Board of Directors

MARY O'CONNOR - PRESIDENT

Mary is a business owner and entrepreneur of Unforgettable Edibles, a local food catering business. Mary is also an owner of Blackthorn Manor Banquet Room and O'Connor's Market and Deli. Mary has been a respected resident of the Edison/Norwood Park neighborhoods for the last 38-years. She is presently in her second term as the President of the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce. Her philanthropic activities are extensive in the community, including the founding of the Edison Park Turkey Trot, St. Patrick's Day Charity Dinners and initiative member of local council scholarship fund.

"My sincere hope is for the continued success of the Edison Park business districts. We are continuing to strive for Edison Park to be a premier neighborhood in which to live and work."

ELIZABETH HERNANDEZ-VASICH - VICE PRESIDENT

Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez-Vasich is the first and only Filipina to own and direct an Early Childhood Education Learning Center in Chicago, Happy Child Day Care Center in Edison Park. She has been recognized for her immeasurable dedication in educating young children for more than 20-years. In addition to being a nurse, Lisa has a degree in Early Childhood Education from National-Louis University and Northeastern University.

Happy Child Day Care Center, 7750 W. Devon Ave. has programs for infants, toddlers, pre-school and after-school programs for elementary-aged children. Lisa is the recipient of many honors and contributes to many children's charities.

FLORIAN BARBI - TREASURER

Florian J. Barbi was born in Lucca, Italy, the only child of Luigi and Anna Maria (Gonnella) Barbi. Florian attended Fenwick High School in Oak Park and Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois.

Florian began his banking career shortly after graduating college. He was rapidly promoted to head of lending at several Chicago financial institutions. Florian Barbi is currently President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Bank of Bourbonnais, located in Bourbonnais, Illinois and FNBW bank with locations in Wheaton and in the Edison Park Community.

LAURA LEE CORNELISON - SECRETARY

Laura Lee Cornelison is the Branch Office Administrator for Paul Armstrong's Edward Jones Investments office in Edison Park. She moved from Lincoln, Nebraska to Edison Park in June of 2004. Laura Lee has a Vocal Music Performance degree from the University of Denver. In her spare time she participates in community theatre and hopes to pursue other acting opportunities around Chicago.

PAUL ARMSTRONG - DIRECTOR

Paul Armstrong is an Investment Representative for Edward Jones Investments. Since 1871 Edward Jones has taken a personal, long-term approach to serving individual investors and business owners. Edward Jones wants to get to know your unique financial objectives so that we are able to develop a strategy to help you achieve your long-term financial goals.

Paul and his wife, Andrea, have been married for five years and have a three-year-old daughter named Lauren. They are residents of Arlington Heights, Illinois. Paul is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a double major in Communication Arts and Political Science.

"I am proud to serve the Edison Park Community. It is truly a privilege to be an active contributor to this wonderful neighborhood."

JEFF BIBIK - DIRECTOR

MARY BETH BALCARCEL - DIRECTOR

STEFANIE DZIEDZIC - DIRECTOR

Stefanie Dziedzic is an independent consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics. Since moving to Edison Park in 2000, Stefanie been a strong supporter of the community and the businesses that make it the best neighborhood in the city to live, shop, and dine. This is Stefanie's first term as a Director and she is looking forward to being a part of Edison Parks' bright future.

CATHY FLOOD - DIRECTOR

KATHLEEN KREHER - DIRECTOR

Kathleen Kreher is the owner of Romance in Blooms, Ltd. Romance in Blooms is a full service retail flower and gift shop that Kathleen started in 1994. In 2000, the store moved to it's current location, 6729 N. Northwest Highway in downtown Edison Park. Kathleen is pleased to represent the retailers of Edison Park on the Chamber Board.

PATSY MARTIN - DIRECTOR

MICHAEL STANGEL - DIRECTOR

Michael Stangel began Stangel Realty, Inc. in 2000, to better serve the Edison Park community and surrounding areas. The company has grown to 10 agents and serves many areas in Chicagoland, from downtown to the north and northwest suburbs. The motto of Stangel Realty is "individual service is our specialty".

Mike, his wife, Katie, and 5 children live in beautiful Edison Park. They are expecting their sixth child in April. They really love the Edison Park area and enjoy all that the community offers.

"I look forward to helping the business community expand and continue to grow. Edison Park is a great place to do business."

SANDRA L. SVIZZERO - DIRECTOR

Sandy was born in Chicago, raised and resides in the Norridge area. She started at Parkway Bank & Trust Co. in 1987 and rose to become an Assistant Vice President/BranchManager located at 608 W.Higgins Rd., Park Ridge. Parkway Bank has recently celebrated 40 years of service to the community, with 20 locations and a new bank in Cave Creek, Arizona.

Sandy is actively involved with the surrounding communities, participating in the following organizations and events: Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce - Past President 2006, Park Ridge Community Fund - Treasurer since 2003, Edison Park Chamber of Commerce - Director since 2005, Rosemont Chamber of Commerce - Member/Volunteer, South Park Merchants Association - Volunteer and hosted the Park Ridge 2004 & 2005 Relay for Life/American Cancer Society pledge night.

"As a director I am looking forward to serving the needs of the Edison Park Community, while building strength and unity within the neighboring communities."

RITA McGOVERN - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Rita has lived in Edison Park since 1972. Rita became Executive Director of the Edison Park Chamber in January 2002. Prior to working for the Chamber, she was a legal assistant for a Chicago law firm and has many year of administrative experience. Rita is one of the founders of the Edison Park Turkey Trot. Rita and her husband Joe have three children and are very active in the Edison Park community.

JIM DEL MEDICO - PAST-PRESIDENT

Currently, Jim is the much beloved Community Representative for the 41st Ward. He is past-president and remains active in the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce and the Norwood Park Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Following is a list of associations Jim is currently affiliated with: Member of the Local School Council (LSC) for Taft High School and Onahan School; Member of the City of Chicago Senior Citizen Hall of Fame; Member of CAPS Advisory Committee - 16th District Police Dept.; Member of the 41st Ward Zoning Advisory Committee; Member and Vice chairperson of Mayor Daley's Senior Citizen Advisory Committee; Member of Korean War Veteran's Association; Member of 16th District Police Department YouthNet Committee.