Joliet, IL. – September 17, 2019 – The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry Board of Directors would like to announce the retirement of the Chamber’s President, Mary Jaworski. Mary has served the Joliet Community for 27 years and plans on retiring April 8, 2020. Mary shared her excitement of both her future and the Chamber of Commerce by stating: “It has been wonderful to serve the Joliet community for 27 years. I look forward to stepping back and allowing a great team of people to take over. I plan to still be very active in the community while also spending more time with my family.” Jaworski has been working closely with the Board of Directors and is excited to announce the succession team in which she is confident will lead the Joliet Region Chamber into continued success.
During her time at the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce, Mary has spearheaded many wonderful events in the Joliet community helping to grow them to the successes they are today. She assisted in starting Chamber subgroups such as the Council for Working Women, Alianza de Negocios, the African American Business Association and the Joliet Area Young Professionals, understanding the importance of diversity and inclusion in the Joliet Business community.
The Chamber Board is proud to announce that Mike Paone will become the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s next President. Mike Paone has been with the Chamber for 19 years and has been in his current role as Vice President for 5 years. Under Mike’s leadership, the Chamber has brought in more than 2,000 members and implemented 8 successful membership drives. Mike has also led the Chamber’s Marketing and Communications plan by initiating social media and new web site designs for the Chamber. He currently works closely with the Ambassadors, Joliet Area Young Professionals, and the African American Business Association. Most recently, Paone has spearheaded efforts in the State Capitol and Washington, D.C. in order to carry out the role of the Chamber as the voice for business. In his role as President, he looks forward to strengthening and expanding community partnerships, working to fulfill member needs through effective programs and events, and ensuring the 105 year old Chamber continues to be the leading business organization in the region.
In addition to announcing Mike Paone as Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry as Chamber President, the Board of Directors is also happy to announce the promotion of two other people to the executive team. Kelly Baltas, who is currently serving as the Chamber’s Director of Events, will take over the role of Executive Vice President. Lisa Jones, who is currently the Director of Finance, will become the Vice President of Finance and Operations.
Kelly Baltas served as the Chamber’s first intern over 15 years ago and in her time has proven herself as an invaluable member of the team. Kelly currently coordinates several of the Chamber’s events and programs including member luncheons, annual Gala, Fiesta en la Calle, New Orleans North, the Education Scholarship Fund and many others. Kelly is the liaison to the Council of Working Women, Education Committee, and Alianza de Negocios. Her hard work and dedication to the Joliet community is evident in all that she had done. In her new role, Kelly would like to continue to keep the Chamber as an invaluable asset to its members and the Joliet community. She intends to further strengthen the many wonderful relationships the Chamber has with business, education and governmental partners due in part to the events organized by staff and countless volunteers.
Lisa Jones has been with the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry in various roles for over 20 years. In her most current role as Director of Finance, Lisa has provided the Chamber with leadership in billing, accounting, and payments. In her new role as Vice President of Finance and Operations, Lisa will continue to oversee the finance department, but will also take over the building operations and additional responsibilities.
While the board of directors is sad to see Mary Jaworski retire, they are excited about the current plan and rising stars currently at the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry.