Steve is currently First Vice President - Investment officer at Wells Fargo Advisors. Over the past 18 years, he has helped individuals, families and businesses build, manage, protect and eventually transfer their wealth. His practice covers the four cornerstones of wealth management: Investments, Credit/Lending, Risk Management, and Trust Services. Steve and his wife have four children and have lived in Wauconda since 1995. All four children have attended schools within Wauconda D118, where Steve experienced the positive impact the PTO provided to the Elementary and Middle School students. After several of his children began attending Wauconda High School, Steve helped create the Bulldog Nation Foundation. The goal is to assist the High School by providing financial resources specifically for innovation in the classroom. Steve enjoys helping the teachers by providing the extra tools needed to enhance the overall educational experience. Steve also volunteers with Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), another club at Wauconda High School. Other interests include bicycling, golfing and boating on Bangs Lake in Wauconda.

Brian has been in the commercial fitness industry for over 25 years. Clients include Health Clubs, Park Districts, and YMCA's. He is currently a manager and salesperson at Direct Fitness Solutions. He manages a staff of technicians, inventory, and the company's ebay store. Brian is the BNF Vice President and was instrumental in creating the foundation with Dr. Coles and Steve Diol. Brian has served three 4 year terms on the Wauconda District 118 school board. He was one of the founding committee members of the annual Wauconda Triathlons. He coached LYAA baseball for 8 years. Brian has lived in Wauconda Township since 1986, with his wife Sue Jones Swanson (WHS grad), and his two children Dana & Erik, (WHS grads).

Dr. Daniel J. Coles is a founding member of the Bulldog Nation Foundation which was formed in 2011. He has been the Secretary of the BNF Board for the past three years and also serves as the liasion between the BNF and Wauconda High School. "The BNF has helped to provided much needed technology and learning materials for our classrooms at the high school through the grant awarding process." states Dr. Coles. "The BNF has served as the vehicle to help assist teachers with innovation in the classroom and to enhance an already great education at Wauconda High School".Dr. Coles has served as Superintendent of Schools for Wauconda CUSD 118 since July of 2004. Prior educational work experience includes Director of Human Resources, Principal of Cotton Creek School and Assistant Principal of Wauconda Middle School in Wauconda CUSD 118. Dr. Coles also served as a teacher and coach in both Palatine-Schaumburg Township High School District 211 and Schaumburg Elementary School District 54 after completing his Bachelor of Science in Education from Illinois State University in 1987. He earned a Doctorate in Educational Administration in 2004 and a Master of Science in Educational Administration in 1994 both from Northern Illinois University. He has served as President of the Board of Control of the Lake County High Schools Technology Campus, the Executive Board of the Special Education District of Lake County and Lake Country Superintendents Association.He and his wife Ann enjoy spending time with their two children, Madelyn and Brian. Hobbies include reading, boating, fishing, camping and cycling.

William Harkin has been with Wauconda CUSD 118 since July of 1994. He has served the District as the Associate Superintendent – Business Services for nineteen years. Prior to his time in Wauconda, Bill served as Controller for CCSD 54 in Schaumburg for two years.Bill earned his Masters of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1995. He also is a 1979 graduate of DePaul University with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree. He also was awarded his certificate as a Certified Public Accountant in 1982.Bill serves as Chairman for both the Northern Illinois Health Insurance Program (NIHIP), and the Intergovernmental Utilities Purchasing Cooperative (IUPC). He is also a member of the Executive Board for the Collective Liability Insurance Cooperative (CLIC) serving over 170 school districts.Bill and his wife Susan are active with their six children. They enjoy traveling, cards, theater and working outside.

Mark King is the President and CEO of Tegra Medical. He has 20+ years of experience in the medical device industry. Mark earned a B.S. from the School of Technology at Purdue University with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Additionally, he is Six Sigma Green Belt certified with continued executive education from the University of Wisconsin, School of Business and Duke University.He is one of the original board members of BNF. "My favorite BNF event...all of them!...watching the community come together in a variety of venues to support the progress of educational needs provides so much personal and professional satisfaction."

Katy Rueb has been a very active member of Wauconda’s Community since 1990. She and her husband Chris of 27 years, has 2 boys who have attended Wauconda District 118 schools system. Connor Rueb, A third year student at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and Charlie Rueb who will be attending Iowa State University in the fall. Katy’s involvement in the community ranges from the school system through to the Village of Wauconda. Katy has been PTO Vice President of all three school that her children attended; Robert Crown, Wauconda Grade School and Matthews Middle School. She and a group of very dedicated women/mothers of the district spearheaded the first PTO Fashion Show which morphed into the PTO Dinner Dance which now has been recognized as being one of the most profitable fund raiser for The Bulldog Nation Foundation. Katy has been with the BNF since its conception. Katy's involvement with the community doesn't stop there. She, along with her husband Chris, together with Linda and Glenn Starkey and Star Runners are the organizers of the very successful event held during Thanksgiving weekend; the Annual Turkey Trot, which helps raise money for the local food pantry. Katy understands the importance of being involved and giving back, something that she and her family are proud to be recognized for. The Bulldog Nation Foundation allows Katy to continue to give back to the school system that was so rewarding to their family. Wauconda has that small town feel but with all the right components; great friends, great town, wonderful people who get involved and most importantly a great school system who cares! They feel that they have found that and so much more here in Wauconda.

James Stolt is Vice President of Wells Fargo’s SBA Small Business Lending Group. James is responsible for SBA Lending in Illinois. He has more than 20 years experience in the financial services industry and has specialized in SBA financing for the last 8 years. James holds an MBA and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. An active community member James is involved with local business associations, community college business seminar instruction, and is on the board of a local charitable organization. He is currently a member of MBBI, Midwest Business Brokers and Intermediaries. James Lives in Wauconda, Illinois with his wife and two children.

Paul Washburn is the Vice President of Finance for Acres Enterprises, the largest privately owned landscaper in Illinois. He has been with the company for over 18 years and has worked in Wauconda for his entire business career. He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Finance from Northern Illinois University and a MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. During his time in Wauconda, Paul has served as treasurer and president for the Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce and currently is the Volunteer Chairman for the Wauconda Triathlon along with being a director for the Bulldog Nation Foundation. Paul lives in Lake Zurich, Illinois with his wife and two children.

A very passionate advocate of the Wauconda community, Jocelyn Wilhelm, serves on the Board of Director in-charge of digital marketing, including the web & social media. "I am honored to have been asked to be a member, as I'm truly passionate about the community and the Wauconda education system. Both my children attend(ed) Wauconda school district and we've lived in Wauconda since 1999." Jocelyn chaired many of the events for BNF and is also a member of Main Street Attraction, FBLA and volunteers for many of the events in the community. "Speaking of community, I own a consulting business in social media and web design & development, so click on any of the social icons above and let's connect!"

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Melissa Hayden is the owner and founder of the Academy of Ballet Wauconda. The Academy of Ballet has been in Wauconda for the past 11 years. It brings professional instruction and performing opportunities to many community members. Melissa Hayden likes to be involved in the community’s continual growth and the academic success of its youth.

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Crystal McClure is the President of Wauconda Community Bank a branch of Libertyville Bank & Trust Co. Crystal is responsible for day to day operations, commercial lending, Chief Consumer Credit Officer as well as overall adherence to policies, procedures and Regulatory compliance. She has more than 27 years of experience in the financial services industry. An active community member Crystal is involved with local non for profit organizations, serves as a Trustee for the Wauconda Fire Pension Board and volunteers for various community events within the Village of Wauconda. "As a former student of Wauconda High School, I was honored to accept the opportunity to participate in BNF. The foundation provides a wonderful platform to “give back”.

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Chris Miller presently serves as the Director of Planning & Zoning for the Village of Wauconda. Mr. Miller has a broad base of experience in community planning, zoning and landscape architecture. He is a Registered Landscape Architect, a Member of the American Planning Association and the American Society of Landscape Architecture. Mr. Miller has served both private and public clients for over 30-years. Prior to his current position he was associated with Rolf C. Campbell & Associates, Inc. He has served as a Village Administrator and as a Lake County Planner. He grew up in Wauconda Township where he presently lives with his wife and where they raised two daughters. He is a graduate of Iowa State University, served in the U.S. Army and is a graduate of Wauconda High School.

Jill Morino has lived in Wauconda since 2008 and has been a BNF Member at Large since 2013. A vocal community proponent, Jill volunteers extensively at Robert Crown Elementary School and is an avid supporter of a variety of Wauconda businesses and organizations. A former public relations executive, Jill brings communications and planning expertise to BNF, including serving on the Dinner/Dance organizing committee and chairing the planning team for the new Trivia Night fundraising event. Prior to moving to Wauconda with her family, Jill lived and worked in Chicago and Milwaukee. She grew up and attended high school and college in Central Illinois, graduating with honors from Normal Community High School and with a BS from Illinois State University."I joined BNF because even though my kids are in grade school, I want to make sure the high school they will attend down the road can offer them the very best education and opportunities. I have been so impressed with all of the WHS students I've met through working with BNF and the PTO. But the best part of BNF is how our events bring the community together. There were close to 200 people at the Masquerade Ball and we were able to secure donations from almost 100 local businesses and residents! It's inspiring to see how much support Wauconda gives to its schools and students."

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Michael Salisbury is the Owner of Lake County Watersports and Wauconda Boat. Master Technician for both Mercury Marine and Bombardier. Michael is also very involved with the community. He is a Board member for Veterans R&R Veteran outreach program, a member of Wauconda Lions Club, Wauconda Moose Lodge and Wauconda Chamber of Commerce. Mike has been in BNF for two years. When asked why he joined Bulldog Nation Foundation, "I joined BNF because I believe I could be helpful to our cause in helping the school, teachers and students." When asked what advice he would give students, "I would tell students to focus on academics and be involved in your community as you grow into a young adult."

Louie Sharp has lived in Island Lake since 1969. He currently owns Sharp Auto Body, Sharp Towing and Sharp-Skills, his speaking/training company. He volunteers his time and energy speaking to high school students across the country. He is actively involved with the Wauconda FBLA, Island Lake Lions, Business Networkers International, Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Lake Zurich, Wauconda Business Exchange, Island Lake, Wauconda and Lake Zurich Chambers of Commerce. He works with the Community Youth Net. He lives with his wife, Dorothy, in Island Lake. In his free time he loves spending time with his wife, playing in a number of local bands and running triathlons.

Glenn Starkey is all about community involvement, from Star Charities, "where within a team we host numerous charity drives and events each year, including The Wauconda Bunny Hop and the Wauconda Turkey Trot." He also serve on the Wauconda Area Chamber Board of Directors as the president-elect. Glenn became a director of the Bulldog Nation Foundation when it was first formed, and assist in promotion of upcoming events including the newly launched Trivia Night, which will be a unique social fundraiser. Glenn sees BNF being a strategic benefit not only for the direct programs it raises funds for, but also for residents (and potential residents) considering Wauconda High School to know that there is an additional level of support for needs to be fulfilled. While attending Holy Cross High School on Chicago’s northwest side Glenn was able to get to know recent grads and was able to consider their advice on the different career paths one could take. His advice - "Be inquisitive, even investigative, as to how those in their mid-to-late twenties dealt with struggles and created their successes. The do’s and don’ts of those who have just recently transformed from student life to the working world can be made into a successful roadmap ahead."

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