits, Developmental Insurance Agency, and SFG Insurance Benefits into Pollakov & Duke Health Insurance Services, Inc., where he currently serves as the President / CEO.  Bill’s biggest achievement is that he is Founder and CEO of Bikes for Kids Foundation, a charitable organization that serves underserved children. They have given away over 99,000 new bikes and is the largest foundation in the country to do that.

Bill is a U.S. Army veteran ('68-’74), lives in Poway with his wife Debbie, and has three children.

J. Todd Phillips is the Founder and CEO of Parson Partners, where he leads organizations—particularly in healthcare and higher education—through strategic and transformational change. With a distinguished career as a corporate executive, entrepreneur, and board member, J. Todd has built a reputation for steering complex organizations through high-stakes initiatives including turnarounds, mergers & acquisitions, and organizational restructuring. His expertise lies not only in strategy and execution, but also in building consensus, aligning teams around a shared vision, and unlocking performance at every level.

In addition to his work with Parson Partners, he also serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees at ����Թ�, where he also leads the Executive and Finance Committees. His commitment to education, healthcare, and workforce development extends beyond his professional work: he actively serves on civic boards and committees focused on expanding access to opportunity. For over two decades, he has also volunteered as a mentor and youth sports coach, dedicating his time to helping the next generation thrive.

Janita Tucker is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management, economic development, and community outreach. Since 2000, she has served as Executive Director of the Peterson Pulaski Business and Industrial Council (PPBIC), where she has played a pivotal role in strengthening Chicago’s Northwest Side industrial corridor. Under her leadership, PPBIC has retained and developed dozens of companies, preserved over 5,000 jobs, and facilitated millions in public and private investment.

Renowned for her ability to foster collaboration among businesses, government agencies, educators, and community partners, Janita has consistently advanced strategic initiatives that promote long-term economic sustainability. Her expertise spans strategic planning, board development, and advocacy. In addition to her work at PPBIC, Janita has served on numerous boards including the Senior Citizens Housing Development Corporation of Chicago and the Albany Park Community Center. She has also held leadership roles with the North Park Preschool Board and Peterson Park Advisory Council.

A longtime member of the NEIU College of Business and Technology Executive Advisory Council, Janita is also an honorary member of Beta Alpha Psi. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and has completed professional training through Loyola University, Southern Illinois University, and the International Economic Development Council. Janita remains deeply committed to fostering inclusive growth and improving quality of life for Chicago residents through education, economic empowerment, and civic engagement.