More than 50 resident and nonresident fellows offer research, analysis, and commentary on US foreign policy and public opinion, global food security, and global cities.
Before William Blair, Jim O'Connor worked at MVC Capital as managing director after nine years with Motorola, Inc. He was also a White House Fellow for the US Treasury Department, worked for the Committee on Ways and Means at the US House of Representatives, and was a volunteer teacher in South Africa. He was named one of American Ventures Magazine’s “40 under 40."
Justin P. Oberman is a recognized expert and industry leader in aviation/aerospace, homeland security, and identity management. His 27-year career includes service in government, founding a tech company, and advising investors and management teams. After 9/11, he helped set up the TSA and later served as an assistant administrator and senior executive at the Department of Homeland Security.
Mark Palchak started his career growing proprietary trading groups in Chicago at Infinium Capital Management. In time, he assumed leadership of Infinium in a distressed situation, immediately taking the company through a successful sale process and returning the successor company, V3 Markets, to profitability.
Before becoming a consultant, Jason Palmquist was the executive director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, having spent his early career in Washington, D.C., working for the Washington Ballet and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He has experience with local, national, and international arts communities and served as a panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts.
Lisa Pattis is president of Next Chapter Holdings, where she manages investments for the Pattis family and the Pattis Family Foundation, investing globally in a diversified range of assets. Previously, she was general counsel of Wintrust Financial Corporation and spent 17 years as a partner at Sidley Austin, LLP, specializing in corporate governance, securities law, and strategic counseling.
Jacob Plummer's background is in management, operations, and investment in technology-enabled health services, and he previously led global business development at Allscripts, an international health software company. At Allscripts, he oversaw a variety of investment initiatives covering North America, the UK, Singapore, Australia, and beyond.
Alison Ranney is currently managing director at Russel Reynolds Associates, and formerly led the nonprofit and education practice in the Midwest for the global executive search firm. She recruits senior leaders to nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education in the United States and internationally.
Kathryn Reilly works to connect the worlds of commerce and public policy, shape business-related public policy, and create impactful communication campaigns. With more than 15 years of corporate experience, Reilly has led public affairs efforts at two Fortune 500 manufacturing and services enterprises.
Rebecca Riebe is a global technology professional currently advising at CVS Health and previously consulting with Strategic Systems and Innovation at Hyatt Corporation. She spent the early part of her career in operations with DHL, Procter & Gamble, and Fritz Companies/UPS, among others, focusing on data project management, import/export regulation, global supply chain, and strategic market focus.
Girish Rishi is the former CEO of Blue Yonder, where he launched a cloud-based portfolio powered by machine learning and edge intelligence to help companies better forecast supply and demand. Before that, he led Tyco International’s global retail solutions and North American building automation businesses.
