My connection to Lake County began in 1986 as a freshman at Lake Forest College, and I have been proud to call this area my home for over 35 years. Over those years, I have built a rewarding career with local financial institutions, which has given me the opportunity to help finance the business growth that has shaped our community.
Life sciences and advanced manufacturing are the cornerstone of Lake County's economy. Despite changes in those industries in recent decades, we have seen our business leaders leverage local resources, talent, and support to adapt and remain at the forefront of innovation. It has been my honor to assist through my work at Wintrust Community Banks, Libertyville Bank and Trust, and with Lake County Partners because my ultimate focus has always been on supporting the residents and communities of Lake County.
What are your primary observations from your two years as Chair of Lake County Partners?
Lake County is very relationship-driven, and it’s fertile ground for partnerships—which is wonderful because we have so many leaders willing to put in the time and energy to think outside the box and create new opportunities.
Education is the key to our success. At the College of Lake County, workforce development is front and center, and investment in important projects like the Advanced Technology Center ensure that businesses have a steady pipeline of talent. Dedicated educators like Dr. Michael Karner and Gina Schuyler are forging new career pathways to prepare our youth for successful careers. Elected officials and philanthropies are positioning us well to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities to attract and retain business and talent.
The best part of the job is attending groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings to celebrate businesses that are choosing to grow in Lake County. Those events highlight the incredible success that Lake County Partners has had over the last 5 years—fueling $1.43 billion in direct capital investment, nearly 4,000 new jobs and almost 2,500 retained jobs. I am happy to report that we are primed for even more growth this year, having surpassed last year’s achievements in the first quarter of 2025. Review 2024 economic development highlights here.
What are some of the key factors that make Lake County an attractive location for business?
Lake County offers a compelling combination of advantages for businesses. Its proximity to Chicago provides access to a major metropolitan area, while O'Hare International Airport offers world-class transportation connections. We have a deep pool of talent, a high quality of life, and a lifestyle that offers the best of all worlds with a mix of urban and suburban development and plenty of gorgeous open space. Our excellent schools and access to a wide range of resources, combined with our top employers and diverse career opportunities, make Lake County an exceptional place to live and work.
