Standing Together
Chicago United’s 2025 Annual Meeting validated the facts: we are still standing, fighting the good fight, and will continue to do so.
I’d like to extend special thanks to Kathy Scherer, 2025-2026 Board Chair and Vice Chair and Chicago Managing Partner at Deloitte LLP, and the entire Deloitte team for hosting this year’s Meeting. I thank our featured panelist, Nigel Telman, Partner at Proskauer Rose LLP and a 2009 Business Leader of Color, for an informative and transparent Keynote Presentation. And to our Members, Supporters and Partners: thank you for your presence, commitment and support.
I would also like to congratulate our Chairman’s Award honorees: CEO Council Champion – Aurora Austriaco, Board Member, Valentine Austriaco & Bueschel; Leaders Council Champion – Sam Pambah, Board Member, KPMG; Chicago United Benefactor – The Allstate Foundation; Championship Team – Wintrust; and the Toni Cornelius Special Recognition – Robert W. MacGregor (posthumously), accepted by Mari MacGregor. Thank you for your invaluable support of Chicago United! We could not do the work we do without partners like you!
Additionally, we held the installation of the Officers and Members-at-Large of Chicago United’s 2025-2026 Board of Directors. I am so grateful for your leadership and dedication to Chicago United and our collective work ... thank you for agreeing to serve. And last but not least, I’d like to give a super special thank you from the bottom of my heart to Santino Bibbo, Managing Director and Head of Corporate Finance at Cabrera Capital Markets, our Outgoing Board Chairman. Throughout his tenure, Santino has provided sage counsel, leadership and professional expertise to Chicago United (and to me!). I am so grateful for Santino’s service and continued commitment, along with that of Cabrera Capital Markets, to the work of Chicago United. THANK YOU!!
As I noted during the Meeting, I would like everyone to remember: Now more than ever, Chicago United is the safe space for your company and your employees as we navigate these challenging times. Each Member and Partner is important to this work. Together, we will continue to do this work so everyone has a seat at the table.
Be well,
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