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Derek Ward | Public Sector Manager | Gilbane Building Company

Gilbane Building Company is a National leader for public sector construction management services. Derek Ward manages the public sector for the Midwest Region encompassing all of Illinois and surrounding states. A primary focus of Derek and his team as a construction management partner is to assist clients during the early stages of the conceptual and design process for owner facility needs.

John Greuling | President and CEO of the Will County Center for Economic Development (CED) and Will County Chamber of Commerce
John Greuling has over 35 years of experience as a professional economic developer. He is currently the President and CEO of the Will County Center for Economic Development (CED) and Will County Chamber of Commerce—a position he has held since 2001. Among his priorities are business recruitment and retention/expansion. His specialty is the recruitment of large capital-intensive, high job-generating projects, as well as major public infrastructure developments.

John is a graduate of Illinois State University, with a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy and Master of Science in City and Regional Planning from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.

John is involved with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency on Planning, Illinois Development Council, Metropolitan Economic Growth Alliance, Will County Workforce Investment Board, and Will County Community Foundation.

Michael Stevens | President and CEO of Lake County Partners

As President and CEO, Michael Stevens leads Lake County Partners, a 501 (c) 3 economic development corporation that works to maintain economic vitality and quality of life in Lake County. Mike is responsible for leading efforts to attract and retain jobs, stimulate capital investment, and pursue economic diversity.

Prior to joining Lake County Partners in 2012, Mike served as the Deputy Development Director for the City of Columbus, Ohio responsible for the City’s Economic Development and Planning activities. Mike led the City’s Business Attraction and Retention programs; strategic land utilization; international initiatives; and promotion of public sector tools and programs available to help companies expand.

Mike has also worked for Cardinal Health, Inc in its Corporate Real Estate Group. Mike also served as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Dublin, Ohio and the Assistant Service Director for the City of Huron, Ohio.

Mike is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University where he received degrees from the Fisher College of Business and the John Glenn School of Public Affairs.

John Carpenter | President and CEO of Choose DuPage 

John Carpenter became President & CEO of Choose DuPage in September 2015. Carpenter comes to Choose DuPage with extensive experience in government relations and corporate affairs. Most recently, Carpenter served as Senior Vice President of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. Prior to that role he was Vice President of Corporate Affairs for American Airlines.

Carpenter is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago. He has served as an employer representative on the Illinois’ Workers Compensation Commission Advisory Board. He is a senior counselor on the Public Affairs Committee of the Union League Club of Chicago, and is a trustee of the Chicago Zoological Society.

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