2025 ICNC Board of Directors
The ICNC Board of Directors are volunteers who share their time and expertise to further the mission of the organization. The Board includes individuals who are a representative of a modern urban industrial business in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor or have a specific industry-based insight. ICNC's Board Members take part in furthering the mission of the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago by participating in committees in the following areas: Executive, Economic Development and Advocacy, Business Advising and Services, Human Resources, Fund Development and Marketing, Board Development, Facilities, and Finance.
President
Calvin Gin My Digital Handshake Calvin has over two decades of entrepreneurial experience not only as a business owner himself, but also as a senior-level executive in management, business development, finance and operations. Calvin is currently the President of Luby’s Restaurant Corporation. He is also a co-founder or partner in several entities including Digital Handshake, WorkPlate and Charming Studios. |
Treasurer
Tim Garcia Food For Thought Tim is the Co-CEO of Food For Thought Enterprises, serving the Special Event, Catering and Corporate Dining segments. Adept at driving operational excellence and implementing innovative, organic process improvements. Passionate about strategic initiatives, business transformation, and organizational growth. With a degree in Industrial Design and an MBA, Tim applies both a creative and pragmatic approach to decision making. |
Secretary
Adam Robins The PFG Group Adam brings extensive experience in business growth, finance and board governance. As Executive Director of The PFG Group LLC, he advises companies on strategy and financial management. Previously, he was Chairman and CEO of a Chicago-based confectionery company, which he expanded through acquisitions, and eventually led the company to a successful sale. Adam has held senior positions at commercial banks and private investment banking organizations, and has experience in corporate and personal financial consulting. |
Executive Committee
Unah Choi Choi Brands, Inc. Unah has always had a strong interest in entrepreneurship, having worked for more than 20 years at companies founded by her parents. For the past 10 years, she has served as President of Choi Brands Inc., a 50+ year old uniform manufacturing company. She also oversees legal matters for a family firm that owns and operates commercial rental properties. Prior to joining these businesses, she was an attorney at Katten Muchin Rosenman, where she practiced securities and corporate law. |
Executive Committee
Simone Mitchell-Peterson Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly Simone has over 30 years of expertise in nonprofit governance, fundraising, strategic planning, and human resources. As CEO of Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, she leads a team of 35 employees and over 1,500 volunteers in providing friendship and services to isolated older adults throughout Chicago, DuPage and Kane Counties, and Northwest Indiana. Previously, she was group vice president at the Chicago Urban League. In addition to ICNC, Simone has served on the board of the International Federation of LBFE, Urban CPE Consortium and was a charter member of TEMPO International. |
Executive Committee
Paul DiBenedetto HUB International For over a decade, Paul has been immersed in the hospitality world, owning and operating 8+ restaurants and developing over 50 locations through Tilted Mgmt. LLC. He also co-founded Mindmeld Partners, a national beverage consulting firm. He is currently the Hospitality/Franchise Practice Leader at HUB International, the 5th largest insurance firm globally. |
David Avram
Great Central Brewing Company David is the founder and CEO of Great Central Brewing Company. Great Central exists to support the growth of beverage makers by providing turnkey contract brewing, fermentation, blending and packaging services. He is also a Partner at Avram Builders specializing in project design, development, and management. |
Juan Ayala
Ayalytical Instruments, Inc Juan J. Ayala, the Managing Director of Ayalytical Instruments, Inc., is a leader in engineering and innovation. With a rich background in laboratory instrumentation and test methodology, he has driven the company's industry leadership and global expansion. His extensive network of clients and manufacturers worldwide underscores his influence. |
Everett Bell
Midwest Fence Corporation Everett is the Treasurer and CFO of Midwest Fence Corp, a 3rd generation family-owned specialty fence, guardrail and bridge rail contractor and manufacturer. In 1984, Everett joined the company which has been located on Kedzie Ave. in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor since 1947. The desire to see the corridor remain a place where industrial businesses can continue to grow and thrive has been a mission for Midwest Fence. |
John Burch
Creative Electronics & Software, Inc. John’s expertise in business strategy and change management has helped him guide companies through growth, transformation, and operational improvements. Throughout his career, he gained extensive experience across different disciplines in the manufacturing sector, including operations, engineering, marketing and sales. He has led business units in the U.S. and Europe, most recently serving as CEO of Bison Gear & Engineering, where he drove cultural and operational improvements, leading to significant growth and a successful sale. |
Harvey Camins
CTK Chicago Partners Harvey is the President and CEO of CTK Chicago Partners-City Properties where his principal activities involve the sale, leasing and management of office and industrial properties. He is the past President of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA Chicago), the Chicago Office Leasing Brokers Association (COLBA) and the Association of Industrial and Real Estate Brokers (AIREA). |
Kelly Deady
National Safety Apparel From working at her family business located in Fulton Market for 10 years to spearheading its acquisition by National Safety Apparel (NSA) in 2020, Kelly has demonstrated a passion for operations throughout her career. She now runs the Chicago Operations for NSA in the Stock Yards leading a team of 250 in a 140,000sf facility making PPE garments for essential workforce in the industrial, military & utility fields. |
Marcia Hundt
S.N. Peck Builder Marcia is the co-owner and General Manager of S.N. Peck Builder, Inc., which specializes in custom renovation and remodeling, maintenance, and repair. Marcia earned her bachelor’s degree in Restaurant Management at Purdue University and worked at Walt Disney World and the Levy Restaurants before managing the revenue accounting department of American Classic Voyages in New Orleans. |
Kim Stapleton
Gravity Talent Solutions Kim is the VP of Client Development at Gravity Talent Solutions. With over two decades of experience as a trusted advisor in public accounting and law, she has helped countless individuals navigate complex business challenges and address human capital needs. Kim spent nine years with Grant Thornton and the past four years with Ice Miller. |
Edward You
JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase