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GREATER OAK BROOK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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    WHAT WE DO

    The Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership connects companies to the pulse of business in the Chicago region and serves as an influential and effective advocate and marketer for businesses.
    We always put the needs of businesses first by:
    1. Attracting new companies to our community and building new business opportunities for those companies and existing companies.
    2. Working with key local, state and federal government decision makers to address the financial, operational and other needs of local businesses and businesses seeking to locate here.
    3. Identifying transportation, infrastructure and other community solutions that will attract and retain a talented local workforce.
    4. Developing new area attractions and marketing initiatives that will expand tourism and grow our local economy.
    Welcome and Mission, Please Join

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    HOW WE WORK

    The Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)6 business association governed by a board of directors comprised of Greater Oak Brook companies representing a range of industries: Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, hospitality and retail businesses, technology companies, commercial real estate firms and more. Collectively, these individuals and their companies represent the policy interests of the Greater Oak Brook business community.

    Paid staff and consultants experienced in business, nonprofit and economic development program management, government and higher education assist the board in planning the organization’s strategic direction, and manage and execute its operations, programs and activities.
    Meet Our Staff and Board of Directors

    Organizational Culture
    The organization’s leaders and members work together in a geographically small community that is bustling with business. Over 100,000 people work or visit here each day, which keeps our local companies and economy thriving!
    Fortunately, the community’s small geographical size allows us to stay connected and aware of the issues affecting each other. Working together like this has helped create a supportive and respectful organizational culture in which members may build positive professional relationships over time.

    One Voice for Business through Committees!
    The organization has established a collaborative communication structure that allows local businesses to work together through councils and committees to develop a vision and strategy that serve the broader business community’s needs. These joint efforts have helped create one business voice to address critical issues ranging from local signage codes and community marketing and transportation initiatives to broader state business policy concerns. Members may serve on the following councils and committees:
    • Business Roundtable
    • Economic Development Partnership Council
    • Talented Workforce Committee
    • Young Business Leaders
    • Inclusion & Diversity Committee
    • Not For Profit Committee
    • Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
    • Serve On Committees

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    OUR MEMBERS

    Key area companies employing nearly 10,000 people are members of the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership. Member companies represent commercial real estate, hospitality and retail, technology and other professional services, banking and financial services and healthcare sectors. Hundreds of professionals from these companies regularly participate in the organization’s programs and activities and/or serve in council and committee leadership roles.
    Member Directory, Renew or Join Now

the TEAM

MEET EVERYONE!

MEET THE STAFF AND CONSULTANTS
MEET THE BOARD

  • David Carlin

    President & CEO

    David Carlin is the Chamber’s President and CEO and oversees all facets of its work. Previously, David served as District Director for two Members of Congress and as a Senior Advisor in the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office.

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  • Ed Tracy, CPA

    Chief Financial Consultant

    Ed Tracy is the Chamber’s Chief Financial Consultant, overseeing the organization’s budget development and financial reporting processes. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Illinois and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society.

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  • Nicole Lovato

    Accounting Solutions Senior

    Nicole Lovato is an accounting solutions senior at Selden Fox. She works with a variety of clients assisting on day-to-day processing support including general ledger maintenance, reconciling bank accounts, resolving account discrepancies, posting payroll, and other month-end entries, among other accounting services support. Nicole also prepares tax returns for privately held businesses and individuals.

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  • Emma Youssef

    Administrative Assistant & Intern

    Emma Youssef is a Business Administration student at North Central College, specializing in finance. As an Administrative Assistant & Intern with The Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce, Emma is developing professional relationships and gaining practical experience in business development and community engagement, with a focus on building a strong foundation for a career in finance.

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  • Chairman Finny Rajchel

    State Farm Insurance

    Finny Rajchel, the owner of the Finny Rajchel Insurance Agency, has been affiliated with State Farm Insurance and Financial Services for 28 years, consulting with individuals and businesses to manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams.

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  • Vice Chair Dan Wagner

    Inland Real Estate Group

    Daniel Wagner is senior vice president of government relations for The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. He has been a licensed real estate broker since 2004 and holds Series 7 and 63 security licenses.

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  • Secretary Mae Behm

    JVM Realty Corporation

    Mae joined JVM in 2010 and has over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry. She is responsible for development of fund offerings, marketing, fund administration, and investor reporting and communications for JVM. Mae received her B.S. in Finance from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

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  • Treasurer Kathy Hardy

    At-Large Director

    Kathy Hardy is a former Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer at Leaders Bank. She has a demonstrated history of working in the banking industry and was with Leaders Bank for over 15 years. Prior to her work at Leaders Ms. Hardy had several senior vice president roles at various Chicagoland area banks.

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  • Kristina Bedell

    Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

    Kristina has been with Gibsons Restaurant Group for more than 16 years. Kristina began working for Gibsons in 2006 as a Server and now leads Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse in Oak Brook as General Manager.

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  • Norm Canfield

    At-Large Director

    Norm is a 44-year veteran of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. During his tenure with Hyatt, Norm held various posts including Corporate Vice-President of Rooms and as General Manager at nine Hyatt hotels across the country including at Oak Brook’s Hyatt Lodge.

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  • Adam Henrikson

    Hyatt Lodge - Davidson Hospitality Group

    Since August 2022, Adam Henrikson has been General Manager of the Hyatt Lodge. Prior to this role, he served as the Hotel Manager at the Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile, where he played a key role in operations and guest experience. With a strong background in hospitality leadership, Adam is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and driving success. He lives in Park Ridge with his wife and two children.

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  • Dennis Hiffman

    NAI Hiffman

    Dennis J. Hiffman has been involved in Real Estate Brokerage for over 45 years. During that 45 year period he has been a general partner in the development and/or acquisition of 1.25 million square feet of office buildings, including the Old Orchard Plaza in Skokie, Illinois; the Garretson & Santora Building in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; the Midwest Office Center and One Oakbrook Terrace in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois; 180 N. Wacker Drive in Chicago; and some 2.5 million square feet of retail shopping centers, including Orland Park Place, Orland Park; Broadview Village Square, Broadview; Broadway Center in Chicago, Oak Brook Promenade, Oak Brook, and Main Street Village, Orland Park, and 12 million square feet of industrial space throughout the United States.

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  • Ravi Jayara

    Oak Brook Manor & Chic Chef Catering

    Ravi Jayara is a man with a strong passion for events and hospitality. He is the Founder & Owner of Oak Brook Manor & Chic Chef Catering. His story begins in U.P India from a family of humble roots and passionately driven individuals. The Jayara family migrated to the United States in 1985. Ravi was primarily raised in the north side of Chicago and received his education from Northern Illinois University, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Business Management; major in IT, and minor in business. With Ravi’s father, Prem Singh, being a world renowned Chef (RIP), Ravi was introduced to the food and beverage industry at an early age. From the age of sixteen he learned the value of hard work by becoming a busboy alongside his brother. Ravi dedicates a major part of his success to his older brother Jagmohan.

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  • Anna Kamilis

    The Outpost Mexican Eatery

    Anna worked in restaurants during school and developed a passion for the industry. Upon completing her education, she joined Marriott International where she went through The Manager in Training Program and went on to work for Starwood and Fairmont Hotels. Anna was Director of Guest Services, implemented Presidents Club Programs, oversaw the Concierge Level and Lounges, was responsible for travel and itineraries for VIP’s and negotiated vendor contracts for the hotels.

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  • Serge Khalimsky

    Senior General Manager, Oakbrook Center (Brookfield Properties)

    Serge is the Senior General Manager of Oakbrook Center. Most recently he spent the past 11 years with Westfield leading Old Orchard Mall through common area transformations and re-merchandising initiatives while partnering with the local municipality on zoning, tax, land use, liquor licensing matters, and four major redevelopment projects that are expected to drastically improve the entire site. He was also the leader of a company-wide veteran mentorship program that pairs cross-departmental colleagues with Veterans transitioning from active duty to civilian life, an initiative that was recognized with an invitation to the White House. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, Serge realized the importance of hard work and education after seeing the sacrifices that his parents made to bring him and his brother to the United States. He currently lives in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago with his wife, Nicole, and dog, Ash, who they got from a farm in Indiana during the pandemic. He enjoys golfing, playing basketball, and against all odds…… is still a Chicago Bears fan.

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  • Jeffrey J. Krusinski

    Krusinski Construction Company

    As a kid, Jeff watched his father build Krusinski Construction Company often visiting project sites with his dad on the weekends. Jeff joined the Company in 1994 as a laborer and worked within many departments such as estimating, project management and field operations. After decades of hard work, dedication and success in each role, his passion and vast knowledge of the industry earned him the current role of president. Working with clients building long-term relationships while increasing company growth has always been Jeff’s goal. He, like his father, understands the value of developing client trust through exceptional performance. Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and is often caught on the golf course or playing hockey.

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  • Kim Larsen

    Chamberlain Group

    Kim Larsen leads wellbeing for Chamberlain Group, having worked for the company for over 5 years in Human Resources. She’s responsible for developing and managing programs and initiatives to elevate wellness as a key company benefit, fostering a culture where engaged employees thrive personally and professionally. Drawing from 20 years of multifaceted experience at Motorola -- spanning roles in marketing, sales, and human resources -- Kim uniquely combines business acumen with health and wellbeing promotion strategies. This synergy enables her to collaborate across the organization to create impactful partnerships and design/deliver innovative programming. Her leadership extends beyond wellbeing, having served as past President for Chamberlain Group’s Women’s Network Business Resource Group for 2 years, spearheading global expansion efforts, substantially growing membership and cultivating a community for women to learn, contribute and grow. Kim is a catalyst for positive change, uniting her passion with a heartfelt commitment to advancing employee wellbeing and fostering vibrant, inclusive organizational cultures.

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  • Adrian Mendoza

    Lillig & Thorsness, Ltd.

    Adrian Mendoza has tried numerous jury and bench trials in state and federal courts and appeared before administrative law agencies throughout the country in cases involving catastrophic injury, fraud, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, employment practices and real property disputes. He represents clients in the real estate, manufacturing, hospitality, financial, legal, and insurance industries.

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  • Carlos Moctezuma

    LUXAV

    Carlos Moctezuma is the Owner of LUXAV. LUXAV specializes in curating and delivering cutting-edge technology events designed to empower businesses and organizations. With a deep understanding of the ever-evolving tech landscape, their team works to create unique experiences that showcase the latest innovations and drive meaningful connections. Whether you're looking to explore new solutions, expand your network, or stay ahead of industry trends, LUX-AV provides an engaging platform to make it happen. From product launches and corporate conferences to tech seminars and workshops, they bring your vision to life with precision and expertise. Their mission is to help businesses leverage the power of technology, connecting them with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in a digital-first world.

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  • Christine Quinn

    Fogo de Chao

    Christine has 18 years of hospitality industry experience in teamwork, leadership, and collaboration. She transitioned from General Manager to private events sales, leveraging her strong communication and customer service skills and restaurant industry expertise. With her extensive background, Christine is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of managing private events and delivering a positive customer experience as Sales Manager at Fogo de Chao.

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  • Lauren Rullo

    Weber Grill

    Lauren Rullo is Corporate Sales Manager for Weber Grill Restaurants. In her role she oversees the Sales team, as well as books private dining and catering events for Weber Grill's Lombard and Schaumburg locations. Additionally, Lauren has been a vital part of developing Weber Grill's private in person and virtual Grill Academy classes and off premise, full service catered events where Weber Grill brings authentic charcoal Weber Kettle Grills out to your event and prepare everything on the spot. Lauren originally joined the Weber Grill team as a server back in 2004 at their first restaurant location in Wheeling, IL. and quickly found that her passion for people and food had her wanting to climb the ladder. Even though her degree from Valparaiso University was in English, the fast pace excitement of the restaurant world is where she has established her career. She did leave Weber Grill Restaurants for a short five years, where she was a Sales Manager at Harry Carey’s and Bucca di Beppo in Lombard, and then to Shaw’s Crab House up in Schaumburg. She returned to Weber Grill Restaurants when a position became available due to another long term employee relocating to St. Louis as Weber Grill opened a location down there. Cumulatively Lauren has been a part of the Weber family for over 16 years. Lauren worked closely with the Oak Brook Chamber Bridge Partnership and York High School Hospitality program in 2019, where they had the students develop recipes, a marketing plan and at the end of the semester had them have a Burger Battle where the winning team had their burger featured on the menu in the restaurant for the month of May which is National Burger Month. In 2018 she was awarded the Under 40 Leadership Recognition Award by the Greater Oak Brook Chamber, and in 2016 she was awarded the Young Business Professional of the year by Chamber 630. Lauren has sat on the NextGen Executive Board for the DuPage Children’s Museum, and been an Advisor to different positions of the board of her sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma as an alumni. In her free time, Lauren spends time with family or close friends and their kids. She loves throwing them over the top birthday parties and spoiling them as often as possible. She is a big Chicago Bears and Blackhawks fan, and also enjoys checking out new restaurants, going to see comedians and will never turn down an opportunity to do some shopping.

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  • Suzanna Strangmeier

    ComEd

    Suzanna started working full-time in the External Affairs group on September 18, 2018. As an External Affairs Manager, she engages in community outreach that powers, invests in, uplifts, and transforms communities. Suzanna represents the Subject Matter Experts at ComEd and works to build strategic partnerships and provide trusted advisement to municipalities. She also leads and co-leads initiatives that strengthen ComEd and Community partnerships to advance reliable, clean energy.

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Chamber members and partners may participate in all Chamber meetings, events and activities at no charge; a company’s membership covers all Chamber activities for all employees for the full year. Guests are invited to attend certain chamber events at a cost of $50 per person (see calendar and individual event listings). The Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to restrict or deny guest participation at any time.

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P.O. Box 3691,
Oak Brook, IL 60522-3691

630-472-9377
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