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Advisory Council

In 2004 the Coleman Center installed an Operational Advisory Board to provide tactical guidance needed during its early development. Due to the Coleman Center’s need for more strategic direction and impact, the Operational Advisory Board evolved into the Entrepreneurship Advisory Council in 2006.

The Entrepreneurship Advisory Council is comprised of a select group of distinguished entrepreneurs, business and civic leaders, and alumni who help the Coleman Center fulfill its mission, set and execute its plans, and advance its overall outcomes. It strives to create an interdependent relationship between the entrepreneurial/business community and DePaul’s outreach and teaching efforts in entrepreneurship.

Functions of the Council include:
- Setting the Coleman Center’s long-term strategic plan
- Advising on policies, strategic decisions, and business and entrepreneurial trends
- Supporting initiatives that advance the Coleman Center
- Providing advice, opportunities, and networks for DePaul students and alumni

One Council member is Jill Hebert, owner and CEO of Matrex Exhibits, Inc. - an Addison, Illinois-based company that designs, fabricates and manages custom trade show exhibits. Matrex generates annual revenue of $20 million, employs over sixty people nationwide, and is the only 100% woman-owned exhibit company in the country.

Jill said she became involved with the Entrepreneurship Advisory Council in order to share information and pass along live working knowledge onto other struggling entrepreneurs. “I enjoy being able to give back and support our community by helping to create an environment where my children and grandchild can achieve their personal goals as budding business owners,” she said.

During her time on the Advisory Council Jill hopes to promote and support the entrepreneurial spirit for students, alumni, and emerging business owners, as well as make certain that the Coleman Center’s financial goals and objectives are met to achieve financial independence.

Current members of the Entrepreneurship Advisory Council include:

Gary Belmonti

John J. Cummins (LAW ’92, LAS ’88), Partner, Cummins & Associates, Ltd.

Jim Deters (COM ’98), President, Ascendant Technology

Rania El-Sorrogy (COM ’07), Founder and CEO, DanceTV, LLC, and Inventor, Livre Libre

Jay Fritz (MBA ’73), President and COO, Midwest Bank and Trust Company

David Gamperl, CEO, Blueleaf Lending

Corliss Garner (COM ’96), Commercial Banker, Harris Bank

Jill Hebert, President and CEO, Matrex Exhibits, Inc.

Alan Herbach (MBA ’89)