'@Work: President's Letter & Success Showcase | Presented by Sprint

From The President’s Desk: Positioned For Success

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is strengthening our team in a way that positions us, and your business, for the opportunities of the future. I am excited to introduce these new members of the Chamber staff, who began work at our office this week:

Jan V. Kostner is the Chamber’s Senior Vice President of Membership and Corporate Relations. Jan has a wealth of experience in both the private and public sectors. She began her career at Jasculca Terman Strategic Communications, where she served corporate clients throughout the Chicago region. In government, Jan was the longest-serving Director of Tourism for the State of Illinois. She later was part of the team that created the University of Chicago Institute of Politics. Most recently, Jan served as Director of Marketing at the Chicago Architecture Biennial.

Joey Mak is the Chamber’s Vice President of Programs. Joey comes to the Chamber from the University of Illinois, where he served as Director of Economic Development and Innovation. Previously, he led the Office of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), where he focused on accelerating high-growth industries and assisting small businesses.

Michael Stark is the Chamber’s Senior Director of Corporate Relations. Michael is an expert in startups and technology. He’s been a partner, investor or advisor in nine startup ventures. With an MBA and a law degree, he’s used hard and soft skills to connect the right stakeholders and drive growth. Michael also co-founded and served as President of The Chicago Leadership Alliance, a non-profit that connects and empowers emerging leaders of the millennial generation to launch social-impact initiatives and meet civic, networking and philanthropic goals. One of Michael’s roles will focus on our Emerging Leaders program.

The Chamber has been reviewing how we operate as a team, and is reorganizing and realigning departments in order to serve our members and our mission in the most effective way. With the addition of Jan, Joey and Michael to our team, I am excited about how we’re positioning the Chamber for new and sustained success.

Thank you for your partnership with the Chicagoland Chamber.

Please feel free to reach out to me anytime.

My email is JLavin@ChicagolandChamber.org.

My phone number is 312.494.6776.

Sincerely,