Barrington lawyer gets top spot at Shriners
Robert O. Kuehn, 68, has been a longtime, active Shriner. But don't expect the Barrington attorney to drive one of those tiny cars in a parade.
He laughs at the thought. But he's serious about working with organizations that help kids. After all, he's raised three grown children and has eight grandchildren, all in Palatine or Mount Prospect.
“For me, it's a way to give back to society,” Kuehn said. “I've been successful, and I want to help those who need help.”
During the recent annual meeting of the Shriners International and the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Kuehn was appointed as general counsel for both organizations.
He's responsible for attending all director and trustee meetings, handling their legal matters and providing legal advice.
The Park Ridge resident already had a taste of providing legal assistance to the Shriners. He served as the Medinah Shriners' attorney from 1986 through 1995, potentate (CEO) in 2000, and chairman of the board of governors for Shriners Hospitals in Chicago from 2006 through 2009.
He's also served on several committees. So his work locally has been expanded nationally.
Kuehn is a partner at Barrington-based Williston, McGibbon and Kuehn, where he focuses on estate planning, real estate, corporations, business planning, trusts and other matters.
In addition, he's active with St. Paul's House, a Lutheran home and rehab center in Chicago, and is on the board of two local YMCAs and the Children's Dyslexia Center of Metropolitan Chicago.
The marathon of volunteerism with such organizations could be compared to the triathlons he did some 20 years ago. He's in it for the long haul.
He also comes from a family of lawyers, except his wife of 35 years, Natalie Kuehn, and daughter Elizabeth Cichy of Mount Prospect, who are both teachers.
“When we all get together, we may not always agree, after all you have a room full of lawyers,” Kuehn joked. “But those teachers keep us all in line!”
Hospitality in Lisle
Diane Homolka of Warrenville has become the executive director of the Lisle Convention & Visitors Bureau after being the interim executive director for the last six months. She replaced Priscilla Tomei of West Chicago, who left earlier this year to work in hotel sales. Homolka also retains her previous position as marketing and communications manager. She also recently hired Robin Friday as director of sales.
Dishing to help the less fortunate
Matthew Sheahin of Wheaton and some of his colleagues at Lavelle Law Ltd. in Palatine volunteered to provide a dinner to those less fortunate. It was hosted at Catholic Charities in Des Plaines. This event was the first in a series that the law firm has committed to doing for those in need. Those also dishing include attorney William Terpinas and staff members Rosario Jarmillo, Jamie Holt and Lauren Madry.
CIOs gathering in Lombard
Steve Schulze, CIO of United Center Doug King, vice president and CIO of Landuer; Joel Grossman, senior vice president of technology and operations at Leapfrog; and Paul Lemere, IT director at Bel Brands are among the technology leaders who will headline the CIO Roundtable at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, at the Capital Grille, 87 Yorktown Center in Lombard.
Fast track
Paula Wilson of Elmhurst has been appointed as president and CEO of The Joint Commission Resources and Joint Commission International, based in Oakbrook Terrace. ... Earl DeCarli, president & CEO of Bolingbrook-based Scrip Companies, has been appointed to the board of directors of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, a not-for-profit associated with chiropractic care. DeCarli lives in Naperville. ... Dennis P. Ryan of Libertyville has joined World Equity Group as a financial adviser in the Arlington Heights office. He'll focus on financial and retirement planning, as well as asset management and personal insurance services.
Ancelma Varela was selected as a hero in long-term care by the Health Care Council of Illinois. She is the office manager at Alden Gardens of Waterford assisted living community in Aurora and was chosen for her commitment to the residents. She was one of about 100 individuals honored as part of National Nursing Home Week. ... Christopher Bauder of Lake Forest has been appointed as the bourbon category business team general manager at Deerfield-based Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc. So he'll oversee Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Knob Creek and Basil Hayden's brand names. ... Dennis Tomaszewski of Lake in the Hills is the new vice president of the wealth management group at Palatine-based Cornerstone National Bank & Trust Co. He'll be providing customized investment management and advisory solutions for clients.
Jeffrey Blair of Buffalo Grove is the new chief executive officer for Corpak MedSystems Inc., a maker of medical devices. He was most recently chairman and CEO of North American Science Associates Inc. He also has a home in Leesburg, Ind. ... Bryan Eckhoff of Elmhurst has been promoted to executive vice president of sales and account management at Galleria Retail Technology Solutions in Chicago. ... Terrel G. Bressler of Wilmette is the new managing director at Sikich Investment Banking. ... Daiel Corrado Jr. of Chicago has joined Cawley Chicago Commercial Real Estate in Downers Grove as a new broker. ... Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will be the keynoter at the Greater O'Hare Association's luncheon starting at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Belvedere Banquets, 1170 W. Devon Ave., Elk Grove Village.
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