2011-2012 Officers

Stephanie Shea

President

Undergraduate Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate 2012, Strategic Global Marketing and Leadership/Change Management
Current Position: Senior Innovation Associate,Maddock Douglas

Connect with Stephanie: LinkedIn

Stephanie is a Senior Innovation Associate for Maddock Douglas, an internationally recognized firm that helps leading corporations develop new products, services and business models. Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in advertising from the University of Illinois, and is currently pursuing a dual concentration MBA in Strategic Global Marketing and Leadership & Change Management. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys traveling, playing volleyball and boating.


Lora  Brennan

VP of Strategic Opportunities

Undergraduate Institution: Miami University
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate 2012, Marketing Management & International Business
Current Position: Immunization Coordinator,DePaul University

Connect with Lora : LinkedIn

Lora graduated from Miami University with a BA in Political Science in 2000. She started her career in the IT recruiting/software industry in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. After 9 years in the industry, she decided to do a career change and began working on her MBA at DePaul. Currently, she works at DePaul as the Immunization Coordinator in the Student Records department. Upon the completion of her MBA, she hopes to work for a multinational company where she can use her international background along with her many years of work experience. Outside of work and school, Lora enjoys spending time with her husband and 1 year old daughter, traveling all over the world, going to concerts, and cooking with friends.


Magdalena Szumlakowska

VP of Global Strategy

Undergraduate Institution: University of Wrocław, Poland
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate 2012, International Business
Current Position: Market Research Assistant,DePaul University - Marketing Department

Connect with Magdalena: LinkedIn

With nearly 7 years of experience in catering ethnic markets, Magdalena is currently pursuing her MBA with a concentration in International Market Research. Having lived in Europe for over twenty years and visited other continents for extended periods, she has acquired a multi-national perspective and, as a result, a healthy respect and appreciation for many other cultures. Aside from her work, studies, and intercontinental travel, Magdalena enjoys swing dancing, running, shopping for and preparing ethnic foods, and devoting time to worthy causes; she fundraises for the Special Olympics and participates in the annual Polar Plunge.


Justin Cerone

VP of Communications

Undergraduate Institution: DePaul University
Kellstadt Program: MS Candidate 2012, Entrepreneurship
Current Position: President,Business Writing Solutions

Connect with Justin: LinkedIn

Justin is the Founder and President of Business Writing Solutions, a digital marketing firm that helps small and medium-sized businesses optimize and execute their digital marketing practices. He earned his B.A. in English from DePaul University and is currently pursuing his M.S. in Entrepreneurship at Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. Justin enjoys exploring business opportunities, solving complex problems by developing innovative solutions, producing music, barbequeing, and playing and watching football.


Tim  Kauffman

VP of Brand Management

Undergraduate Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate 2013, Integrated Marketing Communications and Brand Management
Current Position: Personal & Commercial Sales,BMO Harris Bank N.A.

Connect with Tim : LinkedIn

In 2009, Tim Kauffman graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with a B.A. in Communication. While working in banking, specializing in sales and marketing, he is currently pursuing an MBA concentrated in Integrated Marketing Communications and Brand Management. Tim will be completing his degree in June 2013. In his spare time, which is rare, Tim enjoys everything Chicago--from restaurants to sporting events, even the baseball teams. Will frequent his motorcycle on nice days, and can be found playing softball and football in the evenings. He is hopeful to network with you at all KMG meetings in the future, and will provide the best of his abilities as your VP of Brand Management.


Eric  Johnson

VP of Events

Undergraduate Institution: University of Connecticut
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate 2012, Leadership/Change Management and Brand Management
Current Position: Manufacturing Engineer,

Connect with Eric : LinkedIn

Originally a native of Connecticut, Eric earned his Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the University of Connecticut in 2000. He has 10 years of experience as a manufacturing engineer focusing on continuous improvement activities and project management. Most recently he facilitated the relocation of his factory to North Carolina. Interested in a possible career transition to product or brand management, his focus now is on finishing his degree at DePaul as well as on his new role on the KMG board. In his spare time Eric enjoys taking advantage of all Chicago has to offer but also loves to read and travel.


Jeff  Long

VP of Corporate Relations

Undergraduate Institution: Carthage College
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate 2012, Sales Leadership
Current Position: National Account Manager,Fannie Mae

Connect with Jeff : LinkedIn

Jeff is a national account manager for Fannie Mae, a national mortgage finance firm that provides liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S. mortgage market. Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science in business and marketing from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys golfing, baseball, and traveling.


Alan  Brooks

VP of Membership

Undergraduate Institution: University of South Florida
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate 2012, Brand Management
Current Position: Sales Learning and Development Intern,The Kellogg Company

Connect with Alan : LinkedIn

Alan graduated from the University of South Florida in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Studies. He is pursuing his MBA with a concentration in Brand Management. Much enamored with the CPG industry, Alan secured a Sales Learning & Development internship with the Kellogg Company for the 2011-2012 school year. He is excited to join the KMG team and is looking forward to a great year. Outside of work and school, Alan can usually be found spending time with his wife, Marisa, and their three cats Daphnis, Chloe, and Katya, or watching Tampa Bay Rays baseball.


Looking to build your resume? KMG is looking for committee members to join this year's board. If you are interested, please contact KMG President Stephanie Shea at stephashea@gmail.com.