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Chapter Board Members

     

    President - Becky Kowall, SHRM-CP, PHR

     

    Becky has served on the Board of Directors for over three years, most recently as Vice President of Programming/President-Elect and formerly as Membership Director and Workforce Readiness Director.  During her tenure with Grundy Will HR Association, Becky executed several strategic initiatives that included adding learning and development webinars to Chapter programming, implemented exclusive half-day workshops and partnered with the Workforce Center of Will County to secure a collaborative and mutually beneficial meeting space for our members and guests.

    Becky has worked in a variety of industries including construction, transportation, municipality, education, gaming, consulting and most currently manufacturing where she is the HR Manager for Morey, a mid-size electronics manufacturing business partner. Key results include leadership, organizational change, employment law, training and development, consulting, performance management, talent acquisition, labor compliance, union contract administration, employee relations and conflict resolution, and extensive experience in benefit administration and retirement planning.  

    Education and certification achievements include attaining a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management, minor in Business Administration, and dual certified with SHRM and HRCI.

    Personal hobbies and interests include building a foundation on three core principles, faith, family and friends.  Additionally Becky enjoys photography, fitness, yoga, meditation, and striving for a healthy work/life balance.

    linkedin.com/in/bkowall

    VP of Membership / President-Elect - Becky Brillon, MS-HRM, CPRW

    Becky is currently serving as the VP of Membership / President-Elect of the GWHRA, drawing on her experience as a Program Director for The Usheroff Institute, a recognized leader in talent development. She brings to the table a broad range of knowledge and expertise as it relates to changing skills needs of employers and personal growth needs of employees. She presents in the Chicagoland area on several topics related to job transition, career development and social media.

    Becky holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Lakeland College and a Master's degree in Human Resources Management from Troy University and is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer.

    www.linkedin.com/in/beckybrillon

    Learning & Development Director - Kurt Trost

    Kurt Trost has been a leader in the staffing industry for over a decade serving in a variety of capacities.  Currently, he is the Managing Principal for the professional services recruiting firm, Brook Street (a division of Manpower).  Reporting to the COO of ManpowerGroup, Kurt is responsible for the strategic direction and growth of Brook Street in the United States.  He has consulted, toured, and presented recruiting solutions to over 500 organizations located throughout the US.  Over the years he has had the opportunity to partner with and manage high volume staffing programs with some of Chicagoland's largest employers.  While with Randstad, he held a dual role that included the facilitation of new hire training at their corporate headquarters in Atlanta.  This role offered him the opportunity to formally learn techniques for engaging a room of adult learners that was instrumental in his own development.  A newer member of GWHR, he is very excited to coordinate speakers that will bring value to our chapter month after month.

    Kurt is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelors in History and plans to obtain his HRCI and SHRM certifications in 2017.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurttrost

    Past President/Advisor - John Jorgensen, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

    John Jorgensen is an HR consultant with over 20 years experience in Human Resources as a generalist, manager, and director. He has experience in most every area of HR with strengths in employee relations, coaching, mentoring and safety. His work has been primarily in manufacturing, but has experience in other areas such as distribution and not-for profit. As a volunteer leader with SHRM, John is the Strategic Advisor to the Illinois State Council of SHRM as well as the Social Media Director for GWHRA.  He is also the Immediate Past Conference Director for ILSHRM and has been a member of SHRM for many years. John has served in many capacities as a volunteer leader for SHRM with several local chapters as well as past State Director and other officer positions for the State Council.

    Secretary - Pat Fera, SPHR/SHRM-SCP​

    Pat Fera has been the Director of the Workforce Investment Board of Will County for 15 years.  In this role she has lead the development of a strong workforce system in Will County.  As the Director of the Workforce Board, she has had a critical role in both local and regional workforce and economic development initiatives designed to improve the economic vitality of the area.  Previously she was the Employment Manager at Riverside Healthcare and held several research positions in University settings.  Fera has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University.

    Treasurer - Denise Kasper, SHRM-CP, PHR

    Denise is the Human Resource Manager at Kuusakoski US and has 20 years of Human Resource experience in various organizations providing her with a well-rounded HR background.  Denise is a thought leader that prides herself on aligning business objectives with employees and management. Denise received her HR degree from Southern Illinois University. Denise is a Committee member of the Illinois State Council of Human Resources. 

    Marketing/Community Outreach Director - Amy Reick, SHRM-CP, PHR

    Amy Reick is the Director, Human Resources at Ironclad Energy Partners LLC.  Amy is currently serving on the GWHRA Board as the Director, Marketing/Communications.  She has 7 years experience as an HR Generalist/Director as well as prior experience as a VP, grants/funding for a local nonprofit.  Amy graduated with honors with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from University of Phoenix Online as well as a certificate in Human Resource Management.  She currently has her SHRM-CP and PHR Certifications.

    Membership Director- Christy McMahon-Fassl

    Christy McMahon-Fassl is currently serving on the GWHRA board as Membership Director. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Saint Xavier University and very passionate about her career in Human Resources. She feels very fortunate to be able to fulfill her career passion and work purpose as a Human Resources professional while also serving on the Board of Directors for GWHRA.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/clmhr

     

    Legislative Director - Julie A. Proscia, Esq.

    For 14 years, Julie has helped employers of all shapes and sizes navigate the legal pitfalls of the employment relationship, from its inception at recruitment and hiring through the implementation of policies and procedures, and the conclusion of the relationship with the termination/separation process.  When litigation arises, Julie advocates for clients in the areas of traditional labor and employment law, including discrimination/retaliation cases, non-competition/non-solicitation enforcement, wage and hour litigation, and employment and labor arbitrations.

    In addition to the private sector, Julie represents many public sector/municipal employers in traditional labor and employment issues.  She represents municipalities in labor disputes, including negotiations, grievances, ULP defense, and arbitration.  Her practice includes representing both public and private sector employers in federal, state, and administrative venues.  These venues include a trial practice in federal and state court, as well as at the Illinois Human Rights Commission, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, and Department of Labor.