Man honored for decades of devotion to Maryville

For his decades of selfless service on behalf of children, George Rourke of Lincolnwood was named Maryville Academy's Guardian Medallion Award recipient and will be honored at the 2008 Guardian Medallion Award Gala on April 12 at the Drake Hotel in Chicago.

Rourke, who is president of Venterra Sales and Management in Chicago, has been involved with Maryville for three decades, serving on its board of directors since 1985.

During that time, he provided guidance as chairman of the board and chairman of the finance committee. He continues to lead as chairman of the real estate committee and as a board member for the Maryville Golf Academy, which he helped found.

• Jill Meese of Schaumburg was promoted from adviser to a unit manager at the fashion jewelry company lia sophia. Meese met sales and recruitment goals to achieve the promotion, which will offer her the opportunity for special benefits such as additional earnings, overrides, monthly bonuses and jewelry premiums.

Additionally, lia sophia announced top honors for Sharon Moltz of Hoffman Estates, Michelle Przybylski of Hoffman Estates and Darlene Nauert-Aspen of Mount Prospect in its Excellent Beginnings program for outstanding sales accomplishments and professionalism as new advisers.

• With more than 18 years of experience in senior living development, Marie Carlson-Kyllo joined Lutheran Life Communities, Arlington Heights, as vice president of corporate business development.

Carlson-Kyllo of Chicago is a certified public accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society. She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Additionally, Scott Swanson joined Lutheran Life Communities as vice president, corporate marketing, to manage strategic planning, market development and communications activities.

Swanson, of Park Ridge, has held senior management positions in the field of senior living since 1986. He holds a bachelor's degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and a master's degree from Northwestern University J.L. Kellogg School of Management.

Joining Swanson and Carlson-Kyllo at Lutheran Life Communities is Arlington Heights resident Carl Bendorf to serve as vice president, corporate advancement. Bendorf, who holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa, will expand the communities resource base by developing new donor audiences and overseeing fundraising programs, events and activities.

A member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights, Bendorf previously served as vice president of development for the University of Minnesota Medical Foundation.