David J. Anderson
Spring Creek Development Group

David is one of the founding member of Spring Creek Development Group (SCDG), a diversified real estate development firm based in Rockford, Ill. SCDG is a dynamic organization founded in 2004 with the belief that meaningful, innovative real estate development can make a positive impact on the surrounding community. From its offices overlooking Anderson Japanese Gardens, SCDG teams up with a variety of partners, investors and other professionals to develop financially successful residential and commercial properties.

Prior to co-founding SCDG, David was active in the family office, Spring Creek Partners, identifying venture capital and other investment opportunities. David joined the family office in the fall of 1998 after having been out of the Rockford area for ten years. For the four years prior to his return, David worked in sales for a Tier 1 plastic injection molding company based in the Chicago suburbs. He handled sales accounts for several international companies including Motorola European Cellular Subscriber, Motorola Land Mobile Products, Hewlett-Packard Test & Measurements Division, Valley Lab – a division of Pfizer, and Delco Electronics.

Anderson received his bachelor of arts degree from Denison University in Granville, Ohio. Before graduating, he participated in a study-abroad program in Sydney, Australia. After graduation, David took a year off to live in Aspen, Col., before returning to Chicago.

David is an active member in the community, currently serving on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and The Literacy Council. David’s many interests include boating, golf, photography, wine and art.

David was born and raised in Rockford, Ill. He is married to Colleen and has one son.

Matt Branom
Boone County Shopper

Matt Branom is the Vice Presidents of Sales for the Boone County Shopper. Since joining the company, Matt has expanded the Shopper’s printing capabilities and launched their website. He is responsible for both print and online sales.

A native of Belvidere and graduate of Belvidere High School, Matt graduated University of Illinois in 1996 with a bachelor of arts in finance. Matt also earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management in 2005 with an emphasis on marketing, strategy, and finance.

Prior to joining his family’s business, Matt worked for Quaker, Tropicana, & Gatorade as a Senior Financial Analyst responsible for an $80 million retail execution budget. Matt spent most of his career in the banking industry starting at Alpine Bank for a year, then American National Bank (now Chase) for a year and a half, and then almost seven years with Harris Bank. His banking career has focused on middle marketing lending for clients ranging from $50 million to $1 billion in revenue.

Matt is a Strategy Team member of Next Rockford, chairing the Civic Committee. He is also a volunteer for the Belvidere Family YMCA and is a member of the Rockford Area Illini Club.

Matt is married to Tara Branom.

Doug Burton
KMK Media Group

Doug Burton is the Interactive Developer/Marketing Specialist at KMK Media Group, a company he joined in 2004. Doug combines his many years of technical training with an educational background in marketing to provide clients with a holistic business approach to their Internet presence. Doug is passionate about creating marketing solutions that comprise of both new and traditional media for consumers to connect with brands.

After completing both a bachelor’s degree and master of business administration degree from Rockford College, Doug moved to Chicago where he worked for InstallShield Software Corp. as a Web Manager. After returning in 2004 to work for KMK Media Group, Doug has been an active member of the Rockford community, working to ensuring Rockford is a great place to learn, work and live.

He co-chairs the Next Rockford Education Committee and is active with the American Advertising Federation, currently serving as President of the local chapter. He is also a member of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s Education Council, which works to ensure Rockford Public School District 205 and local businesses are aligned in ensuring students transition successfully into college or the workforce.

Doug is married to Mayumi Burton, a native of Japan whom he met at Rockford College. They have one daughter and two Boxers.

Ed Geeser

Ed has been in commercial banking since the mid-1990s.

Ed was born and raised in Rockford and attended Rockford public schools. Upon graduating from Bradley University with a degree in finance, Ed moved to Arlington Heights, Ill., before subsequently moving to Southern California and later Denver, Col.

Ed moved back to Rockford in 2005, with the intent to be closer to family and to become involved in his hometown community. He joined Next Rockford in 2006, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Rockford Public Library, the Advisory Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters and also volunteers for several other civic organizations, including the YMCA and Literacy Council.

In early 2009, Ed ran for Alderman of the 14^th Ward of Rockford. Although he didn’t win the election, with only five weeks to run his campaign due to circumstances of the particular race, Ed was able to garner more 24 percent of the total votes in a three-person race.

In his spare time, Ed enjoys golfing, reading and exercise.

Jeff Glass
SmithAmundsen LLP

Jeff Glass is an experienced attorney with a diverse practice that includes litigation, corporate transactions, wills and estate planning, family law, and election law, among other areas. Jeff is a member of Next Rockford’s Steering Committee, where he holds the office of Secretary, and Co-Chair of the Government Affairs Committee. He also leads Next Rockford’s work at Carpenter’s Place (a local homeless shelter) and spearheaded the group’s petition drive to bring Amtrak back to Rockford.

Jeff joined Next Rockford in 2006, after moving to Rockford with his wife (Dawn Peterson, who is a Rockford native) and their two children. Joining Next Rockford has proved to be a springboard for Jeff’s community service in many other areas, including serving as a Trustee of the Rockford Public Library, serving as a Director of the Literacy Council of Rockford, and serving on Mayor Morrissey’s Budget and Finance Committee. Jeff also completed the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Rockford program, and was voted by his peers to be a leader of a subsequent session of the program. In addition to his civic service, Jeff has been involved in several local political campaigns.

Jeff and his wife live in a historic mid-century home on Calvin Park Boulevard which they are in the process of restoring. He and his family attend Heartland Church. In his spare time, he plays racquet sports and enjoys Rockford’s downtown restaurants and cultural attractions with his wife and family.

John A. Groh - Vice Facilitator
Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

John Groh has been president and chief executive office of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau since July 2009. The RACVB is accredited by the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), which makes it one of four in Illinois and 85 worldwide to hold that designation. The bureau’s efforts contributed to the generation of $300 million in visitor spending in Winnebago County in 2008. RACVB’s primary role is to grow the region’s economy by attracting visitors to the region.

Prior to joining the RACVB, John was the executive vice president of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce where he helped improve its member-retention rate by 13 percent during his tenure (2007-2009). John began his career in the visitor industry in 1999 when he joined the RACVB as communications manager. He has also served as its international sales manager, director of public affairs and executive vice president.

Within the visitor industry, John serves on the executive board of the Illinois Council of Convention & Visitors Bureau and previously was on the board of the Upper Midwest Association of CVBs. He has presented numerous speeches and presentations at professional conferences throughout the nation, including the prestigious Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations presented by the U.S. Travel Association.

John earned his bachelor of arts degree from Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn., and will receive his Executive Masters in Business Administration from Northern Illinois University in 2010. He is in the Certified Destination Management Professional certificate program through DMAI/Purdue University.

Born and raised in Rockford, Ill., John and his wife, Kaylene, have two sons and an American Bulldog.

Amanda Hamaker
Girl Scouts of the USA

Amanda Hamaker is the Manager of Product Sales at Girl Scouts of the USA. After almost six years working in executive management with the Rockford, Ill., area Girl Scout Council, Amanda joined the national organization charged with the responsibility of driving growth in the cookie sales by consulting with councils throughout the nation to ensure and implement best business practices.

The majority of Amanda’s career has been spent in service to not-for-profit organizations, from founding a not-for-profit community gardens project in Portland, Ore., to managing a multi-million dollar health services contract for an organization in Orange County, Calif.

A native of southern California, and graduate of Laguna Beach High School, Amanda graduated with a BA in community development and not for profit management from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash., in 1995. Amanda also holds a Certificate in Not for Profit Management from the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence at Rockford College.

Amanda is a committed activist for education in Rockford, and along with serving on the Next Rockford Strategy Team, serves as co-chair on the Education Committee. Amanda was especially active in Rockford’s campaign to bring charter schools to Rockford. Amanda also serves on the Rockford Community Schools Initiative Steering Committee, is a member of the board at Klehm Arboretum, and on the Nominating Committee for the YWCA.

Amanda has been recognized locally by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, having been awarded Woman Business Leader of Tomorrow in 2007. Amanda was also among the first group of 40 Under 40 business leaders recognized by the chamber in 2008.

Amanda is married to Jeff Hamaker and they have 2 sons, Harry and Sam.

Jeff Hultman
JPMorgan Chase

Jeff Hultman is the Rockford-area President of Commercial Banking at JPMorgan Chase. Jeff has been with JPMorgan Chase and its predecessor organizations for 15 years. He is responsible for managing a team
focused on delivering commercial banking products and services to the greater Rockford region.

A Rockford native and graduate of East High School, Jeff graduated with a BA in Business Finance from Bethel University in 1995. Jeff completed his MBA at Northern Illinois University in 2000.

Jeff is highly committed to the Rockford community through service to several important local organizations. Jeff is a founding member and current Strategy He also serves as Treasurer on the board of the United
Way of the Rock River Valley. In addition, he is an active board member of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council.

Jeff has been recognized locally by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce as part of the first group of 40 Under 40 business leaders.

Jeff is married to Amy and they have two sons and a daughter, Owen, Gavin and Emma.

Brant Hulsebus
Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic Clinic

Dr. Brant Hulsebus is a chiropractor at the Hulsebus Rockford Chiropractic Clinic. A Rockford resident, he attended Belvidere High School, graduating in 1993. Dr. Brant went on to UMass Amherst and NIU, majoring in pre-med before transferring to Palmer Chiropractic College where he graduated with his Doctrine of Chiropractic and bachelor of science degree in pre-med. He is married to Melinda Hulsebus and has two daughters, Elizabeth and Caroline.

Dr. Brant is currently the team chiropractor for the Rockford IceHogs and Rockford Rampage. Previously, his work included team chiropractor for the Rockford Lightning and a volunteer team doctor with East High School. Dr. Brant is a guest lecturer at Rockford College, Auburn High School, and Palmer Chiropractic College and is certified with Palmer College to host interns. He is the Vice President of the Illinois Prairie State Chiropractic Association, a Legislative Chairman, a Seminar Chairmen and Medicare director and was Student President for all three years. Dr. Brant’s other accomplishments include being the first Chiropractor in Illinois to earn his wellness post-graduate certification. He has studied Holistic wellness and healing arts at four different campuses and passed all certification examinations. Also he has completed the prestigious Legion of Chiropractic Philosophy (LCP) from Palmer College, a post-graduate course in advanced healing through chiropractic care.

One of the original members of Next Rockford, Dr. Brant has served on the Strategy team since its formation. He spearheads the Membership committee and hosts orientations for new members. Dr. Brant also serves on the Education, Government, UIC, HR, and Social Committees.

Kris Kieper - Facilitator
CEO of the YWCA of Rockford; a position she has held for the past three years following a four year YWCA board commitment.

Kris’s experience encompasses government, private sector and non-profit leadership. Her professional career began in personnel management at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. This led to a position as Senior Consultant at a Naperville philanthropic consulting firm providing major gifts expertise to a wide range of non-profits and privately held foundations. Kris has achieved a unique view of how non-profits should be evolving to meet today’s economic demands and societal needs.

Kris has a passion for empowering women and girls. This includes tireless work to eliminate racism in her community. Kris serves on the Next Rockford Strategy Team as Facilitator, the OSF Women's Health Advisory Board, the Rockford Area Economic Development Council Board of Directors and is a member of the Business Retention and Expansion Committee. Kris also serves as President of the Central Illinois and St. Louis YWCA’s Board of Directors and is a member of the YWCA Great Lakes Alliance Steering Committee.

Dana Kiley - Secretary
Coyle-Varland Insurance Agency, Inc.

Dana Kiley is the Vice President at Coyle-Varland Insurance Agency, Inc. Dana joined Coyle-Varland in February of 2002 and was named a partner in the firm in January 2008. Dana is a fully licensed independent agent with a concentration in Commercial Property/Casualty Business.

Dana spent the majority of his early years in Rockford, Ill., attending Boylan Central Catholic High School and going on to the University of Iowa in Iowa City. While at the University of Iowa he was a member of the golf team and a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity. Dana graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and a minor in communications.

Dana is very driven to make Rockford a better place to live and raise a family. Since moving back to Rockford in 2002 and joining Coyle-Varland, Dana has become involved with the Rockford Cosmopolitan Club (President 2004-05), Cosmo Charities Board Member and current President, YMCA Strong Kids Capital Campaign. He is also active with the Boylan Alumni Club, Northern Illinois Community Foundation Scholarship Committee and is a Board Member of The First Tee of Greater Rockford.

Dana is married to Brenda Kiley and they have 2 daughters, Bryn and Madeline.

Ryan Moore
Moore Dentistry

Dr. Ryan Moore was born and raised in Rockford, Ill., and currently is in practice with his wife and father at Moore Dentistry in Rockford.

He attended Boylan Catholic High School. He studied biology at the University of Maryland, where he attended on a full athletic soccer scholarship. He went on to receive his doctorate degree at Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine.

Before dental school, Ryan was a member of the U.S. National Soccer Team and played 2 years in Major League Soccer. He also completed in the 2007 IronMan USA triathlon.

He has coached soccer for Boylan High School, United Soccer Club, Raptors Soccer Club and many youth camps. He donates his dental services at Carpenter’s Place and Rockford Rescue Mission, two area organizations that serve the homeless population. He is a founding member of Next Rockford and also is very active in myriad professional organizations such as the Winnebago County Dental Society, the Illinois State Dental Society, and the American Dental Association.

Brent Scott -Treasurer
JPMorgan Chase

Brent Scott is a Vice President of Commercial Banking at JPMorgan Chase Bank. Brent has been with JPMorgan Chase his entire career (since 1999) and works with clients and prospective clients who have annual revenue between $10,000,000 and $500,000,000. Brent specializes in adding value to clients through a variety of products and services from treasury management, derivatives, and international services to syndications, and private wealth management.

A native of Rockford, Ill., and a graduate of Rockford Lutheran High School, Brent graduated with a bachelor of science degree in consumer and family economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1998.

Brent was a founding member of Next Rockford and currently serves as Treasurer and Chair of the Business Environment Team. In addition, Brent is a committee member of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council’s Business Retention and Expansion team, Community Division Chairman for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley’s Strong Kids Campaign and fundraiser/steering committee member for the Rockford Boys and Girls Club Capital Campaign. Brent was formerly a Board member of Rockford MELD from 2001-2007 where he served as Treasurer and Vice President.

Brent has been recognized locally by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, having been among the inaugural class of 40 Leaders Under 40 in 2008.

Brent is married to Lorri Scott and they have two sons (Sam and Drew) and one daughter (Ella).