BMO Harris Bank President and CEO Mark F. Furlong Selected as New Chicago United Chairman

CHICAGO, March 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago United members today elected Mark Furlong, president and chief executive officer, BMO Harris Bank (Chicago), as the new chairman of Chicago United.  

Outgoing Board Chairwoman Patricia Hemingway Hall, president and chief executive officer, Health Care Service Corporation, becomes immediate past chairwoman.

"Chicago United's mission, vision and values are important to our city's business community, and they are important to me personally," said Furlong.  "I'm excited to start my term as Chair because of the leadership this organization has always demonstrated in working alongside the business community to keep this city and our work force open to all."

Joining Furlong as a new board officer is Robert L. Aguilar, chief operating officer of Cabrera Capital Markets, LLC. He will serve as Chicago United's treasurer.

Other new Board members include: George Burciaga, president & chief executive officer, elevate Digital; John Daniels, chairman emeritus, Quarles & Brady LLP; John Robak, president, Greeley and Hansen; and Bill Santulli, executive vice president & chief operating officer, Advocate Health Care.

Additionally, Chicago United welcomes new members: the Chicago Botanic Gardens, elevate Digital, GolinHarris, and Sodexo.

In 2014, Chicago United's Board will oversee the development and presentation of the group's sixth Corporate Diversity Profile, a biennial report on the progress of local companies in making their boards and senior management ranks more diverse and inclusive. The organization will also gain new strategic partners to advance the mission of its Five Forward Initiative™, a plan for regional economic growth through increased corporate spending with minority owned businesses.

"I look forward to working with new Board members and new members to help advance the mission of Chicago United," said Gloria Castillo, Chicago United's president and chief executive officer. "I'm thrilled to collaborate with Mark to ensure that we continue to provide unparalleled service to our members and the entire community."

About Chicago United

Chicago United promotes multiracial leadership in business to advance parity in economic opportunity. Chicago United supports the business community's need to maximize the use of corporate and entrepreneurial talent and brings together diverse senior business leaders to break through barriers to realize the benefits of diversity and inclusion.

Chicago United is the premiere organization creating an environment where racially diverse CEOs and executive level management can share common experiences to promote multiracial leadership in governance, management, and business partnerships while delivering best practices for diversity practitioners and building relationships among leaders who share common values.

For more information please visit www.chicago-united.org.

SOURCE Chicago United