Forward Janesville - TheReport - Second Quarter 2019

SECOND QUARTER 2019 • 21 Jen DeGarmo Owner, F.I.D.O. Why were you interested in joining the FJI Board? Over the last 20 years, I have volunteered in and collaborated with Forward Janesville Inc. through the Small Business Council, the Education Council, the Government Relations Council, the Goodwill Ambassador program and Action Team, the Leadership Development Academy, Downtown Janesville Inc., and ARISE Now. I have thoroughly enjoyed these opportunities to serve the organization, so it seemed logical to continue my advocacy and support at the board level. What do you hope to accomplish over your term? I look forward to collaborating with the consummate professionals on the board and the staff who carry through FJI’s mission, and plan to engage with the organization through continued advocacy. I am excited to be a part of the organization’s vision and leadership and be involved with strategy that helps further its mission. The book on my bedside table Orbiting the Giant Hairball: A Corporate Fool’s Guide to Surviving with Grace by Gordon MacKenzie My can’t-miss podcast or show I wish I had time for those. Favorite local haunt I spend a lot of time downtown since my business is located in the Hayes Block Building, so I frequent businesses all over Main and Milwaukee Streets. My foodie obsession Anything without peanuts (since I am allergic). What one word best summarizes you? Genuine Jen DeGarmo is the Principal at FIDO, LLC, a local, creative agency offering B2B and B2C advertising regionally and nationally. She has owned and operated her own firm since 1997. A UW–Eau Claire graduate with a major in Journalism and Advertising, Jen lived in London and Minneapolis before moving back to the area where she lives with her husband Craig, and their two sons Charlie (18) and Sullivan (15), and a Great Dane named Regan. In addition to her new Forward Janesville Inc. board role, Jen serves on the Board of Directors of Cedar Crest Inc. and Downtown Janesville Inc., as well as the ARISE Now Committee. Paul Van Den Heuvel Vice President Legal Affairs and General Counsel, Mercyhealth Why were you interested in joining the FJI Board? In my nearly six years of living and working in the Janesville area, I have admired the spirit and work of Forward Janesville. It is a privilege to be asked to serve this important mission. What do you hope to accomplish over your term? To continue to enhance the economic climate and living conditions in the Janesville area. The book on my bedside table The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon; because my lovely wife recommended it. This is a story of exploration of the Amazon region and its significant perils. My can’t-miss podcast or show I’ll select a different category—season—and it is summer. I can forego nearly everything but I ensure to slow down a bit to enjoy all that summer has to offer in Wisconsin. Favorite local haunt Janesville Country Club or O’Riley & Conway’s. My foodie obsession I enjoy nearly every cuisine. However, authentic thin- crust, Italian-style pizza tops the list. What one word best summarizes you? Committed Paul Van Den Heuvel is Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel for Mercyhealth, a fully integrated health system serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. He directs legal and risk management efforts for the system, and is a member of its Executive Council. Prior to joining Mercyhealth in 2013, Mr. Van Den Heuvel served as Associate General Counsel for Marshfield Clinic, and Senior Staff Attorney and Director for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wisconsin. Mary Fanning-Penny President & CEO, United Way Blackhawk Region Why were you interested in joining the FJI Board? United Way is committed to building a stronger community, which requires public, private, and NPO collaboration to be truly successful. What do you hope to accomplish over your term? What is most important to me in my role on the FJI Board of Directors is building meaningful relationships with community, organization, and thought leaders. As an apt pupil, I continuously strive to learn from peers and enhance my network to embrace and appreciate diverse perspectives. The book on my bedside table Most often, it is a stack of children’s books. My favorite time of day is story time with my twin daughters before bed. My can’t-miss podcast or show My favorite Netflix binge will always be The Office. Favorite local haunt O’Riley & Conway’s Irish Pub My foodie obsession Do Bloody Mary;s count? What one word best summarizes you? Irish Mary Fanning-Penny received her B.A. fromWinona State, majoring in psychology and minoring in political science and women’s studies. Her professional background includes corporate communications, nonprofit management, and social justice advocacy. As President and CEO for United Way Blackhawk Region for the past four years, she has been deeply impressed with our community’s philanthropy and synergy. In addition to FJI, she also serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Wisconsin. get t know O U R N E W B O A R D M E M B E R S