Martesha is an accomplished professional with an MBA from Rockford University. She serves as Director of Community Economic Development at Midland States Bank overseeing the State of Illinois and Missouri. Martesha’s extensive experience encompasses key positions at the RACVB (Go Rockford), Rockford Park District, Alpine Bank, and as a nonprofit consultant. Martesha’s dedication extends beyond her career, as she actively volunteers and serves on numerous boards and committees. Notably, she’s been involved with Goodwill of Northern Illinois, Think Big, Transform Rockford, Habitat for Humanity, and more. Her contributions have also extended to high-profile roles such as the State of IL Governor Pritzker’s Capital Development Board and the State of Illinois Association of Park Districts. Recognitions have consistently followed Martesha’s impactful work. She has been recognized and awarded as one of Rockford’s “Forty Under 40”, as a Rockford Register Star “people you should know,” and a recipient of the “25 Black Leaders to Watch” by Soul News Network, Inspiring 815, one of Channel 13’s 13 Heroes, Juneteenth Helping Hand Recipient, YWCA Woman of achievement, 2021 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Community Hero, and one of the 2022 Northwest Quarterly’s 25 Most Interesting People. In 2021, Martesha made history by becoming the first Black woman elected to the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners in its 112-year history and now serves as the President of the board. Martesha’s business, MB Strategic Solutions, is a reflection of her expertise, focusing on strategic planning, board development, culture coaching, leadership, and fostering inclusive cultures that thrive.

Ben has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector leading local, statewide, and federal initiatives; designing and evaluating programs; raising funds; and directing large scale contract-based research. He has 18 peer-reviewed publications focused on the effectiveness of nonprofit and governmental institutions. Ben earned a bachelor’s degree from Monmouth College, a Master of Public Administration from Drake University, and a doctorate from Northern Illinois University.

Michelle is the Executive Director of the DeKalb County History Center and appointed DeKalb County Historian in 2020. She played a key role in the initial discussions of a county museum to the official creation of the DeKalb County History Center in 2018, as well as completing the $1.6 million “History Matters” Capital Campaign to fund a new building. Previously, Michelle served as Executive Director of the Sycamore History Museum for 13 years, (until it transitioned to the History Center). Her prior work experiences include research assistant, volunteer coordinator, archivist, and educator, with employment at large institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago and Newberry Library as well as local historical societies in Wheaton and Geneva. Actively involved in the local nonprofit community, she serves on the Steering Committee for the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History as well as a Master’s in Public History, with concentration in museum education from Loyola University in Chicago. In 2019, she was elected to the Illinois Association of Museums board of directors.

Holly is a seasoned public policy expert and advocate, with twenty years of experience in the nonprofit, philanthropic, and public sectors. Most recently, Holly worked for Illinois Partners for Human Service as the Central Illinois community organizer and statewide public policy manager, representing over 100 nonprofit organizations at every level of government. Holly achieved a master’s degree in social work from Boston College, with a concentration in community organizing, policy, planning, and administration. She is a Phoenix native and mountain lover but currently lives happily with her husband, son, and mountain dog in a 105-year-old house in the mostly flat Normal, IL.

Doris is a tenured former Bank Manager Executive for 33 years. She has experience in bank acquisitions, finance, building client relationships, client retention and excellent customer service. Doris attended Jackson State University with studies in Management. She later became Membership Director of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis servicing multiple Doctoral accredited professionals around the world with membership and continuing education. She spends her off time with her husband and family cooking, listening to Jazz, decorating, and travel.

Martesha is an accomplished professional with an MBA from Rockford University. She serves as Director of Community Economic Development at Midland States Bank overseeing the State of Illinois and Missouri. Martesha’s extensive experience encompasses key positions at the RACVB (Go Rockford), Rockford Park District, Alpine Bank, and as a nonprofit consultant. Martesha’s dedication extends beyond her career, as she actively volunteers and serves on numerous boards and committees. Notably, she’s been involved with Goodwill of Northern Illinois, Think Big, Transform Rockford, Habitat for Humanity, and more. Her contributions have also extended to high-profile roles such as the State of IL Governor Pritzker’s Capital Development Board and the State of Illinois Association of Park Districts. Recognitions have consistently followed Martesha’s impactful work. She has been recognized and awarded as one of Rockford’s “Forty Under 40”, as a Rockford Register Star “people you should know,” and a recipient of the “25 Black Leaders to Watch” by Soul News Network, Inspiring 815, one of Channel 13’s 13 Heroes, Juneteenth Helping Hand Recipient, YWCA Woman of achievement, 2021 Rockford Chamber of Commerce Community Hero, and one of the 2022 Northwest Quarterly’s 25 Most Interesting People. In 2021, Martesha made history by becoming the first Black woman elected to the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners in its 112-year history and now serves as the President of the board. Martesha’s business, MB Strategic Solutions, is a reflection of her expertise, focusing on strategic planning, board development, culture coaching, leadership, and fostering inclusive cultures that thrive.

Paul is a deliberate HR pro, who believes philosophy is a difference making pursuit in business and life. Learning, teaching, and being of service to others are his purpose. Currently, Paul serves as the VP of People & Culture for CEDA of Cook County, Inc. in Chicago. He also operates his side gig consulting business HR Logic, LLC. Paul has won numerous awards including the HR Today MVP Award for his blog HR Philosopher. He is also a bestselling author of the book People Fusion: Best Practices to Build and Retain a Strong Team. Paul is a proud husband, father, disobedient cat owner, Star Wars nerd, and metalhead. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter at @HRPaul49.

Alec works on Forefront’s Policy Team to deepen their impact on behalf of stakeholders statewide. Previously, he worked at Freedman Consulting, advising philanthropic clients on the policy landscape and developing public-private partnerships. He was also a Dunn Fellow in Governor Pritzker’s Office, working on budget and economic policy. He helped lead a local racial justice movement in his hometown of Deerfield, Illinois, and was campaign manager for a slate of park district candidates there. He is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College with a BA in Government with a Public Policy Sequence. In his free time, he enjoys going to as many Cubs games as possible and finding the best restaurants in Chicago.

Joey is the Director of Barb Food Mart, a food pantry serving families in the DeKalb School District. Over the last four years the pantry has seen huge growth in need and is now serving close to 250 families a week. As a COVID response, Joey developed an online ordering system for the pantry that also allows a more diverse volunteer base to support the organization. Joey has worked in early childhood education, community organizing, and community mental health and brings a human centered approach to her work.

Brandon is the Event Services Director and Volunteer Coordinator at the historic Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb, IL. Brandon graduated from Northern Illinois University in May 2016 with his degree in Community Leadership and Civic Engagement. Brandon began his journey with the Egyptian Theatre in the fall 2015 as a DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership intern, but quickly worked his way into a part time role and eventually a full time one. Brandon came to DeKalb for school in 2012 and was immediately enamored by the community. DeKalb was just far AND close enough from home. Brandon met his life partner, Shawn, in DeKalb and adopted his first dog, Mia, from Tails Humane Shelter. He is very excited for all the positive growth happening within DeKalb County and can’t wait to see what the future has in store.

Ryan hates not knowing things. His interest in pop culture, technology, and general business and industry have lead him to a career in marketing where he gets to leverage all of those at once. Ryan is the Education and Innovation Lead at de Novo Marketing, an Iowa-based marketing agency specializing in communities, economic development, and the non-profit sector. In his role, Ryan is always looking at emerging technologies and methods to help his team and his clients succeed. Outside of work, Ryan focuses his volunteering on youth mental health and spends his weekends spending far too many resources on starting new intense hobbies that last roughly one week.

Deanna is a purposeful professional and servant leader with over two decades of experience in the community mental health and family resources industries. Deanna’s purpose and passion in her work are to support and develop communities through an understanding of behavioral healthcare. Currently, Deanna is serving this purpose as the Executive Director of the DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board, where she has been since 2015. She also worked as an adjunct professor at Northern Illinois University in Sociology and NNGO, where she is also an alumnus, earning her B.S. in Sociology/Criminology and M.S. in Human and Family Resources. A fierce advocate for the underprivileged, she has served on numerous community Boards of Directors, including the Association of Community Mental Health Authorities of Illinois, the Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Council, DeKalb County Juvenile Justice Council, and Safe Passage of DeKalb County. In addition, Deanna has earned numerous honors, including the Illinois Governor’s Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service and the Community Crisis Center, Partner in Peace Award. She is a loving wife of almost 30 years, a proud mother of two feisty adults, and a devoted follower of the show Top Chef.