Top suburban executives honored by Business Ledger

Eleven suburban executives were honored for their roles in the financial health and success of their businesses during the fourth annual CFO of the Year Awards, hosted by the Business Ledger and its sponsoring partners.

About 120 people cheered the honorees during the recognition event Thursday evening at the Bolingbrook Golf Club.

The award celebrates suburban financial executives who contribute to the success of the region's economic growth and stability. While the honorees may not have the title of chief financial officer, they carry the responsibilities associated with that office.

Nominees were selected by a panel of Daily Herald Business Ledger managers, and consideration was given to their contribution to the organization's overall growth, commitment to good ethics, effective reporting and involvement in the community. All nominees had to be employed by a business or organization with a presence in the six-county suburban Chicago region.

Keynote speaker James Kranjc, communications tax practice leader and principal-in-charge of the Chicago offices of tax consulting firm Ryan LLC, outlined some of the key tenants of the financial leader, stressing the need for maintaining integrity and honesty.

"Ultimately, integrity and trustworthiness are your greatest assets," Kranjc said. "We have to be ethical, we have to be trustworthy, and people have to believe in what you say."

He also asked the honorees to be flagbearers of the accounting profession for future generations, noting the decline in young people entering collage seeking accounting degrees.

"They don't see it as the Millennials saving the world," he said. "We need to be proponents of the financial industry that the accounting profession is a noble profession, it's a profession that's worthwhile, and it's something that we need to have our kids go into."

A number of the honorees noted the profession and role as chief financial officer involves more than just balance sheets.

"It's our job not only to count the beans, but to grow the beans," said Kevin Maher of Phoenix Closures in Naperville.

Sally Schlessinger, CFO of the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau based in Lansing, added "It is much more than numbers, it's a fascinating science."

Detailed profiles of the honorees will be featured in the Aug. 17 issue of the Daily Herald Business Ledger.

Presenting sponsors for this year's awards are Focus Capital Advisors in Downers Grove, Inland Real Estate Group in Oak Brook, B. Gunther & Associates in Lisle, and Northern Illinois University Graduate School of Business.

2015 CFO of the Year Honorees

• Nicole De Joris, CFO, 3 Points LLC, Oak Brook

• Steven Gaydos, Fiscal Director, Catholic Charities - Diocese of Joliet

• Glenn Jendra, CFO, Executive Construction, Hillside

• Joan Kearney, CFO, Clearbrook, Arlington Heights

• Laura Mack, CPA/SPHR, Fitz Chem Corporation, Itasca

• Kevin Maher, CFO, Phoenix Closures, Naperville

• John Pawlowski, VP Finance, Consumers Credit Union, Gurnee

• Patrick Phelan, CFO, National Safety Council, Itasca

• Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, Director of Operations and CFO, ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, Chicago and north suburbs

• Sally Schlesinger, Exec. VP/CFO, Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau, Lansing

• David Starr, CFO, Edlong Dairy Technologies, Elk Grove Village