Steve is currently First Vice President - Investment officer at Wells Fargo Advisors. 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.

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!"

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.

Erin Kafka has been a resident of Wauconda for 13 years. Erin is an elementary school teacher, with 20 years of experience.She also has a Masters Degree of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. Erin and her husband Joe Kafka are the co-owners of Bulldogs Grill, Middleton's on Main, and The Green Goat, all located in downtown Wauconda. Erin and Joe have two children, Quinn and Ashleigh that attend Wauconda School District #118. Erin is an involved member of the Wauconda community, volunteering and participating in several events regularly throughout the year. Erin's goal and purpose for being on the Bulldog Nation Foundation is to help support Wauconda School District #118 staff, and provide opportunities for its teachers to enhance their daily teaching styles with up-to-date materials and experiences that contribute to the growth and academic success of District #118 students.

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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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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."

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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