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Board Bios

    Illinois Fox Valley SHRM Board Member Bios

     

    Leticia Gascon (Secretary)

    Title: Dir. Human Resources
    HR Experience: over 15 years
    Type of Industry: Manufacturing
    Current Employer:  Electri-Flex Company for 25 years
    Education/Certfications:  BS-Accounting, PHR, SHRM-CP
    Hobbies:  Enjoy Running, walking, workout, gardening, volunteering
    What Fox Valley SHRM means to me:  Being a member of the IL Fox Valley SHRM is a great way to network and connect with other HR professionals/colleagues.  It is essential to stay up to date on all things HR and this is a great resource to have.   Knowing they value community involvement is also very appealing. 

    Samantha “Sam” Guasta (Social Media Director)

    HR Manager
    HR Experience: 7 years
    Type of Industry worked: Retail, Pharmacy, Customer Service, Warehouse, Inside Sales, Packaging Distribution, Quality, Client Services
    Most recent employer:  Thermo Fisher Scientific
    Education/Certifications: BS-Human Resources Management; SHRM-CP
    Hobbies:  Reading, gardening, walking, travelling, napping
    What Fox Valley SHRM means to me: Illinois Fox Valley SHRM is a network I can count on for HR networking and SHRM recertification. I joined Fox Valley SHRM in August 2020 and was enthused to share my experiences and feedback on the monthly webinars; so much that I expressed interest in becoming a Board member and was recruited by the Board for the Social Media Committee in early 2021!  As a Social Media Committee Chair Member I enjoy volunteering and learning new ways to engage with members and provide a source for relevant HR information, legal updates, and engagement with the community. I look forward to bringing you exciting posts and growing our online social media presence.

    Warren Krup, PHR (Website/Sponsorships)

    HR Manager
    HR Experience: 12 years
    Types of Industry worked: Healthcare, Distribution, Manufacturing
    HR Credentials: PHR, SHRM member since 2008
    Most recent employer: Restore
    Education: Chemistry, Economics & Business Administration, Knox College
    Hobbies: Running, Awana (youth events), being outside
    What Fox Valley SHRM means to me: I am trained and strengthened in my career by the regular monthly meetings which also provide the bulk of the necessary CEU’s to remain certified.  The HR field is constantly changing with new laws, this group helps me to stay current.  The camaraderie of like-minded individuals provides a wealth of information, networking and family atmosphere at FVSHRM.


    Victoria (Vicki) Kunz (President)

    Human Resources Manager at BBJ Group LLC, a Chicago based environmental consultancy, specializing in commercial and governmental environmental compliance, due diligence and remediation.  Managing HR and Accounts Receivable for forty employees, across four BBJ offices truly keeps Vicki on her toes.  Having no background in HR when she took over the department, she pulls from her degree in Communications to help build strong connections with employees and manage operations across the company.  When not wearing her HR hat, Vicki enjoys travelling, registering for long distances races she has no business running, as well as writing and performing sketch comedy.


    Sue Oswalt (VP Membership)

    Title: VP HR
    HR Experience: over 20 years
    Industry: Insurance, consumer products, environmental consulting, and public accounting.
    Recent Employer: IPMG – Insurance Program Managers Group
    Education: Associate’s Degree
    Hobbies: Antiques, gardening, classic car restoration (Hubby’s hobby, but I am his sidekick)
    What ILFVSHRM means to you: ILFVSHRM has my heart – I enjoy being a part of a like minded group to share ideas, learn new skills, stretch my leadership skills while serving on the board, and meeting new people always!

     

    Sarah Sester PHR, SHRM-CP (Past President)

    Director of Human Resources           
    HR Experience:  19 years in Human Resources
    Type of Industry:  Manufacturing                                                               
    Most Recent Employer:  Arc-Tronics
    Education/Certifications:  BS Business Mgmt, PHR, SHRM-CP
    Hobbies:  Golf, reading, spending time with my family
    What Fox Valley SHRM means to me:  Fox Valley SHRM has benefitted me by giving me educational development and resources in the HR field.  I have networked and learned from all the HR Professionals that participate in the group.  The HR field is constantly changing and evolving and Fox Valley SHRM helps me stay on top of these issues.