SunShine BenBelkacem is currently operating an independent consulting firm offering communication and design solutions.

SunShine has over 17 years experience working in the left-brain realm of the professional services world: marketing, communications and design. As an artist, she strives to bring colour, space and messaging into harmony. As a writer, she aims for clarity. As an artist in the no-nonsense business world, she blends her artistic missions with brand consistency. She developed her skills at some of the finest professional services firms in the world: Ernst & Young’s Advanced Development Center, Ernst & Young’s Accelerated Solution Environment, Cap Gemini, Grant Thornton and a few Chicago boutique firms. She volunteers time to the Boys and Girls Club in Uptown Chicago, The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce and the Uptown Business Chamber.

SunShine holds a B.A. in English Literature & International Studies from the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa. She is a member of the AIGA and TiE Midwest. Her spare time is taken up by her third passion, teaching yoga.

Frances Gates is currently operating an independent consulting firm serving the financial services sector, as well as other industries that seek her broad Fortune 20 expertise.

She has more than 20 years executive management experience with HSBC. Her leadership has cut across business and IT teams focusing on various types of risk management, organizational development and process/system designs. Frances has led teams in establishing and/or redesigning information security risk, credit risk/originations/portfolio management, vendor management, end user computing, operational risk, compliance/regulation/control assessments, credit bureau / Metro2 / attribute development, analytics and infrastructure.

She has received awards at HSBC and also externally for designing “innovative technology solutions”. She holds a Masters from the University of San Francisco in Organizational Development along with graduating with distinction at the top of her class.

Throughout his forty years of information technology and consulting experience, Chuck Gibson has worked with a variety of clients.

Starting his career with IBM Corporation he sold and installed solutions for first time computer users in a broad cross section of businesses. As the founder and owner of a software service company – Bellerophon Corporation- he supervised a staff which installed turnkey solutions for customers primarily, but not limited to, the construction, distribution and manufacturing industries. Over twenty five years, Bellerophon worked with a number of hardware and software platforms from mini-computer based custom systems to the integration of PC networks with packaged software from many vendors.

As an independent consultant since 2002, his current practice focuses on helping clients in a variety of industries, procure, implement, and maintain their systems as well as working as an expert witness in the field of both computer forensics and computer software.

Jim Miller is currently operating an independent consulting firm serving the aerospace, consumer products, and petroleum industries.

He has held the positions of Director of Materials at Plews Edelmann and V.P. Operations for a major hardware manufacturer. Jim’s responsibilities included managing supply chain, purchasing, production planning, and customer service operations. He has more than 17 years of experience in managing manufacturing operations. He was the Director of Manufacturing at ABC Supply Company. In this capacity, he was responsible for planning and implementing the manufacturing start-up. Jim has also performed market research and designed products for lean manufacturing. He has managed contract negotiations regarding contractors, equipment, and material vendors. Jim has managed the implementation of multiple enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

He holds a BS in manufacturing and an MS in Industrial Operations from Bradley University, along with the distinction as a Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).

Rick Steinback is currently operating an independent consulting firm serving the commercial/military aerospace, energy products, and consumer plastic nutraceutical industries.

He has held the positions of Director of Strategic Sourcing at Jakel Inc, and V.P. Supply Chain for a global designer, manufacturer and integrator of modular substrate flow systems. Rick’s responsibilities include managing global supply chain, purchasing, production planning, and model shop operations. He has more than 19 years of experience in managing manufacturing operations. He was the Director of Asian Joint Ventures at CII Technologies, Inc. In this capacity, he was responsible for identifying, negotiating, and implementing the manufacturing start-up of Joint Venture operations in China and India. Rick has also implemented and managed 5S for lean manufacturing. He has extensive experience in vendor management, strategic planning, and national/international outsourcing.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in manufacturing.

Throughout his forty years of manufacturing experience, Bill Sunderland has held a variety of positions.

As an independent consultant, his current area of expertise is in the procurement disciplines. As Director of Strategic Sourcing and Procurement at Jakel Inc., his responsibilities included domestic and multi-national sourcing, purchasing, negotiating supplier contracts, cost reductions and inventory reductions. Bill is well known for his ability to maintain effective supplier relationships. As a Corporate Quality Manager, Bill’s responsibilities included complete staffing and administration of all Quality functions for six facilities. Additionally, he administered all departmental procedures for ISO-9001 registration.

His work has extended to include: successfully completing ISO requirements for UTC Carrier Q+, Whirlpool, Broan, Nutone, GE, Goodman, and other customers. Bill also held technical positions of Design Engineer, where his responsibilities include the design, construction and servicing of manufacturing equipment, and design of OEM products.