Movers and shakers

Lake Forest resident Dale Galassie, executive director of the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center, was honored by the Illinois Public Health Association with its 2008 Distinguished Service Award. The award is presented annually to an individual who has made contributions of major significance to the public health movement.

Elizabeth M. Cummings joined PrivateBancorp Inc. as chief operations officer. She was also named a managing director of The PrivateBank-Chicago.

Helen and Joe Glunz of Grayslake were named finalists for Catholic Charities USA's 2008 National Volunteer of the Year Award.

The Northeastern Illinois Area Agency of Aging elected Carol Kosner of Barrington, John Kokum of Libertyville and Alon Jeffrey of Grayslake to its board of directors.

The Holmstad, a Batavia-based continuing-care retirement community, named Katherine J. Viney marketing director, responsible for marketing residential and assisted living residences. Viney, who has 23 years of senior housing industry experience, most recently served as campus director of activities at The Holmstad.

St. Charles resident Karl Mandik, a graduate of Ball State University's School of Telecommunications and News, was named to the position of weekend sports anchor at KERO-ABC TV affiliate in Bakersfield, Calif.

Dr. Jemini G. Ignacio joined South Elgin Rehabilitation and Health Care Center as medical director. Ignacio, who is a member of Northwest Health Care Associates, is board-certified in internal medicine and affiliated with Sherman Hospital, St. Alexius Medical Center, Alexian Brothers Medical Center and Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital.

Luis Olmos, manager of the Midas automotive service shop on Western Avenue in Carpentersville, was selected as one of the 50 Midas President's Award winners in North America for the shop's excellence in performance for 2007.

The Nielsen Co., Schaumburg, appointed James Russo vice president of marketing, food and beverage industry sector, a newly created position. Russo, who has 16 years of experience in marketing, sales, business development and research positions, previously served as vice president of business development for TNS Retail Forward.

The Chicago-based branding firm Arends promoted Ken Jackson to president. Jackson, a 19-year veteran of the firm, previously served as vice president and creative director.

With more than 20 years of advertising and marketing experience, Don Schneider has joined Marks Plier, an Itasca-based full service advertising, marketing and interactive marketing firm, as group vice president, client services.

Steve Beckman, an employed of the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Schaumburg, completed the air conditioning advanced course at the Merlin Training Center in Geneva.

The Association of Community Mental Health Authorities of Illinois presented Beverly Thomas, president of the McHenry Country Mental Health Board, with its 2008 Advocacy Award during a joint conference with the Illinois Public Health Association held in Springfield.

Chicago Prime Meat Market, Glen Ellyn, appointed Ryan Stewart executive chef. Stewart has 15 years of experience in fine-dining restaurants, banquets, catering, hotel weddings, private parties, gourmet-to-go and cooking classes.

Ovation Pharmaceuticals Inc., Deerfield, named Dr. Samuel Yonren vice president, patient safety, responsible for global drug safety for all Ovation products.

Country Financial awarded agent Bob Riedel of West Chicago and agency manager Rick Bristow of Geneva all-American distinctions, the highest honor a Country agent or manager can receive.

Susan Miura of Schaumburg and her brother-in-law, Dean Miura of Chicago, started ATW Discount Travel, an online travel business, offering deals on hotels, air fare, cruises, vacation packages and more.

Ronald L. Vlasic of Chicago, regional vice president for Kimpton hotels, was honored with the 2008 State Leadership Award by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Benchmark Hospitality International honored the following Eaglewood Resort and Spa employees as "Best of the Best:" Adam Klos, front office manger; Brenda Garza, accounts payable; and Jennifer Cromer, customer service.

Timothy Pajak was re-appointed to the advisory council of the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging. Pajak has represented Kane Country on the council since 2006. He also serves on its legislative and public relations committees.

The Illinois State Medical Society elected Dr. Richard A. Geline vice president. Geline, who is on staff at Rush North Shore Medical Center, St. Francis Hospital, Evanston, and at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon in private practice.

Additionally, Dr. James L. Milam, Libertyville, was elected president-elect of the Illinois State Medical Society. Milam, who will assume the presidency next April, is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist and on the active staff at Lake Forest Hospital and Condell Medical Center. He is also on the academic medical staff at Highland Park and Evanston hospitals.

Erie Insurance Group announced the appointment of Michael Fragias of Fragias & Associates, as a new agent in Rolling Meadows.

Crowe Chizek and Co. appointed the following individuals in its Oak Brook office: Lisa Roen, executive, people services; Khawar Sajjad, staff, assurance and financial advisory; Sumit Shrimavle, manager, performance; Jose Villalobos, senior staff, assurance and financial advisory; Rydon Walker, staff, enterprise solutions; and Jeffery Loeb, senior manager, performance.