PEORIA MAGAZINE November 2023

North America who exhibit exceptional dedication, innovation and impact in music education. The Central Illinois Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Profes sionals (AFP) has announced its 2023 National Philanthropy Day award re cipients. They will be honored at the 39th Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon at the Gateway Build ing in Peoria on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. The 2023 National Philanthropy Day award recipients are: Outstand ing Philanthropist, Barbara Gurtler ; Outstanding Philanthropic Corpora tion, Kohl’s, Central Illinois District ; Lewis J. Burger Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser, Bob Woolsey ; Dennis A. Steele Outstanding Philanthropic Organization, Peoria Women’s Club ; Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation, Morton Community Foundation ; Ian T. Sturrock Outstanding Fundraising Executive, Danielle Easton ; Outstand ing Youth in Philanthropy – Age 5-17, Aston Johnson ; Giving Heart Award, Jim Clarahan ; and Special Recognition, Picket Fence Foundation . Purchase tickets to the awards presentation at www.afpcentralillinois.org.

BUSINESS NEWS

HIRES AND RETIRES Cindy Morris , president and executive director of the Peoria Public Schools Foundation , has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Education Foundations (NAEF). She will join a distinguished group of 18 education foundation lead ers from across the United States. The NAEF is dedicated to strengthening ed ucation foundations by developing and promoting best practices so students have robust educational opportunities. IN BRIEF

duct and student appeals. The position is respon sible for providing lead ership and oversight for student-success-focused programming, including Success Education, Suc cess Connections, Early Alert and Ac ademic Standing programs. Michael Cohlman is the chief financial officer for EP!C following the retirement of Steve Rol lins in September. Cohl man has nearly 35 years of experience in finance with OSF HealthCare and Heartland Health Services. A $249,000 state grant from the Illi nois Department of Public Health to OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois aims to bolster pediatric emergency and disaster readiness. The grant will allow OSF Children’s Hospital to conduct assessments of its disaster plans that include pediatric components, develop resources and educational materials, and share best practices to address identified gaps and disparities in care. RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS

Ed Andrews is the new director of the City of Bloomington Water De partment. Andrews brings 30 years of engineering experience and expertise in the planning, design,

and construction of highway, water and sewer systems, as well as site devel opment projects for federal, state and municipal agencies. He most recently worked for Infrastructure Engineering as the Peoria operations manager.

Miguel A. Sanchez has joined CityLink as its new director of safety and training. He joins CityLink with more than 30 years of experience in opera tional leadership focused

Chris Manson , vice president of gov ernment relations for OSF HealthCare and founder of U.S. Ambulances for Ukraine, was recognized by the Pres ident of Ukraine during remarks made at the National Archives on Sept. 21. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pre sented Manson and others from across the country with medals and other commendations on behalf of the peo ple of Ukraine. Manson was awarded the Cross of Ivan Mazepa for his role in shipping 67 emergency vehicles to Ukraine since the invasion by Russia in February 2022, including 52 ambu lances, eight fire engines, six SUVs and one utility truck.

on safety. He will lead and coordinate the development and implementation of comprehensive safety, security, oc cupational health policies and training programs. He also oversees safety and security procedures, accident and in cident handling, training and develop ment initiatives. Heartland Community College has named Jessica Pickel as its new dean of students effective Oct. 15. She will serve as the authority for student con

Dr. Afrim Shabani, Heartland Community College associate adjunct professor in Humanities and Fine Arts, has been recognized as a Teach er of Distinction by The

Royal Conservatory of Music, one of the largest music education institu tions in the world. Only six teachers were selected for recognition this year. The awards celebrate educators across

128 NOVEMBER 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE