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Read feature guest biographies of the 2016 Fall Banking and Finance Networking Forum next Wednesday October 19 at the Dana Hotel and Spa Chicago.

Moderator

Nora Renteria, TV Host, Un Nuevo Amanecer, as featured on Telemundo Chicago

Nora Renteria is a professional Operational Risk manager at BMO Harris with more than a 10 years in corporate financial. She is a TV co-host for “Un Nuevo Amanecer” on Telemundo, as well as an author of “Today’s Inspired Latina” and public speaker at schools and corporations. She is also an active community volunteer for several non-for- profit organizations.

Nora has a special interest in empowering young adults by mentoring and serves on the board of directors for a non-profit organization. She holds a B.A in Business Administration from Columbia College and a Leadership certificate from Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE). Nora has also been featured in Inc. Magazine, radio shows and Telemundo television.

Discussion Panelists

Rodrigo Garcia, Head of Investments Banking & Finance, Illinois State Treasury

Rodrigo Garcia serves as the Chief Investment Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the Illinois State Treasury. In this pivotal executive post, Garcia directs the treasury’s combined $25 billion fixed income, equity, and venture capital portfolios, all investment and financial professionals, multiple asset classes and $300 billion in related banking and financial services in order to maximize portfolio returns and bolster the Illinois macro and micro economy.

He holds two post-graduate degrees, one in finance from the University of Illinois and one in public policy from Northwestern University and recently completed a senior executives program at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Garcia was previously the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and a member of the Illinois Cabinet, and has also worked for Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Garcia serves as the Chairman Emeritus of Student Veterans of America, as Chairman of the National Hispanic Life Sciences Society, as Board Vice President for Teatro Vista Theatre Company, and as a trustee for the Northeastern Illinois University Foundation Board. He is also a Marshall Memorial Fellow, an ACPYL Fellow, a Truman Partner and an Aspen Institute Scholar. Garcia has also been named one of the "Top 100 under 50" Executive Leaders by Diversity MBA Magazine and was recognized as a "Rising Star" by the National Society of Hispanic MBA's.

He is an avid entrepreneur, a successful financier, and an angel investor.

Gisela Reyna Gutiérrez, Director of Finance, Northwestern University -Kellogg School of Management

Gisela is the Director of Finance at Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, she oversees the Financial Operations of the Executive Education program comprised of Open Enrollment and Custom programs, and the Executive Master’s Program both in Evanston and Miami campus. She has 23 years of service in academia, 3 of those at her current position. She has held different positions within Northwestern University.

Gisela is co-founder of Kellogg Enlace Network an employee led resource group and currently serves as the co-president. She has volunteered for various organizations including UNITE Civic Association in her community and for Ladder-Up a City-Wide Tax Assistance Program that provides free tax return preparation for the underserved community. She has also served as a mentor for new incoming freshman.

Gisela received her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a minor in Human Resources from Northeastern University and MBA certificate from Kellogg School of Management - Executive Education. Also holds an Associate Degree in Accounting from Truman College.

Lori Hernandez, Vice President, Sr. Relationship Manager, BMO Harris Bank

Lori Hernandez serves as Vice President, Senior Commercial Relationship Manager, providing customized credit solutions to privately held businesses since 1998. She has extensive commercial banking experience and has sourced and managed loan portfolios in excess of $133 Million with some of the most sensitive and complex client relationships. She has worked at three leading financial institutions and was recognized as a top banker having sourced and closed $89 Million in 36 months, prior to joining BMO Harris Bank in 2015.

Lori is committed to her clients’ success and has a particular expertise in working with business owners seeking to grow their businesses. She anticipates clients’ choices by actively listening and fully grasping their vision, objectives, and needs. Subsequently, she structures customized credit and cash management solutions to help facilitate operating efficiencies and long term growth.

Lori graduated with upper level distinction honors and obtained her finance degree from Northern Illinois University. Active in civic and community affairs, Lori has been involved in many organizations as the Vice Chair of the Greater North Chicago Development Corporation, Midwest Business Brokers and Intermediaries, Schaumburg Business Association, Commercial Real Estate Executive Women, and the Executive Women's Golf Association, as well as local chambers of commerce.

Jesse L. Martinez, CEO, Trust One Mortgage LLC.

Jesse L. Martinez is a Chicago native and has more than 22 years of Mortgage, real estate, and financial experience. Getting his start as an investor at age 21, when he bought his first multi-unit investment property in 1993. From 1998 to 2008, he owned a mortgage company. Building his corporation to eight locations with over 200 employees. His business’s also included a title company, along with a real estate investment firm where he purchased, rehabbed and sold properties.

Since 2008, he has served as Vice President for Global Wealth and Investment Management at Bank of America. Later he worked as Vice President for the Premier Client Group at Bmo Harris Bank and other financial institutions.

Today, he serves as the CEO of Trust One Mortgage, LLC. located in the south loop. This organization specializes in educating the public and presenting mortgage options to serve each clients’ individual needs. His partners and staff possess a wealth of knowledge ensuring the very best relationship-driven customer service experience possible.
Jesse enjoys spending time with his two children and engaging in their activities. He is currently a coach for his daughter’s hockey team.

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