MPOWR ENVISION - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Human Resource Manager
• Human Resources Manager

Andre Balka is the Human Resources Manager and has worked with MPOWR and Supply Core since 2016. He is a believer in the strength of teams and power of open and candid communication. Andre's favorite part of HR is being able to watch others harness their talents and grow personally and professionally. Andre has 10 years of experience working in a variety of disciplines within HR, ranging from recruitment, total rewards, training and development, and organizational design and structure. Andre holds a Bachelor's Degree in History from the University of Illinois as well as a Certified Professional license through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Andre was a recent awardee of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce 40 under 40 award in 2019. Midwestern cred: Born in Kokomo, IN, Andre knows that even the Beach Boys wished they were from the Midwest. Andre's MPOWR superlative: Most likely to still be skateboarding when he's 80 years old.

Job Titles:

• Head of Strategy Services

Andrea Gibbs, MBA is our Head of Strategy Services at MPOWR Envision. She has an undergraduate degree from Smith College and a Master's of International Management degree from ASU/ Thunderbird. She has also taught as an adjunct professor in graduate and undergraduate business programs, developed and delivered corporate training and currently teaches at Rotary retreats and local area high schools about the importance of developing a solid personal reputation. She cut her teeth helping to develop strategy in large companies with formal planning processes such as Honeywell, General Signal and Danaher. After working overseas for several years, she struck out on her own developing a client base in both the business and not- for-profit worlds. For over two decades she has helped facilitate planning sessions to ensure clients can shape their futures. Andrea has used a variety of different planning models in her career and is comfortable adapting to her client's particular needs. She is a big believer in the effect of culture on an organization and works first to understand her clients' individual values before starting to formulate any kind of organizational strategy. Having worked with leadership and teams as small as 5 and as large as 95, Andrea has an inclusive and energetic style that engages the teams and facilitates plans that are both challenging and achievable. Midwestern cred: Andrea sees nothing cold about a frozen lake and thinks flat land is beautiful. Andrea's MPOWR superlative: Most likely to whip up a gourmet meal without much notice for her friends and family.

Job Titles:

• Chief Financial Officer
• CFO and VP of Marketing
• CFO, Author

A focused and talented finance guy, Bob looks at way more than just the numbers. His financial acumen comes from years of experience, and his innovative thinking has served a variety of industries in public and private companies. A licensed CPA with a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Montana, Bob began his career in a tech start-up when start-ups were just paving the way. Add to that his nearly 20 years serving in higher education for an online university, he is driven by his desire for helping people succeed. When we need a clear picture of our vision, we know Bob will steer us in the right direction. Midwestern cred: A Michigan native, Bob loves the outdoors and has the acreage to prove it. Bob's MPOWR superlative: Most likely to be the first to ask, "How are our leads going?"

Job Titles:

• Author
• Digital Marketing Team Lead

Bright, energized and optimistic, Brittany is always working on something. When fueled with coffee in meetings she always has lots of great information to share despite her introverted ways. Brittany has spent a long time in the digital field with social media strategy, ecommerce, and other digital roles. She is finishing her MBA from Benedictine University and is always on the lookout for digital events and learning opportunities. Her eagerness to learn makes her the perfect player in our SaaS business! Midwestern cred: Aside from Mexican food, Brittany really loves potatoes in all forms. Brittany's MPOWR superlative: Most likely to hold a meeting at Rockford Roasting Company. You'll frequently find her collaborating with the sales and customer success team.

Job Titles:

• Vice President of Government Affairs and Community Engagement

As our chief government guru, Bryan advocates for a wide range of policy issues on Capitol Hill. Promoting positive local and state policies and practices as well as vital causes in support of small businesses, Bryan is also our biggest cheerleader. He loves to talk about what we do and who we help, and his dedication to our industry and his fellow associates is contagious. A decorated and former captain of the U.S. Army Reserve and Illinois National Guard, Bryan also served for two decades as the Deputy Chief of Staff for former Congressman Don Manzullo. With degrees in political science and economics from Northern Illinois University, he also earned a Master's of Public Administration from NIU. Midwestern cred: Loving the Rock River Valley, Bryan has raised his family here. Bryan's MPOWR superlative: Most likely to stay in tune with politics, news, and his favorite iTunes.

Job Titles:

• CTO
• Chief Technology & Operations Officer

Dave is one of the brightest and most creative IT professionals you'll ever meet. He's a disrupter-the kind whom you want on your team, always looking to challenge existing ideas, systems, and technology in order to develop something new, more efficient, and meaningful. Dave began as a self-made IT programmer and software engineer and later extended his business and management experience with a Bachelor of Science in Management from Upper Iowa University and a Professional Development Certificate in Executive Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Midwestern cred: An avid fan of Wisconsin sports, his Illinois colleagues frequently roll their eyes. Dave's MPOWR superlative: Most likely to injure himself in next year's Tough Mudder.

Job Titles:

• Account Executive

When he's not sparring with his colleagues on a sales goal they are competing on, Jake is focused and motivated. After attending the University of Oklahoma, Jake developed a solid background in sales and marketing, having worked in the digital world as well as for a CRM software platform. In our high-energy sales department, Jake's calm demeanor helps keep things on an even keel. Midwestern cred: A cold-weather sports fan, Jake loves ice hockey and spending time with his family. Jake's MPOWR superlative: Impossible to top the number of customers he speaks to in a day.

Job Titles:

• Author at MPOWR.
• Vice President of Strategy
• VP of Strategy Realization

Jeff Fahrenwald, MBA, is Vice President of Strategy Realization at SupplyCore Inc. and MPOWR. In this role, Jeff is responsible for working with the entire senior leadership team to develop and guide the strategic direction of all of SupplyCore's and MPOWR's interests. He has an MBA from Eastern Illinois University and additional post-graduate coursework from the University of Nebraska. In addition to having worked as a consultant and full time for SupplyCore since 1992, including VP of Operations from 1999 through 2002, Jeff has a wide range of upper level leadership experiences that make him a solid executive advisor to C-suite level teams. Before taking his current role at SupplyCore, Jeff was an Assistant Professor of Business and the MBA Director at Rockford University. In this role, he was also responsible for RU's Executive Development Training, the Graduate Assistant program, and oversaw marketing and outreach for the MBA Program. Jeff taught classes at both the undergraduate and graduate level on both strategic planning and leadership. Jeff has extensive experience working with for-profit and not-for-profit businesses as well as manufacturing, distribution and service organizations in facilitating strategy planning. He has held leadership board positions at a variety of different community development organizations, including Rockford Local Development Corp and Transform Rockford. In 2014, the Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Jeff, for his many contributions to his local community, as the 2014 Citizen of the Year. Midwestern cred: A lifelong Cubs fan, Jeff is smart enough to get his wine from California. Jeff's MPOWR superlative: Most likely to be voted "Best Grandpa of the Year"

Job Titles:

• Payroll & Benefits Supervisor

Job Titles:

• Digital Marketing Coordinator

A real Midwestern gal through and through, one of the best things about Kenzie is her hidden talents. At our annual party every year she serenades her us with a beautiful voice she used while a part of her all female a-cappella group - think Pitch Perfect only without big name actresses - the Harmelodics. She is on all things marketing adding value everyday with her graphic talents, her solid writing skills and her can-do attitude. With MPOWR roots that run deep, Kenzie was an intern before joining the team so she knows where all the bodies are buried! A graduate with highest Latin honors from Northern Illinois University with a major Corporate Communications, Kenzie wears a variety of different hats very well. Midwestern cred: She is a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan despite their single appearance with the winner's trophy for the last 100+ years! Kenzie's MPOWR superlative: Most likely to be caught studying for her certificate in digital marketing from Duke - drinking her favorite bev, coffee.

Job Titles:

• Manager of Strategic Support

Lauren Zerey, MBA is SupplyCore's Manager of Strategic Support. She holds both an undergraduate and MBA from Rockford University and is a certified auditor for QS quality rating. In her critical role she coordinates communication between our systems, ideas, and strategies to the actual work being done on a daily basis by our associates. This experience connects her to almost every aspect of MPOWR Envision and gives her a broad perspective that provides exceptional strategic overview to our plans and priorities. Lauren is also the Chair of the Strategic Support Team Engagement Committee for several of our MPOWR clients. She is responsible for leading the steering committee focused on recruiting and interacting with many of our clients and their ability to execute their plans. Lauren has worked for years with Envision and is the best at assisting customers who want to leverage all of the power of Envision software to ensure plan execution. Midwestern cred: Raised in Roselle, Illinois, for much of her childhood, she's making sure her Brazilian-born husband falls in love with our Midwestern traditions. Lauren's MPOWR superlative: Most likely to rescue a dog in need of a loving home.

Job Titles:

• Author at MPOWR.
• Software Product Manager

Matt Heggelund, MBA knows a thing or two about product management. Serving as a product manager for a variety of technology companies, he's led the development and launch of many new products as well as enhancements to existing solutions. Anticipating and responding to customers' and organizations' needs is the name of the game; one that Matt does very well. Another game Matt excels at-golf. When he's not using his business talents borne from a marketing degree from Coastal Carolina University and MBA degree from the Keller Graduate School of Management at Devry University, he's using his golf talents on the links. Midwestern cred: After leaving the Midwest for college, Matt quickly returned upon finishing his degree; who knew he'd miss winter so much. Matt's MPOWR superlative: Most likely to outdrive you on the golf course.

Job Titles:

• Director of Marketing
• MPOWR Referral Agent Program - MPOWR.

Nellie Miller, MBA always seeing the glass as half full, Nellie's smile and positive attitude are infectious. No one can disagree with you in a nicer way than Nellie and because she's so good at it, people adopt her opinion and they don't even know it. A true Augie, with her bachelor's from Augustana College and her MBA from Rockford University, she is always on the hunt for the next cool marketing challenge. If you asked her, "What do you think about marketing ice in the North Pole?," you'd get, "I don't know, I think there's real possibility there." After decades in marketing, there are few who pass her experience and breadth of knowledge. Midwestern cred: Having grown up near the Mississippi River, she's wondering if the Nile is really all that. Nellie's MPOWR superlative: Most likely to find her next pair of shoes in Boston.

Job Titles:

• CEO
• Founder
• President
• Founder & CEO of MPOWR

An entrepreneur, philanthropist, and visionary, Peter is the Founder & CEO of MPOWR and the President & CEO of SupplyCore Inc., which includes SupplyCore, a small business federal defense contractor, and a real estate division named Joseph James Partners. MPOWR helps communities, businesses, and organizations come together, achieve outcomes and systems change, and collaborate more effectively. With MPOWR Envision, MPOWR's strategy execution software, Peter believes strongly that the key to long-term organizational success starts with improving an organization's strategy execution. Under Peter's leadership, SupplyCore has won numerous local and national awards for its business performance and culture. Inc. has recognized SupplyCore has one of the fastest-growing companies in America for a total of nine times, including induction into the Inc. 500 Hall of Fame - an honor that is given to organizations that make the Inc. 500 list at least five times. Peter is Past Chairman of the Small Business Advisory Committee for the General Services Administration (GSA) and founded the Great Lakes Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA). Peter's vision of creating positive social change is one of the driving forces behind MPOWR's technology solutions, and Peter applies that same passion and determination to improve and revitalize the urban center of Rockford, IL, his hometown. He is Chairman of the Rock River Development Partnership, a non-profit organization he co-founded in 2009 in order to bring businesses and people together to create places like the Rockford City Market, North End Market, and the Rockford City Indoor Market. Through Joseph James Partners, he is committed to creating an inviting sense of place and community in Rockford's urban center. In 2012, Peter received the NDIA Kathleen P. Sridhar Small Business Executive of the Year Award for his leadership and strategic impact in the Defense industry. Several organizations have recognized Peter for his service and contributions to Northern Illinois, including the Rockford Register Star (Excalibur Award in 2017) and Crusader Community Health (Spirit of Caring Award in 2018). In 2019, Ernst & Young named Peter a finalist for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Midwest. Midwestern cred: After pursuing his bachelor's degree at the University of Arizona, he returned to his hometown of Rockford, Illinois, to lead SupplyCore, his family business. Peter's MPOWR superlative: Most likely to find him mountain biking, playing hockey, or cross-country skiing (just ask him about the Birkie Tour).

Job Titles:

• Human Resource Generalist

Val is our Human Resources Generalist with over 10 years of experience in a variety of HR functional areas. She wears many hats in the HR world, including onboarding and training associates, developing job descriptions, and being the go-to for employee retirement and benefits. Val is a true advocate for self-care and community-building and puts that passion to use by leading MPOWR's Activities, Recognition, and Wellness Committees. She practices what she preaches and loves doing anything outdoors-as long as it's warm! Midwestern cred: A college basketball star, Val got to coach and play with the G.O.A.T.: Michael Jordan. Val's MPOWR superlative: Most likely to turn a flea market find into a fabulous treasure.