Illinois State Comptroller

Illinois Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza took office in 2016 amid a two-year budget impasse. She managed Illinois’ finances through the state’s worst fiscal crisis. She changed the office’s policies to prioritize payments to the state’s most vulnerable. An advocate for stability, bipartisanship, comprehensive budget solutions and open and transparent financial reporting, Mendoza serves as the state’s chief fiscal and accountability officer and the first Latina independently elected to statewide office. Previously she was twice elected Chicago city clerk after serving 10 years as a state legislator.

Treasurer, City of Chicago

Treasurer Conyears-Ervin went to Eastern Illinois University to earn her undergraduate degree and earned her M.B.A in Finance from Roosevelt University. Prior to becoming Treasurer, Conyears-Ervin served her community as a State Representative. Her focus was on policies to help working families such as increasing funding for programs for quality childcare.

Treasurer, Fulton County

Staci Mayall is the Fulton County Treasurer and current Treasurer of the Illinois County Treasurer’s Association. She is a committed public servant, focused on the collection and disbursement of tax funds for the provision of public services, public safety and an improved quality of life for all citizens. Staci is affiliated with various clubs and community organizations. She serves as a director on the Spoon River College Foundation, sits on the Canton Union School District Improvement Committee, and on the children’s ministry team at her church.

State Representative of Illinois, 38th District

State Representative Meyers-Martin has over 20 years of experience, during which she was the Mayor for Olympia fields from 2010- 2017 and served on numerous committees including the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Economic - Development Committee and the Environmental Justice Committee. She is a humanitarian and is committed to enhancing the quality of life for her constituents.

State Senator of Illinois, 57th District

State Senator Christopher Belt grew up in Centreville and is a lifelong resident of Illinois’ Metro East area. He represents Illinois’ 57th Senate District, which encompasses communities in St. Clair and Madison counties, including Belleville, Collinsville, O’Fallon, Granite City, Freeburg, Mascoutah and Scott Air Force Base.Prior to serving in the Illinois Senate, Belt enjoyed an 18-year career as a law enforcement officer. He spent 16 years with the St. Clair County Probation and Detention Center and two years as the regional deputy administrator of Aftercare for the central and southern regions of Illinois.

VP Community Development Manager, Old National Bank

Paul has over 40 years of banking experience, including 25 plus years in community development. He is currently Vice President, Community Development Manager with Old National Bank. Paul has and continues to serve in a leadership position with non-profit organizations, including Chairman of the Board of Directors of numerous organizations. Because of his expertise in CRA, funding, and innovative programming, he continues to utilize his knowledge and expertise to assist in community development in multiple states.

Head of CRA Strategy and Community Impact, CIBC US

Beth Witczak joined CIBC Bank USA in October 2008 and currently serves as Managing Director and Head of CRA Strategy and Community Impact. Since joining the Bank, Beth has implemented several systems to streamline data reporting and has implemented a comprehensive Community Reinvestment program which includes processes ranging from performance monitoring to creating affordable products, implementing financial literacy programs, and developing a framework for CRA Investment approval and monitoring.

President, Devon Bank

Chief Experience Officer, Great Lakes Credit Union

With an illustrious career dedicated to advancing financial well-being, Patrick Basler has held several significant roles in the credit union industry. In his current role as Chief Experience Office, Patrick is charged with advancing Great Lakes Credit Union’s brand, member experiences, and philanthropic efforts. As the Board Chair of the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment (GLCUFFE), he has been instrumental in enhancing the financial health of members and communities.

Patrick’s past tenure at the Illinois Credit Union League saw him manage key areas such as Advocacy, Compliance, and Regulatory Affairs, leading the team to pass key legislation to enhance the operating powers of credit unions. Patrick’s professional experiences also include a role as CEO of a small credit union, where he led significant growth through organic growth, market expansion, and strategic mergers.

Patrick's dedication to the credit union industry has not only influenced his professional achievements but also his personal philosophy. He believes in the transformative power of financial education and empowerment, and his work reflects this commitment. His ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and advocate for beneficial legislation has made him a respected figure in the industry.

Executive Director, Economic Awareness Council

Tracy Frizzell is the Executive Director of the Economic Awareness Council (EAC). The EAC is an Illinois non-profit organization that provides statewide financial education programs with attendance of over 25,000 individuals each year. The EAC also produces financial education materials that reach an additional 38,000 youth each year.

Treasurer, Lake County

Holly Kim is the Lake County Treasurer/Banker, responsible for the safe keeping and prudent investing of public funds. She is a proven leader with over twenty years in continuous quality improvement for Public and Private organizations. She graduated from University of Illinois Champaign- Urbana Institute of Government and Public Affairs, in 2017.

Manager, Asset Building Programs, Heartland Alliance

Barbara Martinez oversees the Heartland Alliance’s Community Partnerships & Asset Building programs where she manages a group of financial coaches and training staff. Barbara sits on the Leadership Illinois Asset Building Group and the Board of North Side Community Federal Credit Union. Barbara L. Martinez has over 15 years of experience in business and economic development, financial coaching, and entrepreneurship consulting services.

Executive Director, Centro de Información

Dianha Ortega-Ehreth is the Executive Director at Centro de Información since August 2022. A graduate of Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, Dianha has been a non-profit professional for 30 years and in Elgin, Illinois, since 2010. Born in Mexico City, Dianha has lived in various Midwestern states and has served on a number of Boards and other leadership circles, including Elgin Public Museum, Elgin Hispanic Network, City of Elgin Human Relations Commission, Concordia College Board of Regents, the Lutheran World Federation and is a 2011 graduate of the Elgin Area Leadership Academy. She has completed coursework at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Tiffin University, Art Institute of Chicago, Catholic Legal Immigration Network and the Northwestern Kellogg Center for Nonprofit Management. She is dedicated to lifelong learning and leadership development, DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), building strong teams and community partnerships in order to help Centro deliver excellence in its mission every day.

Director, Division of Financial Institutions, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Francisco Menchaca was appointed Director of the Division of Financial Institutions in July 2013. He previously served the Department as Credit Union Supervisor, a position he had held since October 2012. Prior to joining the State  of Illinois, Mr. Menchaca spent over twenty years of his career in the banking and the financial services industry, notably serving as a Vice President at JP Morgan Chase before he served at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Director of Banking, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

In September 2023, Susana was appointed by Governor JB Pritzker as the Director of Banking, Illinois Office of Finance and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Susana previously served as the Deputy Director of Banking after joining the Department in October 2020. She has over 15-years of experience in the banking and financial services industry, while serving in various capacities at JPMorgan Chase Bank.

Susana received her bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is fluent in Spanish.

Vice President – Government / NFP Banking & Community Outreach, Old Plank Trail Community Bank