Architecture / Design

Ann Reo, HLB Lighting Design

Ann Reo has joined HLB Lighting Design as a Director, signaling the firm’s commitment to expanding its presence in Chicago. Founded in 1968, HLB is the largest women-owned independent architectural lighting design firm in the world. Ann brings a wealth of experience across various market sectors, including notable projects such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and Millennium Park. Her distinguished career has spanned architectural lighting design, control system design, and luminaire design.

Architecture / Design

Kimberlyn de Buhr, Wright Heerema Architects

Wright Heerema Architects announces Kimberlyn de Buhr as the firm’s new Director of Business Development. With a background in tenant rep brokerage and marketing, she brings dynamic experience to the architectural and interior design firm. Kimberlyn’s arrival marks an exciting chapter for WHA as the firm expands its market reach, including the cannabis and pharmaceutical sector. She will strengthen existing client relationships while leading initiatives to broaden the firm's portfolio.

Arts / Entertainment

Brittani Ward, five two one films

five two one films is pleased to announce that partner Brittani Ward recently received the 'New Vision Award' at the renowned Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival in Silicon Valley following the world premiere of Single Car Crashes, a feature film that she wrote and directed. Brittani was also a producer on the hybrid feature, Desire Lines, which world premiered at the Sundance Film Festival '24 and won the NEXT Jury Award. She graduated cum laude from DePaul with a screenwriting degree in 2010.

Banking / Finance

David Bonifield, U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management

David Bonifield has joined U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management bringing over 20 years’ experience in financial services. In his role as Private Wealth Advisor, David is responsible for providing comprehensive wealth management strategies tailored to his clients’ specific needs. These strategies encompass Investment Management, Private Banking, Trust and Estate Services, and Wealth Planning. David takes the time to understand his clients’ unique needs and directs teams of experts to provide services that help his clients achieve their goals.

Construction

Kinjal Patel, McHugh Construction

McHugh Construction, one of the Midwest's largest commercial contractors, has named 24-year industry veteran Kinjal Patel as its new president. Patel most recently led the Chicago construction business for Lendlease and will now lead McHugh in delivering commercial projects locally and nationally. He intends to grow McHugh’s presence, focusing on developments of all sizes, while expanding its pipeline with a client-centric approach at the forefront.

Education

Michael J. Graham, Loyola University

Michael J. Graham, S.J. has been elected to the Board of Trustees. Father Graham is senior advisor for formation programs for the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Prior to this role, he retired in 2021 from Xavier University in Cincinnati as its longest-serving president, with a tenure of two decades. He holds a BS from Cornell College, MA and PhD degrees from the University of Michigan, and a MDiv from the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry.

Education

Jackie Taylor Holsten, Loyola University

Jackie Taylor Holsten has been appointed a Life Trustee. Holsten is senior vice president and general counsel with Holsten Real Estate Development Corporation, spearheading its property management and administration divisions. She is also Board Chair and Executive Director of Holsten Human Capital Development, NFP. Holsten served on the Board of Trustees from 2011 to 2022. She holds a BA from Northwestern University and a JD from Loyola’s School of Law.

Education

Thomas N. Hund, Loyola University

Thomas N. Hund has been elected to the Board of Trustees. Hund served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) from 1999 until his retirement in 2014–culminating more than three decades with the company. Prior to working for the railroad industry, Hund worked for seven years at Peat Marwick (KPMG) in various management positions. He earned his BBA from Loyola and a MBA from the University of Chicago.

Education

LaKeisha C. Marsh, Loyola University

LaKeisha C. Marsh has been elected to the Board of Trustees. Marsh is the chair of Akerman LLP’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Practice Group and chair of the Higher Education and Collegiate Athletics Practice. She represents institutions on federal and state regulatory compliance, accreditation, state licensure, institutional governance, and collegiate sports and NCAA compliance-related matters. Marsh earned a BA from Clark Atlanta University and a JD from Loyola’s School of Law.

Education

Jeffrey P. von Arx, Loyola University

Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J. has been elected to the Board of Trustees. Father von Arx currently serves as visiting professor of the history of Christianity in the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry. Prior to this role, he was professor of history and president of Fairfield University from 2004 to 2017. Fr. von Arx holds an AB from Princeton University, MDiv degree from Boston College, and MA, MPhil, and PhD degrees from Yale University.

Education

Mary Ann Zollmann, Loyola University

Mary Ann Zollmann, BVM has been appointed a Life Trustee. Sister Zollmann served for 12 years as vice president and president of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Prior to that, she taught religious studies for nearly 40 years. Sr. Zollmann served on the Board of Trustees from 2009 to 2018, including three years as Vice Chair. She holds a BA from Mundelein College, MAs from Purdue University, University of San Francisco, and Duquesne University–where she also earned a PhD.

Insurance

Peter DeFrancesco, Oncourse Home Solutions

Pete DeFrancesco, Oncourse Home Solutions’ CMO, spearheads initiatives to aid 1.5M+ US customers in navigating homeownership challenges, reducing costs, and enhancing enjoyment. With partnerships spanning across cities & utilities and through direct consumer channels, Oncourse safeguards customers’ homes through various home protection products. Pete’s leadership expertise in companies like John Hancock, Chubb Group, Bankrate, & Orbitz extends to customer acquisition, retention, cross-selling, branding, communications, & leveraging partnerships for effective go-to-market strategies. A graduate of Emory University and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Pete brings a wealth of knowledge & experience to his role.

Law Firm

Andrew S. May, Hahn Loeser & Parks

Hahn Loeser welcomed Partner Andrew S. May to its Business Practice. May brings over 25 years of experience in all aspects of securities and commodities. He focuses on commodity futures regulation, broker-dealer regulation, and investment management. A two-time recipient of AVVO’s “Clients’ Choice Award” for Financial Services, May is a member of the Chicago and Illinois State Bar Associations. He earned his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law and his B.A from the University of Illinois.

Law Firm

Sean Wagner and Abby Peabody, Much

Principal Sean Wagner and associate Abby Peabody have joined Much’s Chicago office. 

Wagner, an attorney on the firm’s Chambers-ranked Construction team, brings experience in all facets of construction litigation and transactions. He helps engineers, architects, contractors, subcontractors, and other commercial entities navigate complex construction and design projects. 

Peabody, an attorney on the firm’s Chambers-ranked Commercial Litigation team, guides clients through all phases of litigation, from directing discovery to conducting depositions to drafting motions. While her practice covers myriad industries, she has particular experience in the construction field.

Legal

Melissa R. Grim and Richard (“Rick”) Bernet, Benesch

Melissa R. Grim has joined Benesch as a Partner in the firm's Corporate & Securities Practice Group. Melissa focuses her practice on employee benefits and executive compensation-related matters. She has extensive experience counseling private equity funds and other public and private companies on benefits, ERISA, and executive compensation issues. 

Richard Bernet has joined Benesch as Of Counsel in the firm's Litigation Practice Group. Richard is a seasoned regulatory litigator with deep knowledge of the utility industry, including leading billion-dollar efforts on behalf of the largest utility in Illinois that resulted in some of the most significant results in state history.

Private Equity

Brent Nichols, Kinzie Capital Partners

Kinzie Capital Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm, welcomes Brent Nichols as Director of Portfolio Operations. In this role, Brent will be responsible for driving growth and value creation across Kinzie’s portfolio of companies. Leveraging 20 years of leadership experience in product development, supply chain, operations and mergers and acquisitions, Brent will support the operational efficiency of Kinzie portfolio companies.

Real Estate

Dane Lehr, ML Realty Partners

Dane Lehr joined ML Realty Partners as Senior Accountant. Mr. Lehr comes from Revantage, a Blackstone Portfolio Company. He is a CPA and holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Professional Accountancy from Illinois State University.

Technology

Sam Brewer, Parts Town Unlimited

Sam Brewer joins Parts Town Unlimited’s innovation-focused Red Lightning division as “Building the Field of Dreams” (aka Vice President of Field Innovation) to advance field innovations that support service technicians. He has a background in innovation across leadership roles at Chick-fil-A and Miso Robotics, including leveraging AI tools. He will lead the team as they continue to build on investments in new field innovation tools for technicians, dispatchers, and parts procurement specialists.

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