NAPERVILLE, IL – The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) marked an exciting milestone at last week’s inaugural Leaders of Impact event presented by Diverse Facility Solutions, celebrating the leaders who drive progress in the Naperville area business community. Held on Friday, January 23rd, Leaders of Impact debuted as one of NACC’s five annual Signature Event, serving as a platform to announce the Chamber’s 2026 Board leadership and welcome new members of the Board of Directors. 

The event brought together business and community leaders to recognize impact, connection, and service. In addition to introducing new leadership, NACC also expressed appreciation for three Board members, Mike Bakker of Dutchman Heating & Cooling, Donna Ufnal of Naperville Bank & Trust and Jessica Cunningham of International Motors who concluded their service, recognizing their time, leadership, and contributions to the organization.

During the program, Mario Lambert, Vice President of Populus Group, confirmed he will be continuing his leadership of the NACC Board of Directors in 2026, serving his second year as Board Chair. Lambert brings a wealth of experience in business operations and organizational leadership.

“Our 2026 Board brings energy, insight, and a deep commitment to driving Business Forward. Together, we’ll continue strengthening our business community, building trust, and creating new opportunities for growth for our members and across our great community,” said Lambert.

Patti Minglin, CEO of Go Girl Communications, will serve as Chair-Elect in 2026, she will assume the role of Board Chair in 2027.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue working alongside Mario and the Board as I step into the Chair-Elect role. The Chamber is doing meaningful work, and I’m excited about what’s ahead for our Members and business community,” said Minglin.

The following individuals have joined the NACC Board of Directors for the term January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2028: 

• Lauren Bierschenk, Owner, The Lauren Bierschenk Agency
• Timothy Clark, Owner, Sequoia General Contracting Corp
• Katie Mayers, Sales and Event Manager, Morton’s The Steakhouse – Naperville
• Megan O’Brien, Director of Development, Little Friends, Inc
• Jason Nagel, Executive Vice President, Naperville Bank & Trust 

These accomplished professionals join a dynamic group of professionals from a wide range of industries and expertise, united by a shared commitment to supporting business, strengthening connections, and advancing the Naperville community.  

The 2026 NACC Board of Directors also features the return of several valued leaders, including Jacque Clermont, Director of Community Relations of Naperville Community Unit District 203, Charles Cole, Chief Financial Officer of Diverse Facility Solutions, Monica Conners, President of Naperville Development Partnership, Cheryl Denton, Regional Director of Nicor Gas, Atusa Freyer, Chief Marketing Officer of LifeSculpt, Dr. David Green, Dean of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship of North Central College, Kristen Jungles of Jungles Group at LPT Realty, Nicolle Lamb, Community Development Manager of The Branch Moms Community,  Jenna Mandolini, Director of Sales & Marketing of Hotel Arista and CityGate Hospitality, Katie McGovern, President, Operations Endeavor Health Medical Group at Endeavor Health, Allan Noworul, Bank Manager of BMO, Chris Phalon, Financial Advisor of Edward Jones, Brittany Roback, Founder & Therapist of BR Counseling, PC, David Scriven-Young, Senior Counsel of O’Hagan Meyer, Matt Shipley, Chief School Business Official of Indian Prairie School District 204, Scott Tice, Business Banking Relationship Manager of PNC Bank, Michael Varon, Strategic Advisor of Innovation DuPage, and Katie Wood, Executive Director of Downtown Naperville Alliance.  

Leaders of Impact will continue next year for the 2nd annual leadership installment on January 22nd, 2027, reinforcing NACC’s mission to move Business Forward by being your Business Advocate and your Business Resource for our Community.  

About the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce: 
As one of the largest Chambers in Illinois, the NACC prides itself on bold-thinking and pushing past outdated agendas to uncover the tools and know-how needed for business growth and development. The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce has one goal: to move Business Forward towards an engaged, thriving community by being Your Advocate and Your Resource for Our Community. The NACC is 5-Star Accredited from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an honor bestowed on only 3% of Chambers nationwide. 

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