Julie has 37 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector and desires to see the community work together for the good of everyone. She has her BA from Valparaiso University and her Master’s in Public Administration from NIU.  Julie is a Midwest girl and returned to Rockford in 1989 and proud to call it her home. She began her tenure with United Way June 2021.

Martesha Brown is Market President for Midland States Bank and an MBA graduate of Rockford University. She has served on 13+ community impact boards, including Region 1 Planning Council and the Illinois Trust Board, and was elected to the Rockford Park District Board. She has earned honors including Forty Under 40, YWCA Woman of Achievement, and GRCC Community Hero.

Dave Hataj is president of Edgerton Gear, founder of Craftsman with Character, author, and nationally recognized speaker on leadership, workforce development, and culture transformation. A journeyman machinist and business leader, he champions skilled trades, mentorship, and character-driven leadership to strengthen businesses, communities, and the next generation of workers. 

 Sam Kirker is the founder and CEO of SJK Enterprises, a Rockford-based eCommerce company focused on scaling brands profitably on Amazon and Walmart. He builds lean, systems driven operations and is the creator of the Flow Management System, a no-code app platform that connects purchasing, inventory, and fulfillment to improve visibility, efficiency, and margins. 

Before becoming Rockford’s mayor, Tom McNamara valued his roles as husband and father. As mayor, he has focused on reducing crime, enhancing police technology and training, strengthening neighborhoods and schools, promoting economic development, lowering property taxes, and appointing diverse, fiscally responsible leaders committed to using taxpayer funds effectively. 

Matt Simpson is a father, entrepreneur, and Development Strategist based in Rockford, Illinois. He earned a Master’s of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University, and has 15 years of experience working in economic development and neighborhood-level community development, as well as city and state government leadership/public administration. 

Kika Young is President of Forest City Gear, a third-generation, family-owned manufacturer based in Roscoe, Illinois. She leads with a focus on precision, innovation, and culture, serving industries from aerospace to robotics. Kika holds an MBA from Rockford University and is passionate about workforce development and customer partnerships.