Elgin Riverside Club honors Zac Tiknis as 2025 Man of the Year
On June 21, Elgin Riverside Club celebrated the election of Zac Tiknis as the 2025 Man of the Year. A dinner and program were held honoring Zac for his many accomplishments.
Tiknis was born at the old Sherman Hospital on Elgin’s east side. He was raised in Bartlett and graduated from Elgin High School in 1996. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Columbia College-Chicago Campus in 2001. Upon graduation, Tiknis launched into a 25-year career in advertising working for Foote Cone & Belding, TPN, Integer and Marks.
Known for his sharp wit (once dubbed “rapier-like”), Tiknis is known to pitch a killer campaign, catch a 50-inch muskie, and work a grill without breaking a sweat.
Tiknis joined the Elgin Riverside Club on Feb. 23, 2018 sponsored by Jason Smith. During his tenure at the club, he has been involved with Friday Fish Fry, Grill Club and “Riviniafest” —a play on Ravinia Elgin Riverside Club-style. Tiknis has always been the one to raise a spatula or a glass when volunteers are solicited.
Outside the club, Tiknis has served as an adjunct professor at Roosevelt University and when not working or volunteering, you can find him golfing, cooking, gardening, or at the club sharing stories with friends.
Married to Julie since 2007 and a proud father to Avery and Henry, Tiknis has called the west side of Elgin home since 2015. All in all, he is a beloved son, sibling, cousin, husband, father, friend and the kind of guy who makes any gathering better.
Join the club and his friends in celebrating this honor that was bestowed upon him by the past Man of Year recipients.