Owner-Operator, Mikel Petro, has been in Central Illinois for 35 years and part of McDonald’s system for 28 years, and a Next Generation O/O for 15 years. Restaurants in Bloomington-Normal and surrounding communities and proud father of 4 children 2 boys and 2 younger girls. Mikel Jr, Logan, Kendyl, and Averie, of which 3 work within the family business. My hope is to one day pass on the reigns to a 3rd generation. I am blessed to be part of the RMHC family and full of pride to assist in furthering the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Ted Starkey is a Commercial Banking Officer at Carrollton Bank, located in Springfield IL. Ted works with individuals and businesses to assist them will all their banking requests, from depository to lending needs. He has been in the banking industry since 2010 after graduating from Monmouth College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Matt Tucker brings extensive experience in human resources and talent development, with a passion for empowering individuals and teams to achieve their potential. He currently leads the learning and development initiatives for his organization, driving programs that foster employee growth, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. Prior to his current role, Matt served in human resources and people development capacities at Hanson Professional Services and Horace Mann, both based in Springfield.

Dr. Jawad Javed has transitioned from Vice Chair to Chair, replacing Mark Denzler, who served as the Chair for the past two years. Lindsay Bentivegna has transitioned from Board Director to Vice Chair, replacing Dr. Jawad Javed, who served as the Vice Chair for the past two years.

Don Forrest is a Business Development Manager with Farnsworth Group, a national professional architecture and engineering firm. He has been with the corporation for 30 years, serving primarily in the Peoria, Illinois office. Don grew up in a rural community in Central Illinois, graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in geography, and performed graduate work in American History.

Stephanie Seay is the General Manager for Heartland Coca-Cola, overseeing distribution centers in Peoria, Springfield, Quincy, Charleston, and Champaign in Central Illinois. With 21 years of extensive experience in sales operations management, Stephanie has developed expertise in business development, inventory planning, cost reductions, logistics, resource allocations, budgeting, P&L ownership, and team leadership. 

Lauren is counsel in the Investments Unit of the Corporate Law Department of State Farm. She is a graduate of the University at Albany, State University of New York and St. John's University School of Law. Following law school, Lauren was in private practice in Richmond, Virginia, where her practice focused on corporate and real estate transactions.

Chad is a Private Client Advisor for the Commerce Trust Company. He serves as a consultant and relationship manager providing clients with personalized objective advice and oversight across all services, including trust administration, financial advisory services, private banking, and investment management. Chad facilitates all aspects of relationship management for the client team, including administering complex trusts, maintaining client communication, and coordinating with internal and external partners to deliver a superior client experience.

Maura Freeman is Rivian’s Public Policy Lead based at the manufacturing plant in Normal, IL. Originally from Danville, IL, Maura moved around the country before settling back into her home state, where she earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Illinois Springfield and her master’s degree from Illinois State University. Maura is deeply committed to the Ronald McDonald House mission, and cherishes the opportunity to give back and support families in need—in part because she and her family benefited directly from the Chicago House during a hospital stay in 2012.

Mark Denzler becomes Chair, Dr. Jawad Javed becomes Vice Chair.