Before joining our board, Gary served as a charter board member of “Ride Assist Naperville” — a not-for-profit organization providing affordable transportation to seniors’ medical appointments. In addition, for the past twenty years Gary has been the creator and executive producer of not-for-profit “Singing for Seniors,” producing an annual musical event that provides area senior citizens with an afternoon of first class entertainment designed just for them without cost. Gary and his Singing for Seniors friends also visit area nursing homes to share their joy of music to those who are unable to get out. Gary has served the senior sector with passion as long as he can remember; as a boy he would typically take all day to deliver his small 75 house newspaper route, finding pleasure in spending time with the seniors along the way by helping with a simple chore that needed doing or taking time to sit down when offered a fresh baked cookie and glass of milk to help them not feel forgotten.

In addition to serving area seniors, Gary’s greatest joys are found in his Lord Jesus and his family. Married to Pam for 40 years, Gary is the proud father of two grown children and four young grandchildren. Gary’s contagious life philosophy is very simple; “Work like you don’t need the money; love like you’ve never been hurt; dance like nobody’s watching; sing like nobody’s listening and live every day like it’s your last!”

Dave Weeks was raised in Naperville.  He went to school in Naperville, then to U of Illinois and Wheaton College.  After 23 years being a minister, he transitioned into financial planning in 1993.  He earned the designation of Certified Financial Planner in 1998, founded Weeks Financial Group in 2000 and opened an office in Naperville at that time.  His practice focuses primarily on retirement and estate planning.

Having lived all his life in Naperville, Dave has been involved in a various community programs and organizations.  In addition to being extremely active in his church, he also served for many years on the board for Naperville Young Life.  10 years ago he was elected to the School District 203 Board and served for 4 years. 

Dave has served on the board of Naperville Elderly Homes / Martin Avenue Apartments for the last 11 years.  Four years ago he was elected President of the board. Since then he has led in building community support for expansion of Martin Avenue Apartments and obtained significant government funding from both DuPage County and the state of Illinois.  After working on this project for over 3 years, Martin Avenue broke ground on their expansion two weeks ago. A complete remodeling of the existing 121 apartments will be completed by the end of this year and a new building addition another 70 units will be completed summer of 2020.

Under Doug’s leadership, Lellbach Builders has been repeatedly recognized for their expert craftsmanship and design. Their projects have been featured in a variety of media, including Naperville Magazine, The Business Ledger, Qualified Remodelers and HGTV and they have been the recipient of several industry and community awards.

An active community member, Doug offers time, support and services to a variety of local organizations. Doug currently serves on the Naperville Elderly Homes Board of Directors. He has also served on the Board of Directors for DuPage Pads. Team Lellbach have donated their remodeling skills to Rebuilding Together Aurora and Bridge Communities. An Eagle Scout, Doug was active in his sons’ troop and their path to becoming Eagle Scouts.

In addition to his clinical expertise, Dr. Mitchell is an experienced executive with a record of success in administration, leadership, financial analysis, strategic planning and visioning in the nonprofit sector of healthcare and faith-based organizations. With a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and a master’s degree in theology, he brings a unique perspective to organizational leadership. He is a respected leader who has demonstrated the ability to build and challenge effective teams to live out the mission of the organization and build strategic alliances that contribute to innovation and continuous improvement. He uses principles of adaptive leadership to help organizations grow in resilience in order to continually modify their approach to be relevant in an ever-changing world. Dr. Mitchell is known as a persuasive communicator with well-developed presentation and negotiation skills.

Dr. Mitchell is a licensed clinical psychologist, a member of the American Psychological Association, an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and a member of The Division of Chaplains and Related Ministries of The United Methodist Church. He holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. He also holds a Master of Education from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, and a Master’s in theology from Southern Methodist University, Perkins School of Theology Dallas, Texas. He completed his clinical residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital Institute of Psychiatry with special training at the Family Institute of Chicago.

When not engaged in his professional life, Scott can be found enjoying the outdoors through running and biking. He is committed to mind, body, and spirit wellness and enjoys an active practice of yoga. Scott is a proud new grandfather, loves spending time with his family and is an automotive enthusiast.

Throughout her business experience, Bev has opened and owned multiple music stores in Naperville and Western suburbs. She was President of Packer Wings, founded the Center for Lifelong Learning at Benedictine University, and was the Co-founder of the Senior Task Force for the City of Naperville. Bev has held many honors, both local and national. She has received honorary recognition from DePauw University for Community Service, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chamber of Commerce, the My Fair Lady Award, the Paul Harris Award from the Naperville Rotary Club, Woman of the Month from the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and also from Naperville Country Club.

Bev has been affiliated with Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, Naperville Country Club, Naperville Elderly Homes, Glades Country Club in Naples, Fl., United Flying Octogenarians, the Women’s Ninety Nines, the Naperville Senior Task Force, Ride Assist Naperville, Benedictine University, Loaves and Fishes, and Knox Presbyterian Church.

Bruce has had significant community involvement over the years as a Charter Member of the Naperville Rotary Club holding several committee and board positions, Past-President of the Naperville Flying Club, current Chamber of Commerce member having held several committee positions, Board member and Past President of the Hinsdale Center for the Arts and Vestry member and Past President of the Grace Episcopal Men’s Organization at Grace Episcopal Church in Hinsdale. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati. Bruce enjoys Sailing, having owned a sailboat docked in Belmont harbor in Chicago for many years, is an avid photographer and enjoys Skiing, Hunting and Fishing. He was the AA skeet champion at the Hinsdale Golf Club in 2012.

From her current and past roles, Christina has gained experience in managing tax and accounting matters for closely-held and family-owned businesses, helping them navigate through all stages of the business cycle, from the early stages of growth to succession planning for retirement. She has also partnered with business owners to help them build key performance indicators (KPI) and dashboards to better manage their cash flows and assist them in focusing on growth. Through Christina’s procedure documentation for key positions, she has allowed businesses to ensure efficiency and reduce lost time with employee turnover.

Christina is the founding partner of Klein Hall CPAs, which merged with Wipfli in 2019. She also has previous board and leadership experience with various organizations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Illinois CPA Society, Vistage International, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, Loaves and Fishes, and Naperville CARES. Christina holds a Master’s degree in Taxation from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from DeVry University.

As the Administrator for Homewatch CareGivers, Dennise is responsible for the company’s operations and development. Homewatch CareGivers is one of the largest networks of non-medical home care providers and has been in business for more than 30 years. Homewatch CareGivers serves clients of all ages who need help supporting the quality of their daily life.

Prior to Homewatch CareGivers, Dennise served as the Vice President of Human Resources and Operations for the world’s largest hearing healthcare company, Sonova. She also was the Vice President of Corporate Resources and Operations at Edward Hospital. She led the management of employed and contracted physician groups, scheduling, clinical research, social work, corporate strategic planning, business development, and human resources.

Dennise is known for her strategic and detail-oriented mind, allowing her to quickly identify patterns and issues. As a leader, she is a maximizer and an activator. She focuses on strengths as a way to achieve group excellence and seeks to transform something strong into something outstanding. She makes things happen by turning thoughts into actions. She has a strong need to bring people together and a great deal of energy and stamina.

Dennise holds a BS from the University of Illinois, Champaign in Health Administration and an MBA from DePaul University, Chicago. Dennise is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. She values community involvement and has served in numerous board leadership roles including the Association of Senior Service Providers, Naperville Elderly Homes, Naperville-Lisle Triad, Metropolitan Family Services, Naperville Education Foundation, the Naperville Heritage Society, the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, KidsMatter, The Multi-Cultural Leadership Academy, and the DuPage Community Clinic.

In her free time, Dennise loves to cook and travel with her husband and four children.

Naperville resident Karyn M. Charvat is the Executive Director of PowerForward DuPage, leading the organization’s marketing and business development activities in promoting the electrical contracting industry. Additionally, Karyn serves on the Board of Directors of Choose DuPage, Chamber630 and serves as the Board Chair for the Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. She is also a Liquor Commissioner for the City of Naperville.

Mary has broad experience in the not-for-profit and corporate business sectors. As owner of Highnote Consulting Services for over ten years, she specialized in not-for-profit business development, property investment strategies, and fundraising projects.

In the corporate sector for over 25 years, she held management positions with BP America, Inc. and Amoco Corporation. She managed corporate-owned and leased office and industrial properties throughout North America. Her expertise included strategic planning, client relationship management, project team leadership, and transaction management.

Mary and her husband Charlie have lived in Naperville for over 30 years, where they raised their three children. She is active in the community as a volunteer and as a member of various organizations including the Association of Senior Services Providers, Naperville-Lisle Triad, Chamber of Commerce, Fair Lady Productions, Inc. Advisory Board, and Naperville Heritage Society. She enjoys singing and entertaining at senior events in her spare time.

Her education and certifications include an MBA, DePaul University, BS Business, Elmhurst University, Certified Commercial Investment Manager (CCIM), Certified Property Administrator (RPA), and Managing Real Estate Broker. She is a past President, Chicago Chapter of National Association of Real Estate Executives.

Mrs. Cheryl Ghassan — Expert in the Senior Living and Care Industry

Cheryl has dedicated her life to supporting seniors and their families in selecting the best housing and appropriate levels of care that offer a fulfilling, affordable, and secure lifestyle that meet her client’s needs.

She has spent over 30 years volunteering, providing educational programs, and consulting for seniors and their families at churches, senior centers, TRIAD and other senior organizations. She is credited with establishing the first Multicultural Memory Café in Naperville. Cheryl has built her reputation serving companies as Resident Counselor, Marketing Consultant for Independent and Continued Care Communities, Executive Director Assisted Living, and Sales & Marketing Director Independent Living. Her expertise touches all areas of senior lifestyle needs; Homecare, Independent living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, CCRC, and Not for Profit Communities.

Cheryl serves on the Board of Directors for the AgeGuide for DuPage County and served on the Board for Naperville Elderly Homes, before becoming the Executive Director for Naperville Elderly Homes. Cheryl graduated from Rosary College with a Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology & Business Administration. She attended Marycrest College for nursing, and is a certified Dementia Practitioner.

Cheryl is currently an independent contractor continuing to serve businesses providing care and building communities for senior care and senior living.

As an attorney and CPA, Gerry Cassioppi has had an extensive business law practice with law firms and as in-house General Counsel during his 30-year professional career in Chicago and the Chicago-area.

Gerry is presently a partner with the law firm of Lofgren & Wentworth, P.C. and has held leadership positions and provided legal counsel for a wide range of businesses, including Fortune 100 Companies, privately-held businesses and not-for-profits, regarding a variety of corporate governance, transactional, executive, and employment matters.

Upon graduation from law school, Gerry was an associate with McDermott Will & Emery, practicing in the areas of employment law, employee benefits, ERISA and executive compensation. He then served as Corporate Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary with The Quaker Oats Company Law Department at its Chicago headquarters, providing significant counsel with respect to its senior executives, Board of Directors, shareholder matters, commercial transactions, employee benefits, employment law, and government relations.

Combining his passion for sports with his legal training, Gerry supports local sports-related clients in various legal and administrative capacities, including North Central College, College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin, Northern Illinois University Athletic Department, and Naperville Park District. He has also spoken at the Marquette Law School Sports Law Institute.

Gerry received both his undergraduate degree in accounting, with honors, and his law degree from the University of the Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. His own continuing legal education includes completing the Harvard/MIT Law and Business Course on Negotiating for Senior Executives and executive media training at The Quaker Oats Company.

Gerry has long been very active in professional, community and government leadership roles, having served as President, General Counsel and Chair of the Business Law Committee for the DuPage County Bar Association, as a member of the Naperville District 203 School Board, and as Chair of the DuPage County Ethics Commission. He was also named DuPage County Bar Association Lawyer of the Year for 2012-2013.

As NAI Hiffman CEO, David Petersen leads the company’s client-focused service strategy and provides direction for the firm’s brokerage, management and investment services groups. David’s tenure with NAI Hiffman is characterized by an entrepreneurial drive to deliver best practices while seeking continuous improvement. Trust is the keystone of David’s corporate philosophy, with an emphasis on building relationships through delivery of consistent, reliable and superior results.

David’s primary role is alignment of service lines in support of users and owners of commercial real estate. He ensures that clients receive integrated real estate solutions through coordination of NAI Hiffman’s comprehensive service platforms. In addition to recruiting and retaining top talent, David oversees operational aspects of the firm and is actively focused on growing the company, enhancing financial performance and supporting the leadership team.

Before joining NAI Hiffman, David was Managing Director with Trammell Crow Company where he oversaw the delivery of the firm’s management services to institutional clients in multiple cities. Responsible for team organization, as well as new business execution, David secured more than 15 million square feet of new leasing and management assignments.

Prior to joining Trammell Crow, David was Senior Managing Director with Insignia/ESG’s Chicago office. He was responsible for the Midwest Property Management Group which included the firm’s Chicago, Detroit and St. Louis operations. During his tenure, the Midwest portfolio grew three-fold. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President at Frain, Camins & Swartchild, a regional commercial real estate firm based in Chicago.

David’s career in real estate spans over 30 years and covers several disciplines within the industry including property management, construction, and re-development. He has built an impressive client roster that includes Bentall Kennedy, Blackstone, CBRE Trust, Franklin Street Partners, Gateway Industrial Properties, High Street Realty, ML Realty Partners, Navigant, Principal, Stockbridge, St. Paul Travelers, TA Realty, The Davis Companies, TH Realty and UBS to name a few.

Tom Wilhelm is a recognized, seasoned marketing and sales executive who has achieved an enviable and consistent record of success. Throughout his professional career, he has worked in a variety of international, national and regional manufacturing environments while managing and working with local, regional, and national sales teams.

Tom offers a comprehensive marketing and sales management background; complemented by a proven track record of regularly exceeding established sales quotas and goals. Uniquely, his significant marketing experience, through product and market management, strategic planning, and sales personnel training, sets him apart from other successful sales professionals. His overall base of technological expertise and his comfortable style with both clients and colleagues allow him to tie together sales, marketing, and R&D interests to raise awareness of emerging products and ultimately achieve desired market penetration and success.

Tom has teamed with major providers in the diversified printing industry, including Wallace Computer Services, Océ North America, and currently as an owner of Allegra Marketing | Print | Signs in Romeoville and Bolingbrook. He has a working knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies in all aspects of the graphics industry encompassing offset printing, digital printing, and complete pre-press and graphic production, distribution systems and being able to draw them all together for value-added solutions. 

He is quick to learn new technologies and readily sees their application and viability to clients in technology-driven industries. An extensive academic business education and wide practical experience enable him to relate easily with the underlying requirement of business – to provide viable decisions that result in profitable solutions. 

Tom is well known for his easy manner with peopke and possesses excellent consultative sales skills and common sense. Widely traveled throughout North America and Europe and Asia, he presents a secure, polished, and professional image. He has made presentations at national sales meetings and has spoken at numerous professional sales and marketing conferences as well as printing trade shows. He is active in local civic, recreational, and church groups. and takes part in a variety of community activities. Tom resides with his wife and daughter in Naperville, IL located 45 minutes west of the Chicago Loop.

Kelly has been serving as the Director of Behavioral Health Operations at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights since August 2023. Prior to then, she was the Director of Clinical Excellence and Geriatric Services at Linden Oaks Behavioral Health in Naperville, IL for the past 10 years.

During her time at Linden Oaks Hospital, she was responsible for the management of the Geriatric Services. This included oversight of the 20-bed inpatient geriatric psychiatric unit. Patients admitted to this unit are 50+ years of age and present with a variety of medical conditions including depression, anxiety, loss of functional ability, altered cognition, and dementia. She led an interdisciplinary team of skilled nurses, therapists/social workers, and behavioral health care professionals for the geriatric service line.

Kelly’s administrative responsibilities in both her previous and current roles include oversight of operations, quality, education, research, professional practice, and emergency preparedness. She also coordinates education and Crisis Prevention Training (CPI) training (de-escalation education) across the health system. Her credentials include certification as a CPI Instructor, and American Psychiatric Nurses Association-trained facilitator in both Suicide Prevention and Recovery practices.

Kelly is enthusiastic about working with older adults and helping them to maintain their highest level of independence and functioning ability – physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally. She is well versed in the care and management practices of older adults, having both operational and practice expertise with this population. Prior to relocating to IL in 2012, she was the Director of Wellness in the Weils of Bainbridge – an Assisted Living Facility for the Montefiore organization in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Prior to that role, she assumed various roles for the Menorah Park organization in Beachwood, Ohio. She was a Nursing Supervisor, Charge Nurse, Independent Care Supervisor, and Home Care/Hospice Nurse caring for older adults in the nursing home, assisted living, independent living, and home care settings.

She is a registered nurse certified in advanced nurse executive administration and nursing professional development. Kelly is currently the President of the IL Chapter of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) and has held previous board positions as Treasurer and Member at Large. She is actively involved in the APNA National Organization where she is currently the Associate Chair for the Scholarly Review Committee, assisting the organization in the planning and execution of their annual conference. She is well-versed in topics related to workplace safety and violence prevention. Additionally, she was the administrator of a social services grant in Naperville IL entitled the “Road to Zero Suicides” and is recognized by the CPI organization as an industry leader and innovator.