February 8, 2023

Board of Regents

Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois

Where did you go to college, and what was your major?
Lewis University with a BS in Accounting

Have you lived in any other cities or countries? If so, where?
I currently reside in Beverly Shores, Indiana

Where do you currently work? Tell us about your current role.
I am retired (mostly) as a Certified Financial Planner, and I still maintain a small client base. I am the former Board Director of Health Care Service Corporation, parent company of Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Illinois, BCBS of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Montana for more than 37 years.

What are your passions or hobbies outside of work?
Golf, volunteer board member of Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, and Special Olympics Illinois.

When you were in high school, what were your favorite activities outside the classroom?
I played football, was a member of the swim team, and participated in numerous clubs, councils, etc.

What is your favorite place to travel to? What do you like to do there?
I love touring Italy and Ireland and enjoy the scenery and culture. The Caribbean Islands and Mexican resorts are great for weather, relaxation, and self-indulgence.

Who is the person who made the greatest impact on your life growing up? How did they help shape you?
My father taught me “hard work pays off” and I was one of the first in my family to earn a college degree. I was fortunate to have a couple of bosses who mentored me early on in my career.

How did you get connected to Mercy Home?
I was familiar with the Home growing up on the west side of Chicago, but I thought it was mostly a home for orphans (similar to Angel Guardian and Maryville). As Director of Stack Family Foundation, I made an initial contribution to the Home in 2001 and was invited by Fr. Close to tour the campus. After meeting with him and others who worked at the Home, I was excited to get involved. I joined the Board of Regents, established the Stack family Foundation scholarship and have been actively involved ever since.

Why is the mission of Mercy Home important to you?
Being part of a caring group of extremely dedicated professionals who work with disadvantaged and troubled youth whose lives they literally turn around and develop them into successful and contributing members of society.

What do you consider to be your proudest accomplishment?
Professionally, as a long-term Director of Health Care Service Corp., it is helping guide it through the many changes, growth, challenges, and struggles the healthcare industry has undergone over the past three decades.

What would you like your legacy at Mercy Home to be?
He helped make a difference for so many youth.