\n
About the Speakers:
\n
\nBeth Beatty - \;\n
With nearly two decades of dedicated service in municipal affairs\, legislative coordination\, and financial policy\, Beth Beatty brings a wealth of experience to her role as the City Manager of Joliet. Appointed in late 2023\, Beatty holds the distinction of being Joliet&rsquo\;s first female City Manager\, overseeing the daily operations of nearly 900 employees and managing a substantial $500 million budget.
\nHaving served under the administrations of Mayors Richard M. Daley\, Rahm Emanuel\, Lori Lightfoot\, and Brandon Johnson in Chicago\, Beatty'\;s journey includes pivotal roles as Deputy Mayor of Intergovernmental Affairs and former Deputy CFO. Throughout her career\, she has effectively executed the visions of elected officials\, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex municipal landscapes.
\nBeatty'\;s expertise extends to managing both public employees and private lobbyists\, strategically advancing or opposing legislative and policy initiatives at federal\, state\, and local levels. Her professional relationships with leaders across various levels of government are expected to benefit Joliet\, ensuring the city receives essential resources and addresses its needs for positive outcomes for residents and businesses alike.
\nA key architect in crafting and passing the City of Chicago&rsquo\;s annual multi-billion-dollar appropriations ordinance\, Beatty'\;s collaborative approach involves input from diverse stakeholders\, including organized labor\, community organizations\, and the business community. Her emphasis on cultivating strategic relationships\, even with those who may oppose her initiatives\, highlights her commitment to fostering constructive dialogues.
\nRaised in Moline\, Illinois\, Beatty holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary'\;s College and a Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School. Additionally\, she served as a law clerk for the Illinois Supreme Court&rsquo\;s Third Judicial District. Beatty values credibility with elected officials and their constituents\, viewing it as essential for advancing any agenda. Her commitment to honesty and open discussion underscores her dedication to transparent and effective governance
\n
Michelle Bober\, MBA - \;
\nSilver Cross Hospital \;announced the promotion of Michelle Bober\, MBA\, to Vice President of Strategy and Business Development. Bober\, who joined Silver Cross in October 2020. Michelle most recently served as Administrative Director of Business Development and Service Lines.
\n
\nBober has more than 16 years of healthcare experience with expertise in strategic planning and growth\, service line development\, system integration\, patient access\, clinical operations.
\n
\nMeg Loughran Cappel -\n\n
State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel began representing the 49th \;Senate District in December 2020 following years of shaping lives as a special education teacher and advocate.
\n\n
Loughran Cappel has long been dedicated to fostering inclusive environments for students to learn and thrive. She first entered the professional world as a special education teacher. In 2015\, Loughran Cappel became a union representative for her school&rsquo\;s teacher&rsquo\;s union &mdash\; AFT-IFT Local 604 &ndash\; to support other educators and help them have meaningful careers.
\n\n
Two years later\, she served on the Joliet High School Board\, where she worked to improve school safety and technical problems within the district.
\n\n
As a Joliet native\, Loughran Cappel had dedicated her life to giving back to the community that helped shape her into the person she is today. In her free time\, Loughran Cappel can often be found volunteering at her church or her children&rsquo\;s schools.
\n\n
Senator Loughran Cappel serves as chair of the Senate Appropriations Education Committee and is a member of the Senate Agriculture\, Education\, Labor and State Government Committees.
\n\n
Loughran Cappel and her husband own a small business located in Shorewood where they reside. Together they have three children.
\n
Dr. Escortina Ervin - \;
\nDr. Escortina Ervin is a visionary leader with a strong track record in higher education and diversity\, equity\, and inclusion (DEI). She is currently Chief Equity Officer at Joliet Junior College (JJC)\, where she provides executive leadership and contributes to the institutional sustainability of the college. Dr. Ervin has been instrumental in establishing JJC&rsquo\;s DEI Office and developing DEI programs such as Cultural Competency Workshops\, Employee Resource Groups\, Diversity Book Club\, Peace and Restorative Justice Circles\, community engagement and professional development. She also provides leadership for the President&rsquo\;s DEI Council and its subcommittees.
\n
\nUnder Dr. Ervin'\;s leadership\, JJC'\;s unwavering dedication to diversity and inclusion has received national recognition. In 2021 JJC was recognized as a top employer by DiversityJobs. In 2022 and 2023 JJC was recognized as one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges\, by higher education magazine Diverse. In addition\, the college&rsquo\;s internal climate assessments continue to trend positively under Dr. Ervin&rsquo\;s leadership. \;
\n
\nDr. Ervin is compassionate and dedicated to serving others beyond her professional responsibilities. Dr. Ervin works in the community serving homeless families\, primarily young moms and their children. She also enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion for DEI \; with various committee organizations which include the Joliet Chamber of Commerce DEI Council\, Joliet Township High School CEO Program\, Joliet Chamber Visionary Committee\, Joliet Chamber of Working Women\, and Illinois Community College Diversity Commission.
\n
\nWhen the problems of the world seem too big to change\, Dr. Ervin reflects on her favorite proverb\, "\;Each one Teach one."\;\n\n
\;
\n