Chapter President 2009-2010
Minerva Guerra CPS
I have been a member of the Greater Lakes Chapter of IAAP since 2002. I have served two terms as chairperson of the Certification Committee and Chapter Vice President in 2008-09. I have an Associates Degree in Business/Secretarial Science from Northwestern Business College and received my CPS rating in 1987. In December 2008, I completed my Bachelor’s in Professional Studies/Organizational Leadership. Presently, I work for Astellas Pharmaceutical in Deerfield, Illinois. I hold the position of Project Coordinator for the cardiovascular team in the clinical studies group. I have over 25 years experience as an administrative professional.
I reside in Round Lake Beach, Illinois, with my husband and our new puppy, April. I have a son in high school and a daughter in college. I hold a red/black belt in Tae Kwon Do. In my spare time, I enjoy reading murder mysteries and suspense stories. I like to exercise mostly Pilates, yoga, and walks.
Chapter Vice President 2009-2010
Melanie Kessler
I have been working at the College of Lake County since 1988. I began my career at the College in the Campus Police department. I was the secretary to the Chief of Police. In 2001 I accepted a promotional position as a senior secretary in the Communication Arts, Humanities and Fine Arts academic division. Since that time the position title was changed to an administrative secretary. Last year I, received a promotion and is currently the Divisional Operations Assistant for the Communication Arts Division. Although I have taken 30 hours of college level courses I do not currently have a degree. I have received numerous Outstanding Staff Achievements awards in the past 10 years. I consistently take professional and personal enrichments course offered by the college and the IAAP.
I joined IAAP and the Greater Lakes Chapter in 2005. Since that time I have served on the team to host the Illinois Division Annual Meeting, served two terms as membership chair, one term as vice-president and served as chapter president 2008-2009. Currently I serve as the vice-president and chair of the by-laws and standing rules committee. My motto is the best way to stay involved is to get involved.
I’m married and have two grown daughters, two step-children daughters and one step-son. I also am blessed to have six grandchildren. My hobbies include gardening and anything that involves the grandkids!
Chapter Secretary 2009-2010
Mary Christoph, CPS
I have been an active IAAP member since 2007. In 2008, I served on the Membership Committee. I have been employed by Allstate Insurance Company in Northbrook for almost 10 years, and support a vice president in Emerging Businesses-Consumer Household.
I received my Legal Secretarial Certification at the First Business and Professional School of Wilmette; I did an internship at Baxter for four years. Then, I moved onto working for one of four corporate lawyers at A.C. Nielsen. In addition, I have an extensive background in the medical administrative profession, since continuing my profession at Evanston Northwestern Hospital, and Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.
I live in Lake County with my husband of 29 years. Together we have 5 children, two of which are married and live in the area, and one grand child one the way.
Chapter Treasurer 2009-2010
Terry Rathfelder CPS/CAP
I have been a Chapter Member since 1997, serving as Treasurer since 2006 and Recording Secretary from 2000-2004, worked with chapter members as host for 2006 IDAM and attended various IAAP Events.
Having received a B.A. from Northeastern in 1970, I became a Statistical Assistant at Allstate Insurance until 1978. After various part-time jobs until 1989 I was hired as a part-time Secretary for the Village of Lake Zurich, full-time in 1994. My then boss advocated my taking CPS classes at CLC. Became a CPS in 1996 and recertified in 2004 by passing the CAP.
My husband and I married in 1973, moved to Lake Zurich in 1976 where we raised two daughters who are grown and on their own.
I am currently an Administrative Assistant in Public Works and through the Village a notary public, deputy registrar, and videographer for board meetings. Any seminars or training offered are accepted gladly.
Over the decades I enjoyed crocheting, bowling, choirs and political phone banks. Currently I am reading several spiritual, religious books.