Illinois State University’s College of Business (COB) will host its Early Career Achievement Awards ceremony during Homecoming 2024. Early Career Achievement Awards (ECAA) recognize younger graduates who have demonstrated innovative and responsible professional leadership, the potential for future distinction, and a commitment to serving others. One honoree is selected from each degree program.
This year 14 recipients representing the different departments throughout the COB will be in attendance to accept their awards. These recipients return to campus to receive their awards and share advice with current students through panel discussions during Homecoming celebrations at Illinois State.
Early Career Achievement Award winners must show the following characteristics:
- Graduate from one of the College of Business programs.
- Exemplary professional capabilities as demonstrated through entrepreneurial success, rapid promotions, industry recognition, or innovative practices leading to measurable outcomes.
- Demonstrated innovative and responsible professional leadership and the potential for distinction in the long term.
- Embodies the five core principles of responsibility, honesty, respect, fairness, and trust as outlined in the College of Business Standards of Professional Behavior and Ethical Conduct.
- Shown a substantial commitment to the service of others.
- Continued his or her professional growth through education or professional credentials.
2024 Early Career Achievement Award Winners
- Connor Achim ’16, Professional Sales | Sales Director, Crexi, Inc.
- Ashley Carboni ’14, Financial Accounting | Manager Accounting Advisory Services, KPMG
- Renee Haning ’12, CMBA | HR Director, Country Financial
- Ellen (Schumacher) Janssen ’16, Marketing and Organizational Leadership | Specialized Recruiter Lead, TEKsystems
- Nicole Jones ’18, BS/MBA Accounting | Senior Manager, Senior Accountant, Chicago Cubs
- Ellen Marr ’17, Integrated Marketing Communication and Human Resource Management | Associate Director, Spark Foundry
- Filip Miljevic ‘12, Finance and International Business | Senior Associate – Private Equity, G Square Healthcare Private Equity LLP
- Dakota Neisen ’15, Business Teacher Education | Business Teacher and Girls Assistant Basketball and Track , Morton High School
- Nicole Poggensee ‘14, Marketing | Content Director, Performics
- Matthew Riley ’16, Finance | VP of Wealth Planning Fiduciary Officer, First National Bank and Trust
- Penney Rodd ’14, MBA | Finance Manager, Navistar
- Megan Smalter ’20, Risk Management, Finance, and Insurance | Underwriting Specialist, CNA Insurance
- Brendan Surmeier ’17, BS/MBA Accounting | Tax Manager, EY
- Nathan Willard ’14, Human Resource Management | Chief Executive Officer, JSM Living
