2025 COMMITTEES


Budget Committee

Meets annually, preferably before the end of the year to work on a budget for the upcoming year. 

  • Leanne Klein, chair 
  • Jeff McDonald
  • Karyn Vanderwarren

Program Committee

Discuss speakers and topics for monthly/regular CLE meetings. 

  • John O'Brien, chair
  • Genevieve Daniels
  • Nora Devine
  • Cheryl Morrison
  • David Schlueter
  • Tanya Sinclair
  • Karyn Vanderwarren

Executive Committee

Provides the Board with analysis, recommendations and guidance with respect to such special issues or situations deemed by the president to have potential significant impact on the corporation.
  • John O'Brien, chair
  • Marc Blumenthal
  • Paul Garver
  • Leanne Klein
  • Jeff McDonald
  • Erica Minchella
  • David Schlueter
  • Adam Wilde

Social Events Committee

Works with staff on the social events like the Summer Cocktail Party and Holiday Party in selecting venues, menus and other related matters. 

  • Marc Blumenthal, chair
  • Benjamin Cole
  • Genevieve Daniels
  • Kelli Fogarty
  • Sebastian Kos
  • Karyn Vanderwarren

Legislative Committee

Meets monthly, at least during session, to select bills of interest and track them over the course of the year. They also confer with the lobbyists on strategy, allies and other political issues.

  • Ralph Schumann, chair
  • Jay Curtis
  • Genevieve Daniels
  • Kelley Flinn
  • Bob Floss II
  • Kelli Fogarty
  • Harry Fournier
  • Paul Garver
  • Samuel Levine
  • Erica Minchella
  • Cheryl Morrison
  • Gary Mueller
  • John O'Brien
  • Vincent Vidmer

Social Media Committee

Work with the social media consultant on quarterly posts and strategies to gain views and engagement.

  • Kelli Fogarty, chair
  • Jason Chmielewski
  • Kelley Flinn
  • Bob Floss II
  • Tanya Sinclair

Membership Committee

Reviews membership trends with a focus on membership renewal, retention and benefits.

  • Karen Vanderwarren, chair
  • Benjamin Cole
  • David Dunn
  • Tanya Sinclair
  • Eliot Wineberg

Sponsorship Committee

Reviews sponsorship trends with a focus on renewal, retention and benefits.

  • Jeffrey Picklin, chair
  • Jason Chmielewski
  • Sebastian Kos
  • Eliot Wineberg

Multi-Board Representatives

Standing committee comprised of representatives of other bar associations.

  • Ralph Schumann
  • Adam Wilde

IRELA Title Executives Council

Meets with other Title Executives to discuss and collaborate on the Title Act and IDFPR matters.

  • Ad hoc

Regional Advisory Groups

REGIONAL ADVISORY CHAIR: Leanne Klein

Representatives

DOWNTOWN: Kelli Fogarty

DUPAGE: Harry Fournier

KANE COUNTY: Kelley Flinn

LAKE COUNTY: Steve Newland

MCHENRY COUNTY: Doreen Paluch

NORTHSHORE: Erica Minchella

NORTHWEST SUBURBS: Ralph Schumann

SOUTHWEST CHICAGOLAND: Cheryl Morrison

WILL COUNTY: Gary Mueller

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