Board of Directors
The Illinois Foundation for Marketing Education is lead by an elected board of directors. Each member has unique ties and history with the IFME and Illinois DECA. Read on to learn our stories.
Rob Uribe President
Robert Uribe was a DECA member at Naperville North High School, and it was there that he developed a passion for business. Afterwards, he attended Michigan State University and earned a B.A. in Finance. Robert is currently the president of Bison Mountain Financial, Inc. (BMF), a financial services wholesaler for banks and credit unions which he started in 2005. He is an entrepreneur at heart, having started three companies in addition to BMF and fully expecting to launch more businesses in the future.
Devin Cygnar Vice President
Currently a marketing manager and vice president of The PNC Financial Services Group, Devin was an active DECA member while attending Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, IL. He was elected as a DECA state officer two consecutive years. Devin currently serves as the marketing, scholarship, and audit committee chairman for IFME.
Bess Noona Treasurer
Bess currently serves as a Human Resources representative and DECA champion for Dominick’s, a division of Safeway Foods. In addition to her work at Safeway, Bess serves as the Treasurer for the IFME.
Tracy Schultz Secretary
Tracy serves as Director of Education for the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago. She also serves as Secretary for the IFME.
Karen Bear Illinois DECA Liason
Karen Bear has been involved with DECA at every level. She was a DECA member and Illinois State President during her high school years, staying involved as a Collegiate DECA member and President and then giving back as a professional member through IFME during her entrepreneurial years. In 2000, she returned to the classroom to teach and start a DECA chapter at Elmwood Park High School. Karen is the liaison for the Illinois DECA Executive Board and serves as the Illinois State Officer Advisor.
Tony Dinon Program Committee Chairman
Mr. Dinon is founder and owner of MVP Preferral Systems, an innovative program designed to teach business professionals the art and science of relationship and referral building. Tony is also IFME’s Program Committee Chairman
Brian Schwontkowski IFME Board Member
Brian is employed as a financial services professional at Fifth Third Bank (Chicago). He is a former Illinois DECA member and serves the IFME today as committee participant and board member.