People on the move: Northwest Community Credit Union CEO appointed as adviser to governor
Jose Garcia, president/CEO of Northwest Community Credit Union in Morton Grove, recently was appointed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to the Board of Credit Union Advisors for the state of Illinois.
As a strong advocate of the credit union movement, Garcia focuses not only on his community members but small businesses, the Latino community and financial literacy for today’s youth.
“It’s important for our governing leaders to understand the needs of the credit unions in our state and to recognize the important services we provide to both individuals and businesses,” Garcia said.
Northwest Community Credit Union marks its 85th anniversary making it one of the state’s longest-running credit unions.
Fox Valley Orthopedics gets new partner
Geneva-based Fox Valley Orthopedics has added a new partner, Dr. Kenneth Chakour.
“Dr. Chakour is a leading expert in robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, and brings an unparalleled level of expertise to our community,” said Dr. Vishal Mehta, president and managing partner at Fox Valley Orthopedics. “It’s through his expertise and compassionate care that FVO can further its mission by providing advanced orthopedic care to the communities we serve.”
Chakour is a total joint surgeon who joined the practice in 2022. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.
“Fox Valley Orthopedics has 22 physicians treating patients across eight locations,” said CEO John Brady. “We’re excited to have Dr. Chakour join our physician-led leadership team. I know he will help us continue to grow and advance our treatments and services.”
SHENIX CEO Olga Camargo honored
The Illinois Office of Comptroller named Olga Camargo, CEO and founder of SHENIX, as a 2024 Women’s History Month honoree during a ceremony March 21 in Springfield.
Designed specifically for Latinas, the SHENIX app empowers Latinas to make informed financial decisions for themselves, their families, careers, businesses, and communities.
“Olga is a woman after my own heart … enjoying financial matters and trying to make them more understandable to everyone,” state Comptroller Susana Mendoza said. “I applaud her efforts to help other women make well-informed decisions about things like investing, buying a home, and retirement planning.”
During the monthlong celebration of Women’s History Month in March, Mendoza’s office recognized Camargo and several other women for their positive and significant contributions.
“I’m very honored to be in the company of women who are using their talents to improve and better Illinois’ many communities,” Camargo said. “SHENIX is improving the lives of Latinas and others because we are giving them power and direction to determine their financial futures with the tips and tools the free app provides.”
Camargo has more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry, advocating for culturally relevant financial services. As a partner and co-head of FARO Advisory at Centric Wealth Management LLC, Camargo provides retirement plan advisory services to a wide range of clients, including business owners, executives at not-for-profit entities, and foundations.
Pulse Technology names IT engineer
Schaumburg-based Pulse Technology, a company serving the IT, managed print services and other needs of businesses throughout the Midwest and beyond, hired Kouren Stepp of Mundelein as its IT engineer.
Before joining the Pulse team, Stepp worked in a similar capacity for another area managed service provider in Mundelein. He previously was a service desk core engineer at a technology firm in Lake Forest.
Stepp holds a number of industry certifications, including Comp TIA A+, and certifications from a number of software vendors including PaperCut, Acronis, Printer Logic, and from manufacturers such as Konica Minolta, Kyocera, HP, and Ricoh.
“His background and experience makes him an ideal choice to support the IT needs of our clients throughout the region.” said Vince Miceli, vice president of technology.