8th ANNUAL Men of Excellence

Currently a member of the 100 Black Men of Chicago, Emerging Leader of Hie Business Leadership Council, and Block Club President, Jasper has consistently demonstrated a strong desire to give back to and enrich his community. A graduate of Morehouse College and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Jasper values and is committed to societal uplift.

Shon Harris is the President and Owner of LiveWire Electrical & Construction Systems; an MBE, DBE and SBA 8a certified union contracting firm, specializing in the installation of electrical and low-voitage systems. Shon incorporated LiveWire in August 2006 and immediately began building the company's portfolio with repeat business and new customers. He is the license holder for the company, and has been licensed with the City of Chicago as a Supervising Electrician for 13.

Shon began his career in the electrical construction industry 17 years ago as an IBEW Local 134 apprentice and became a Journeyman in 2002. During his time in the field, he quickly became a Foreman and gained experience running large-scale electrical projects. Some of the projects he has physically worked on and supervised are: the Blue Island Recycling Paper Mill, Dresden Nuclear Facility, Lindblom Math & Science Academy, Soldier Field Stadium, and Christ Hospital Oncology Wing. Shon combined his contractor's license with his field and management experience subsequently forming LiveWire Electrical & Construction Systems, Inc.

Shon was a participant of the Chicago Urban Leagues' inaugural class of the Chicago Contractor Development program, and is also a graduate of their NextONE entrepreneur development program in partnership with Northwestern University. He has recently completed the Tuck Executive Education program on "Building a High-Performance Minority Business" at Dartmouth College Campus in Hanover, New Hampshire. In 2012, he was honored to receive the Small Business of the Year award from the South Suburban Small Business Association.

As the owner, Shoe's main focus is creating a sustainable company by developing genuine relationships that result in long-term customers. White concentrating on business development, he seeks opportunities that will allow LiveWire to continue to build a sustainable foundation that will support growth and expansion. One of his core business values focuses on inclusion and diversity. He wants LiveWire to be recognized for providing employment opportunities to individuáis who are socially and economically challenged; thus, resulting in a reinvestment in the community. LiveWire maintains a work force that is 80% African American because for Shon, it is essential that his work force is reflective of the areas that LiveWire serves.

Bennie Henry, Jr. is cofounder and executive director of The Support Group (TSG), a nonprofit,501 (c) 3, charitable organization. Its mission is to create an overall balance that provides children an opportunity to understand the importance of excelling academically, socially, athletically with emphasis on education, character building, and athletic conditioning.

Bennie was bom to Bennie and Curiie Henry as the youngest of four children and grew up on the Southside of Chicago. Bennie's parents died before he was a teenager, leaving him in the care of his adult siblings. While in high school, he was a four-year letterman, all area basketball player and was awarded a scholarship to attend Central State University. Since basketball was his first love he realized he had something to offer the youth of Chicago. In 1987, Bennie discussed the possibilities of creating an organization for kids with his cousin, Tim Hardaway. Based on their agreement Bennie laid the groundwork and The Support Group was founded in June 1990. Subsequently, TSG uses its relationships with professional sports personalities to reach out to youth. TSG also organized one of the first basketball camps held in Chicago by an NBA basketball player. Hardaway's camps are now, accompanied by Michael Finely, Antoine Walker, Juwan Howard, and Corey Maggette camps. All of who were participants and now supporters of TSG. TSG's biggest fundraising efforts include a week-long, basketball camp, a celebrity golf outing, a formal dinner/awards ceremony and an ali-star basketball game played by NBA professionals. Through his efforts, Bennie has gained support and respect from politicians and business leaders nationally.

Bennie and Cora have two sons, Donavon and Benjamin. As Bennie continues to live on the Southside of Chicago, he supports his sons while enjoying what the city has to offer.

Calvin L. Holmes has served as the President of the Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF) since 1998. CCLF is a nonprofit, certified Community Development Financial Institution (COFI) that provides flexible, affordable and responsible financing and technical assistance for community stabilization and development efforts and initiatives that benefit low-to-moderate-income neighborhoods, families and individuals throughout metropolitan Chicago. Under his leadership, CCLF's lending is leveraging $1.1 billion in additional public- and private-sector capital in over 60 tower wealth Chicagoland communities, in turn supporting over 7,300 units of affordable housing, more than 3.1 million square feet of community facility and commercial/retail space as well as 2,450 jobs. In addition, CCLF has solidified its position as a leading eariy-stage lender for community developers, a primary lender for affordable housing cooperatives and social enterprises and a principal promoter of sustainable development in metropolitan Chicago. CCLF controls over $60 million in assets, making It one of the 10 largest nonprofit

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in Illinois, and was one of only eight organizations worldwide honored with the 2009 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. CCLF was also the recipient of Woodstock Institute's 2014 Community Investment Award for providing credit in communities of color that suffered from abandonment and winner of the 2014 Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence.

Holmes' community development career spans 26 years, including work as a budget planner for a $140 million rapid-transit project and as property manager of a 20Ounit assisted housing portfolio. He currently serves as an advisor to the Community Development Advisory Board (appointed by President Obama). Bank of America National Community Advisory Council, Kroger Community Development Entity, LLC. PNC Bank Advisory Board (Illinois) and the Great Lakes Region Sustainability Funds LLC. He serves on the boards of the Cook County Land Bank Authority (Treasurer), Chicago Community Land Trust (Treasurer), Community Reinvestment Fund & NMTC CDE. South Suburban Land Bank and Development Authority and the Interfaith Housing Development Corporation of Chicago (Secretary). He also serves on the awards selection committee of the Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards.

Holmes has been honored individually with many community leadership awards, including from the Chicago CRA Coalition and Bank of America. In 2001, Holmes was distinguished as one of Crain's Chicago's 40 Under 40 young leaders, and was a 2002-2003 Leadership Greater Chicago fellow. He holds a master's degree in urban and regional planning, with a concentration in real estate development, from Cornell University and a bachelor's degree in African American Studies from Northwestern University. Holmes received further leadership and skills development from Stanford University and the National Development Council.

Jason L. Hurst is a lifelong Chicagoan, a graduate of Whitney Young Magnet High School and a graduate of the Indiana University-Bloomington Michael Maurer School of Law. Mr. Hurst is an attorney at Beermann Pritikin Mirabefii Swerdtove where he practices in both the Family Law and Family Law Sports and Entertainment practice groups. There he represents individuals in matters related to divorce, custody, child support and the preparation of pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. As an attorney at Beermann, Mr. Hurst has represented current and former professional athletes, a Chicago radio show personality and a Chicago native Grammy award winning musician, amongst the myriad of teachers, policeman, doctors, other professionals and hard-working Chicagoans that he represents.

Mr. Hurst also serves on the Board of A Night Out, Inc., a non-profit organization that helps women victims of domestic violence. A Night Out is unique in that it provides adult women with something other than food and shelter as most traditional organizations do - it provides them with hope for a better life. Specifically, A Night Out plans and organizes events for women that many of them would otherwise be unable to attend, including dinners at nice Chicago restaurants, comedy shows, plays at local theaters, musicals and spa nights, free of charge to the women.

in his spare time, Mr. Hurst mentors young men on the value of higher education and giving back to their communities. Mr. Hurst grew up in Chicago'sChatham community, where he resides today with his wife and two beautiful daughters.

Darrell Jackson is a career banker with more than 30 years of experience. Currently, he is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Seaway Bank and Trust Company, one of the largest Black-owned banks in the nation.

Prior to joining Seaway Bank in August 2014, Darrell spent 19 years at Northern Trust Company in a series of increasingly responsible positions. In his most recent roie there, he served as executive vice president and president of the wealth management group, overseeing 10 business units in the Chicago area providing trust, investment management, brokerage, private and commercial banking solutions to Northern Trust's persona! and commercial clients.

Among his accomplishments at Northern Trust, Darrell developed and implemented a marketing strategy to attract the emerging affluent African-American market in Chicago, resulting in $100 million in new business during the initiative's first two years. He also created and successfully executed the DreamMakers' Forum, which introduced many of the country's top AfricanAmerican entrepreneurs to leading national financiers.

Darrell serves on the Boards of the Illinois Banker's Association as the Chairman Elect, the Morton Arboretum as Chairman, the 100 Club, The Boule Foundation, and the Kellogg Alumni Council. He is also a member of the Union League Club and The Chicago Club and has received numerous awards for his civic leadership and contributions.

Darrell received a B.A, degree from St. Xavier University, in Chicago, and a M.B.A. degree from the Kellogg Executive Master's Program at Northwestern University.

Reverend Anderson Jackson is an icon at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. He was born in Anniston, Alabama on December 6, 1925. He met married his high school sweet heart Barnette Ruth Dodd prior to entering the armed services and married March 20, 1944. They're marriage of 66 years birthed four sons: Larry Lewis, Clark Mercer, Gary Wayne and Willis Demon. Their extended family now includes 20 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchiidren.

On the road to the ministry, which was a gradual process, Anderson travelled many paths. He was a member of Claire Christian United Methodist church with his wife. During that time, Anderson took a three year correspondence course for the ministry. He attended Garrett and the Chicago Religious institute to be initially ordained as a Baptist minister. After additional training, he was ordained at Grant A.M.E. as an A.M.E. minister.

Anderson's first job was as a dishwasher for J.D. Connors' restaurant. His second job was that of a laborer in an auto repair garage utilizing the skills and training he had gotten during his two-year stint in the Navy in auto body and fender repair and painting at the Great Lakes Navai Center. At his last job in Alabama he worked for Owl Drug Co. delivering medications on his bike. Alt of these jobs helped to develop and strengthen his character.

Rev. Jackson's fondest memory was that of being moved by his grandfather, Frank Eaves, from Harpersville, Alabama to Talladega, Alabama. Living in Harpersville on someone else's land, having to walk more than a mile to school on a dusty road while watching the whites ride the school bus were humiliating experiences. So when his Grandfather informed the family that they were moving to Talladega, a bustling city offering more employment opportunities for sharecroppers and for housing than Harpersville his heart raced, it gleamed of possibility because growing up, Anderson's wildest dream was to be a professional person at a time when blacks never thought of doing or becoming any more that what their parents were.

Retreating for Rev. Anderson is simple: he reads and he prays. A perfect day for the dancing, singing minister is the first Sunday of every month, which is Communion Sunday provides the opportunity to take part in the sharing of the body and blood of Christ.

After vowing to Rev. Gregory Ingram, (Bishop of the 10th Episcopal District), that he would become a member wherever he was assigned Rev. Anderson Jackson joined Quinn Chapel A.M.E, He has been a staunch member for approx. 30 years. He has served as an itinerant elder under several pastors Including Rev. P. David Saunders, Rev. Thomas Higginbothan and presently Rev, James M. Moody.

Mayor Eric J. Kellogg is a lifelong resident of Harvey, IL. He has excelled as an educator and public servant for over 32 years.

His tenure as an educator included teacher, Dean of Students, Director of Administrative Support Services, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent, where he retired in 2013.

As a public servant, Mayor Kellogg started his political career as a Harvey Park District Commissioner, and went on to become an Aiderman. In 2003, Kellogg was elected as Mayor in the City of Harvey, and is currently serving in his third term. Mayor Kellogg is seeking a fourth term.

Mayor Kellogg earned a Bachelor's Degree from Illinois State University. He also holds a Master's Degree from National Lewis University, an Administrative Certificate (Type 75) from Lewis University, and graduated from Lewis University Graduate School with a Superintendent's Endorsement, all with honors. Mayor Kellogg is currently working on his PhD, and is a State Certified Police Officer.

Mayor Kellogg has served on many foundations and other boards as Executive Director. He has received many awards for his community service and initiatives, and continues to be involved in many humanitarian efforts, most recently the Gift of Hope.

Mayor Eric J. Kellogg's career has been an example of excellence. He has been an inspiration to many, and has dedicated his life and career to educating and inspiring others, while being a leader in the community where he lives and serves on a daily basis

Dr. Anthony L. King was born and raised in Maywood, IL. While completing two tours of duty in the U.S. Army, he attended Rutgers University and Loyola University Of Chicago. He went on to graduate from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 1996. Dr. King served two tours of duty in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant where he completed an advanced education in general dentistry program and started practicing Endodontics in San Diego, CA. While still active in the U.S. Navy he returned to Chicago to continue practicing Dentistry. Dr. King has developed multiple Dental Offices and assisted others with startups in non-dental related fields. He has gained extensive post doctoral training in all major disciplines of dentistry, and is currently working on the development of Dental products to make patient interactions with practitioners more pleasurable.

As a volunteer, Johnson was elected president of the National Alumni Council of the United Negro College Fund and served two consecutive terms. He is a triathlete and has completed three marathons. He is also an active member of Apostolic Church of God and serves in the Brotherhood Chorale ministry.

Dr. King decided to create a practice that would allow him to focus on one patient at a time and is the proud owner of Private Dental Services since 2007. He is dedicated to his patients and continues to grow on a professional and personal level while being mentored by his dearest friend Jeffrey Breslow. Dr. King enjoys world travels, long distance motorcycle trips, and spending active time with his children. His accomplishments have been shared with his wife Martha. ,Dr. King contends his greatest accolade is his marriage of 21 years and their 3 wonderful children Emiliano, Ezekiel and Azalea.

Jelani McEwen is a 10 year veteran in the education sector. As the project director for the High School Graduation Initiative, Jelani is responsible for the design and implementation of the PASS Institute; a program that has helped over 500 high school dropouts graduate from high school.

Jelani is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and has a master's degree from the University of Chicago. He was also an AmeriCorps volunteer and is a member of the 100 Black Men of Chicago, through which he mentors youth.

Billy McFarland, a native of Chicago, Illinois, Billy McFarland knows what it takes to be successful. Mr. McFarland decided to study marketing and continue his education at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. During this time, Billy led a collegiate promotional marketing company under World World entertainment. In 2011, he decided to bring his talents home and returned to Chicago to pursue a career with Commonwealth Edison, where he currently services the Southside of Chicago as an Electrician.

Mr. McFarland has a love for antique cars and in 2014; Billy launched McFarland Classic Car Company that specializes in the location and restoration of classic cars. Giving back, Mr. McFarland is a proud supporter of Tennessee State University and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where he volunteers during his spare time. He loves spending time with his family.

In October 2013, Michael R. Merchant was nominated by Mayor Rahm Emanuel as Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Housing Authority and approved by the CHA Board of Commissioners. In 2011, Merchant had been appointed by Mayor Emanuel to serve as the Commissioner of the City's Department of Buildings. As Commissioner, Merchant was instrumental in supporting the safety of Chicago's residents and visitors by enforcing the City's Building Code, and streamlining the permitting and inspection processes.

Previously, Merchant served under Mayor Richard M. Daley as Deputy Director in the Mayor's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. He was responsible for advancing the Mayor's legislative agenda, as well as assisting city council in resolving legislative and policy issues.

This was his second stint in the Mayor's Office of intergovernmental Affairs. in between, he worked as a Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Office, where he lobbied on behalf of CPS.

Merchant has a long history in public service and legal affairs. He worked as an Assistant Public Defender in the offices of the Cook County Public Defender as well as a contract attorney for the legal services firm Special Counsel. He also worked at the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and spent several years with the Peace Corps. His career started as a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools.

Merchant was admitted to the Illinois Bar in November 2003 and holds a Juris Doctor from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois and a Bachelor's of Science from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.

Reginaldo A, Montague, earned a BS in Chemical Engineering and a MS in Engineering Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, and a MBA from the Kenan-Flagter Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE), holds several professional certifications and has published articles In technical and business publications.

Today he is Director of Projects at NorthFind Partners specializing in operations management;:strategy, and finance. He has over twenty years of management, consutting and engineering experience In his field. He has held various positions jnciudfng: Vice President erf Operations for Fashion Fair Cosmetics, Head of Strategy awf Finance for Transport for Iforkfon and Manager

His industry experience tnefodes con^foef products, petrochemicals, waste treatment, pharmaceuticals, public sector, healthcare, auto manufacturing, telecommunications, and high-technology. He has held global positions in North America and Europe.

Honors bestowed him are: "Young Leader* designation by the Chicago CouncH on Global Affairs, recognition for contribution to the "Transport for London Five Year Investment Programme", recognition by Governor Quinn for instrumental work analyzing an early release process and "Who's Who in Science and Engineering."

Mr. Montague is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and severai other organizations. He serves as a finance officer at Bryn Mawr Community Church. He resides on the South Side of Chicago with his wife, Jennifer and two children, Ariel and William. He is an avid cyclist and enjoys reading.

Thomas L. Pitts. M.D., a graduate or Northwestern University School of Medicine, has been a practicing endocrinologist and internist since 1976. He began his work in diabetes in 1981. Dr. Pitts is currently the cochair of the Centers for Disease Control's(CDC) Illinois Diabetes Coalition and a past consultant for the CDC's Diabetes Translation Committee - a group that reviewed clinical science to implement new findings in diabetes care. A national speaker and lecturer on diabetes care in urban and rural populations, Dr. Pitts has served as consultant and or lecturer for Lilly, Novartis. Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, Merck, Radiant and Bayer Pharmaceutical Corporations. He is in full time private practice and is also a founder of Diverse Clinical Research Center of Chicago where he serves as the principal investigator on a number of diabetes related clinical research projects. In addition, he is a clinical assistant professor of medicine at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, an attending physician in the department of medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and a member of the Northwestern Alumni Association board of directors. Dr. Pitts currently serves as a consultant to Mercy and Provident Cook County Hospitals. He is passionate about reducing the burden of diabetes and currently serves as a founding member of the Diabetes Education and Support Ministry a South Chicago nonprofit where is a frequent lecturer. He served as the president of the American Diabetes Association Great Lakes Region, and as a national board member where he chaired the government relations, and cultural diversity committees. His memberships include the Endocrine Club of Chicago, National Medical Association, American Medical Association, Association of Black Cardiologist, and the Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. He is also an elected fellow to the Institute of Medicine of Chicago.

Justin Rakestraw is Vice president of Business development for SCR Transportation and the 28-year old son of SCR's founders. Pam and Stan Rakestraw. His work in the company began when he was still in high school, helping his grandmother produce the company newsletter, and continued after college with time work organizing company staff events, creating a company website and helping with internal communications after college.

However, the turning point for Justin's career and his transformation from part time support staff to a dedicated, committed, for-tbe-long-haul executive came when his grandmother became ill and in need of SCR's regular services herself. Suddenly SCR was no longer a job where people were transported from one place to another. It came home to Justin that this was a personal matter. These people who were being transported were somebody's mother or grandmother. They needed to be transported comfortably and on time, reliably, politely and compassionately, in clean vehicles that were safely and well driven without breakdowns or incidents that were always there when they were needed, it was a lesson he has never forgotten.

Justin became fully committed to the company, present and future, and to maintaining the core values instilled and maintained in SCR by his parents from day one, despite the challenges inherent in a far larger organization, Justin formalized and improved internal communications within SCR using multimedia communication tools.

Justin gained experience in just about every department of the company in order to learn the business to gain knowledge and insight to help him improve, implement, correct or eliminate whatever necessary to run a smooth operated transportation company. He Was involved in the company's transition to Pace where he was responsible for getting all SCR'sthen 275-300 drivers trained and certified for tMfc. commercial driver's license. . " 'irWfWv

With the assistance of professional consultation Justin helped establish an HR department, ^ " organizing and reinventing the onboarding process which included changes to the way SCR advertised for and selected staff, the application process, interview techniques and training procedures for new employees.

Justin has helped implement various procedures and systems to maintain Its high levels of service, quality and customer and staff satisfaction. He continues his leadership in HR and is responsible for new business. His contribution to improve SCR's branding, has created new excitement and high esprit for SCR's employees.

He is poised to help stably expand SCR, keep it on the leading edge of processes and technology while maintaining the family and community values which helped SCR become the company it is today.

Justin is a graduate of Butler University and participant in Harvard Business School'sProgram for Leadership Development.

Kevin Rocío is the man behind ROC Reality Group-a division of ©properties that has garnered an excellent reputation with national Commercial Real Estate Brokers and influential Chicagoans. Always smiling, Rocio sets his expectations high, his friendly demeanor and unwavering dedication is one of the keys to his success, Kevin has built that reputation through hard work, client advocacy, and innovative thinking. In fact, he strongly believes that anyone can achieve success in any industry by sustaining a brand that is appealing strategic and personally driven.

He was recently accepted into the CCM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) Institute, which once initiated, he will be part of a recognized group of experts in the commercial and investment real estate industry.

Rocio's tireless work ethic paid off as he immediately rose to rank as the #1 Commercial Real Estate broker for ©properties. In less than three years since joining the firm, Rocio's RO Reality Group-a division of ©prosperities has one of the most recognized brands in the Chicago community. All of that while still fulfilling his philanthropic obligation I North Lawndale as well as serving on the board of trustee for Alpha Tau Omega fraternity-Theta Mu Chapter at Elmhurst College.

Rocio's motto, "Within reach, beyond expectation: is fitting in that his real estate team has consistently achieved expectations for their clients and continues to do so time when physicians are under such pressure to run efficient business operations and have to manage so much information and juggle the idiosyncrasies created by a complicated health care system more interested in lowering costs than real caring for patients, he takes the time to provide excellent medical care. He is very patient in answering questions of patients and community members and does it with humility and grace. I can attest to this both as a longtime patient and watching him in action at DESM, ADA and othercommunity events. Dr. Pitts is a standout because of his compassion and genuine concern about hte patients as well as for the prevalence and increasing rates of diabetes in general and specifically in the African-American community, i have the utmost respect for Dr. Pitts as a physician, researcher, educator and person with a heart for his patients and the community. For all of these reasons, rt is my pleasure and honor to nominate Dr. Pitts fora Chicago Defender 2015 Man of Excellence Award."

Kahlid Scott is a 21 year Licensed Case Management/Certified AODA, holding MSW, CADC, MISA I, LCWS, QMHP,Clinical Social Worker manager, behind his name who has provided mental health/ cognitive-behavioral therapy to married couples, IDCFS affiliated clients to include foster and biological family members for over 15 years. He is currently a Clinical Supervisor with the Recovery Coach Program at TASC, Inc., a contractual trainer for CASA Cook County Juvenile Courts and a contractual college lecturer at Westwood, Chicago City Colleges: Columbia, Several state colleges, and DePaul University (MSW program-Chicago campuses).

Khalid received his BS in Corrections and Criminal Justice From Chicago State University and MSW from UIC Jane Addams (College of Social Work.)

In his spare time Kevin mentors youth (ages 5 to 20), provides social work related trainings/ workshops on multiple topics to include (relationship issues, marriage and divorce, compassion fatigue, supervisor/management, personality assessments, self care, team building, addictions, etc.) and is a motivational speaker for various Chicago-Iand schools and self empowerment events like Expo for Today's Black Woman. Khalid servers as a clinical panelist for several Chicago-Iand based forums. And has appeared on several TV talk shows including Oprah's Life Class as well as radio talk shows such as WVON-1690 fm.

Khalid has served 9-1/2 years combined in both the US Army and Illinois Army National Guard.

He has one daughter (Anayah), and 10 god children.

Michael W. Scott, Jr. A native and current resident of the North Lawndale neighborhood, Michael W. Scott. Jr., 39, has focused his energies on building an exceptional West Side. Like his late father Michael W. Scott, Sr" Mr. Scott is committed to his family and community. He has proven to be a results-driven leader in the public and private sectors advocating resources and programming for the underserved.

As Area Manager for the Central Region of the Chicago Park District. Mr. Scott manages 35 staffed and unstaffed park facilities. Along with the day-today responsibilities of managing each facility's budget and overseeing all trade and logistical matters, Mr. Scott brokers relationships with public servants, elected officials and community leaders to enhance the quality programming of the parks.

During his nearly four-year term as the Park Supervisor for the Douglas Park Cultural and Community Center, he was instrumental in raising over $100,000 for park patron programs and augmentation of the grounds. Mr. Scott's passion for cultivating careers led him to develop a sports training program for employees in the Central Region, which is now used to train employees citywide.

In 2012, Mr. Scott successfully produced the Westside Music Festival ("WSMF". a series of musical concerts that are free to the community. Most recently, Mr. Scott secured a grant for $ 100,000 to kick-start a series of music concerts to be held in area parks on the West Side of Chicago. Over the past three summers, Mr. Scott has raised more than $400,000 and attracted close to 20,000 patrons to the West Side Chicago Park District venues.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Scott worked as an Assistant Project Manager with the Public Building Commission of Chicago. While serving in this role, Mr. Scott worked in conjunction with the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools and the Local School Councils to design and develop Campus Parks. Following his service there, Mr. Scott worked for After School Matters, a program born through the passion and commitment of the late Maggie Daley, where fie proudly served as an consultant helping to develop the KidStart website.

Mr. Scott is a 1998 graduate of Morehouse College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He is certified by the National Park and Recreation Association and the National Academy of Sports and Medicine.

Kurt A. Summers is a son of Chicago and a pragmatic problem solver who is passionate about serving the people of Chicago. As Chicago's newest City Treasurer Summers is the steward of the city's $7 billion dollar investment portfolio, responsible for maintaining records and accounts of the city's finances, and an advocate for programs that promote economic growth and financial literacy.

Summers has hit the ground running. He has proposed an ambitious and audacious 90-day-plan called "Invest in Our Chicago." The document is intended to act as a roadmap, focused on leveraging Chicago's economic power to increase investment in iis residents, workers, businesses and neighborhoods.

A legacy ot service is rooted in everything Kurt does.

Before answering the call to serve as City Treasurer, Kurt was a Senior Vice President at Grosvenor Capital Management and a member of the Office of the Chairman. In this role, Kurt was a leader of the Emerging and Diverse Manager business, which invested over $2 Billion with minority- and women-owned firms.

Paul Thompson is the Dean of College to Careers at Harold Washington College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago. Paul leads the redevelopment and oversight of Business, Professional Services, and Entrepreneurship programs for the district. He brings more than 25 years of business and management experience from a diverse set of roles and industries. He managed production operations and special projects at Mobil Chemical and Tenneco (PCA), and served clients in manufacturing, consumer products, and financial services as a management consultant in the Performance Improvement practice of Ernst & Young and Cap Gemini. Paul is cofounder of Quest Development Group and Conquest Construction where he developed and built more than 400 units of affordable and market-rate housing in Chicago. Paul currently serves as an adjunct instructor, credentialed in Business. CIS and Interdisciplinary Studies and has been appointed to the Roosevelt University, Heller College of Business Advisory Board. Additionally, Paul is a director on the board of the SOS Children's Villages of Illinois, and is a Commodore of the JacKson Park Yacht Club. He received a Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business with concentrations in Finance and Quality in 1994 and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Western Michigan University in 1987.

Terry Tomlin is an insurance professional with 20 years of experience in sales and management in the insurance industry. He is currently a Field Manager with Illinois Vehicle Insurance Agency. In his current position he manages 10 retail locations and is responsible for hiring, training, and motivating his staff toward generating annual revenue of 5.5 million dollars for the company. Throughout his career, Terry has utilized his expertise and leadership qualities to train several individuals who have gone on to become leaders themselves in the insurance industry.

Terry is committed to community service. Motivated by both his sister who is a breast cancer survivor and his sister in law who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2007, he decided to become an advocate in the fight against breast cancer. Terry is an active member of the "What if... Carolyn Y. Adams Breast Cancer Foundation". The foundation is committed to providing education and awareness to significantly help reduce the effects of breast cancer on the lives of those affected by it.

Terry is an active member of St. Ailbe Catholic Church where he serves as President of the Men's Ministry, (SAMM). This group is responsible for sponsoring various fund raising activities and for running the St. Ailbe food pantry that serves over 700 households within the Chicago area. Terry is also an elected member of the Parish Council, the church's advisory board. Terry's giving spirit and commitment to being a strong role model inspired him to be a co-founder of the St. Ailbe Manhood Project, which is a mentorship program that works with at risk young men in tíie community.

Terry is a native of Chicago. He attended St. Ignatius College Preparatory High School and Loyola University, He is a devoted husband to his wife of 28 years, Tanya, and proud father of sons Terrence and Terrell, ages 25, and Brandon, age 33.

Representative Arthur Turner lives in Chicago'sNorth Lawndale neighborhood. He is a graduate of Chicago'sProvidence St. Mel High School, received his Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Morehouse College in Atlanta and graduated from Southern Illinois University'sSchool of Law with a Juris Doctorate.

After college. Representative Turner served as a community organizer and mentor to youth in North Lawndale. He worked as a Tax Credit Analyst and Underwriter for the Illinois Housing Development Authority. In 2010 he ran for office and was elected to serve as the State Representative in the 9th District.

In his first term 2011, Representative Turner served as the Vice-chair of the Revenue & Finance committee, as well as a member of the Committees for ^gpropriations-General Service, Judiciary l-Civil Law, Consumer Protections, Small Business & W^rtdorce Empowerment, Housing, Sales and Other Taxes, and The Cemeteries Subcommittee.

2012-present, he Joined the House of Representative leadership as Assistant Majority Leader, as well as, serves on the committees of Judiciary; Revenue & Finance; Sex Offenses Subcommittee (Sub-Chairperson); Real Estate, Property, Probate, Trust; Property Tax Subcommittee; Sales and Other Taxes Subcommittee.

State Representative Arthur Turner continues to serve the 9th District with integrity and with honor as exemplified by his father, the former State Representative - Deputy Majority Leader, Arthur L. Turnerand his mother, Rosaiyn Turner, an executive member of the Cook County Clerk's Office.

Charles Webb has been a professional musician of national and international acclaim for over 30 years. As a bassist Charles has recorded and performed with such greats as Aretha Franklin, Ramsey Lewis, Grover Washington Jr., Jerry Butler, Smokey Robinson, Bill Withers, Teena Marie, Musiq SoulChild, Howard Hewitt, Kirk Whalum, Roy Ayers, Joe Sample and Freddie Hubbard. Mr. Webb has composed film and television scores and appeared on camera in a number of network television shows. As a first call orchestra pit musician Charles has performed in dozens of theatrical productions, most recently, Motown The Musical, Book Of Mormon and Jersey Boys.

A graduate of the prestigious Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, Charles Webb is actively Involved in many areas in the field of education. As an adjunct faculty member of Columbia College Chicago's music department he directs the bass studies program, coordinates the ensemble program, directs the R&B ensemble and teaches private lessons. Mr. Webb's company, Earth Tone Enterprises is responsible for producing educational materials for age K-8 utilizing rap and hip hop music to teach mathematics, grammar and geography. His teaching system is being used in schools around the country and as far away as Germany, France and Australia.

Mr. Webb works with a number of educational and mentoring organizations such as Earth Tone Enterprises, the Ravinia Foundation and Timeless Gifts to help ensure that the uplifting power of music can be experienced by young people for generations to come.

Emanuel "Chris" Welch serves as State Representative of toe 7th Dis trict, which includes all or portions of River Forest, Forest Park, Maywood Bellwood, Broadview, Hillside, Berkeley, Westchester, La Grange Park, Mel rose Park, Western Springs, and Northlake.

Welch has served on the Proviso Township High Schools District 209 Board of Education since November 2001 and became president of the board in April 2003. In his role serving our local schools, Welch is credited with balancing the district's budget for the first time in over a decade while leading efforts to create the first suburban-based magnet high school, the Proviso Math and Science Academy.

As a legislator, Rep. Welch is focused on improving classroom education, streamlining services, protecting families from foreclosures and providing safer streets in our communities.

Welch has been recognized for his work on behalf of the community, receiving the Operation Uplift Hometown Dreamweaver Award, the prestigious PLCCA Image Award, the Village of Hillside Chairman's Award for his contributions to Human Rights issues and the Man of the Year Award from the Proviso Township Dream Team. In August 2010, Welch was named one of the top 40 Game Changers under the age of 40 by Black Enterprise Magazine and WVON AM-1690. In 2011, he was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine and Chicago Magazine.

Welch is currently a partner at toe law firm of Sanchez, Daniels & Hoffman, LLP. He is married and has two children.

Michael A. Wilson is the Founder and Principal of Creative Cuts, where his innovative initiative exemplifies the importance of positive 'first impressions' upon African American boys and young men. Michael informs them how their conscious choices of hair and clothing affects their opportunities for employment and professional development.

As an Illinois licensed Barber/ Barber Instructor he also serves as the Director of Admissions for Cain's Barber College, Inc. at which, Michael conducts extensive enrollment efforts across Chicago to educate African Americans about the positive and prosperous barbering industry.

Michael is a decorated United States Marine Corps veteran, noted by Chicago politicians and clergy for his volunteer outreach to the military veteran community. He organizes many community events where attending military veterans receive food, clothing and haircuts for free. Michael also connects numerous veterans to the.Stay Strong mental health initiative that provides free counseling and therapy for military veterans.

Michael is the Co-Founder of Omicron Chi Omega, Fraternity & Sorority Inc. This service organization guides and mentors new Licensed Barbers in Chicago. Via Michael's Omicron Chi Omega servant leadership, new licenced barbers are mentored in the areas of professional presentation, client education and superior client service.

Michael and his wonderful wife, Marquita are proud parents of 6 confident children.

Terry Young, Sr. is the director of Commercial Real Estate at Urban Partnership Bank. In this role Terry manages a lending team that's responsible for originating real estate loans across the Chicagoland area.

Terry's spent fourteen years with the Fannie Mae Corporation where he held various leadership positions in community development. He also formerly served as Vice President and division manager of The First National Bank of Chicago's neighborhood lending program. Over the course of Terry's career, he's influenced the funding of well over a billion dollars of real estate transactions.

Terry is co-founder of Transformational Coaching Academy and serves as TCA's NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) Specialist. After being introduced to NLP in 2003. Terry's passion for achievement led him to study and become a certified Master Practitioner. Terry now uses his skills to coach and guide others, especially in the area of identifying and eliminating limiting beliefs. Terry loves being a catalyst in the development of human potential.

Terry also owns, in partnership with his wife, The Connection events facility in Chicago's Bronzeville community.

Terry attended the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, were he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and a Master's Degree of Business Administration, He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Terry has numerous memberships and affiliations, including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., The Chicago Urban League, Hispanic Housing Development Corporation, New Life Covenant Church, and The Westside Branch of the NAACP.

Terry is an avid fitness & martial arts enthusiast and exercises almost daily.

Michael House has worked for more than four decades Michael House

Six year ago, House was handpicked to head the entire operation of the 110 year-old Chicago Defender. The Cleveland, Ohio native saw the fruits of his labor when he received the John B. Russwurm Award in 2009 from the National Newspaper Association as the "Best Black Newspaper in America," in addition to several other awards the newspaper received.

Prior to coming to Chicago, House spent many years working in advertising and sales at Ford Motor Co., Mobile Oil Corp., Rockwell International, Ebony magazine and as the president of Amalgamated Publishers, Inc. in New York. At Amalgamated, he was in charge of placing national advertising in more than 200 Black newspapers.

He then returned to Cleveland and became president and chief operating officer of the Call & Post Newspaper Group. During his time at the Call & Post, House was recognized by the NNPA for his leadership and was named Publisher of the Year for 2003-2004. House served as Press Secretary and spokesman for Cleveland May Frank Jackson and oversaw the city's public access television station TV 23. Currently, House served as Vice President. Advertising - National Newspaper Association (NNPA). House currently is Director, Business Development/Marketing, Allpoints Security and Detective, Inc., Chicago, IL. He received his bachelor's degree from Howard University and earned his MBA from Baruch College - City University of New York.