Trustees

Michael Carlino
Trustee

Past President and CEO, Cambridge Bank

Michael J. Carlino was President and CEO of Cambridge Bank, a community bank with $400,000,000 in assets with locations in Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods and Morton Grove. Cambridge Bank opened its doors in 1996 and Mr. Carlino was at the helm since the bank’s inception. Mr. Carlino’s career spanned over 34 years in the community banking industry. He retired in August 2008. Prior to opening Cambridge Bank, Mr. Carlino held a 17-year position as Executive Vice President/Cashier for State Bank of Lake Zurich which became Comerica.

Mr. Carlino is well-known in the Lake Zurich area as a successful businessman and philanthropist. His commitment is shown not only by monetary support but by volunteering his time and that of his staff. Although the list of activities and events supported by the bank numbers over 100 each year, Mr. Carlino has placed a strong focus on the youth in the community and community development. Mr. Carlino serves as chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee. He is also on the board of Inland Bank. He actively participates in the Lake Zurich Rotary Club, Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce, the Route 22 Bypass Committee, the Finance Council of St. Frances deSales Church, the Illinois Banker Association, Illinois Banpac and the American bankers Association.

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P. LeJane Carson
Trustee

Founding Partner, Carson Stoga Communications, LLC.

Ms. Carson is the founding partner of Carson Stoga Communications, a full-service public relations firm based in Schaumburg, Ill., specializing in the hospitality, travel and consumer products industries. With more than 20 years experience in the public relations, marketing and advertising arenas, Carson’s firm represents a host of blue ribbon clients.

A believer in giving back to the community, she is active with the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Illinois, and supports the Illinois Arts Alliance through various fundraising activities. Ms. Carson is a former member of the board of directors of the Bottomless Closet, an organization dedicated to serving Chicago’s working poor women.

She is the parent of two children in School District 95, one at Charles Quentin Elementary and one at Middle School South. She and her family attend Lake Zurich’s Alpine Chapel.

Ms. Carson received a Bachelor’s degree in telecommunications from the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, Ky., and a Master’s of Science in journalism from Northwestern University’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism in Evanston, Ill.

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Nancy Coleman
Trustee

Nancy Coleman and her family moved to Lake Zurich from Columbus, Georgia in March.  While in Columbus, Nancy served for three years as Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer for Columbus Technical College.  Prior to joining the College, Nancy served for seven years as Human Resources Manager for Pratt & Whitney’s Columbus Engine Center.  She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Finance and Education from Auburn University.

Nancy is currently serving as a consultant for Columbus Technical College, the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and the State of Georgia Governor’s Office for Workforce Development assisting with grant applications and curriculum design for Georgia’s strategic industry sectors.

Nancy served for five years as a board member for the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation.  She also chaired the Chamber’s Partners in Education Board linking industry involvement and support to over 80 elementary, middle and high schools.

Nancy is actively involved with the Spencer Loomis PTO.  She and her husband, Brian, and their two sons, Alec (7) and Taylor (14), reside in Hawthorn Woods.

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Brian Knutson
Trustee

Superintendent, CUSD 95

Dr. Knutson has served as Superintendent of CUSD 95 since April 1, 2004. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Lake Zurich and serves as a Director At Large of the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Knutson brings to the Foundation an understanding of the development of establishing educational foundations through his experience in establishing educational foundations in Rich Township High School District 227 in Olympia Fields and Rochester Independent School District 515 in Rochester, Minnesota.

Dr. Knutson received a B.A. in Business Education and an M.A. in Secondary School Administration from the University of Northern Iowa, and a Ph. D. in Educational Administration from The University of Iowa.

The Knutson family includes wife, Lora, a Professor in Educational Administration at Governors State University, and one daughter, Katie, who just finished her sophomore year at The University of Iowa.

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Jan Putbress
Trustee

CUSD 95 Board of Education

Mrs. Putbress received her Diploma in Nursing form Lutheran General Hospital School of Nursing, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of St. Francis, and is the owner of Case by Case Inc., an absence management consultant.

Mrs. Putbress has numerous ties to School District 95: a seated Board of Education member in her 10th year of service, parent of two graduates, multiple memberships on a variety of committees for Finance, Policy, Construction, Strategic Plan, and Parent Advisory. During her service, Mrs. Putbress served as Past President, Vice President and is currently Secretary of Community Unit District 95 Board of Education. Her Board service resulted in the Award of Merit for Board Service from the Illinois Association of School Boards.

Additionally, Mrs. Putbress has been active in the schools as Theatre Patron Program coordinator (LZHS) for seven years, Volunteer Set designer, PTO Vice President at Seth Paine, and as Art Parent Coordinator.

Active in the community through Girl Scouts as Chairman of Quatonga Neighborhood (LZ area Girl Scouts), Director of Day Camps, and as a Troop leader with 10 years of service, Mrs. Putbress also serves on the Executive Board for the Special Education District of Lake County, and as a member of the LZ Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Denise Schirmann
Trustee

Smith Barney

Ms. Schirmann is Second Vice President-Wealth Management at Smith Barney in Barrington. She is actively involved in the local community serving as the Treasurer of the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the LZHS Career Advisory Council Scholarship Committee, member of WIN Women in Networking and past community representative for the District 95 Budget Committee.

Ms. Schirmann is a graduate of the University of Michigan. She also holds an MBA from Arizona State University.

She has three children. Her oldest son attends the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) in Aurora, IL. Her daughter attends Lake Zurich High School and her youngest son attends Lake Zurich Middle School North.

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