Early Career Achievement Awards
Early Career Achievement Awards (ECAA) recognize younger College of Business graduates who have demonstrated innovative and responsible professional leadership, the potential for future distinction and a commitment to serving others. One honoree is selected from each College of Business degree program. They return to campus to receive their award and share advice with current College of Business students through panel discussions.
2024 - 2025 Award Recipients
Connor Achim '16
Connor Achim is an Account Director for Crexi, a Commercial Real Estate Tech Company based in Los Angeles. There he oversees the state of Nevada and work to grow the company’s presence through market penetration and acquisition.
Ashley Carboni '14
Ashley Carboni is a distinguished Manager in KPMG's Accounting Advisory Services practice. Ashley plays a crucial role in leading teams that guide clients through complex accounting challenges, including the adoption of new accounting standards, and supporting clients through acquisitions and divestitures.
Renee Haning '12
Renee Haning is Director of Total Rewards at COUNTRY Financial, serving in this role since 2020. Renee joined COUNTRY in 2007 as College Relations Recruiting Coordinator. She later served as Employee Relations coordinator, Manager of Organizational Development, HR Business Partner and Manager of Compensation.
Ellen Janssen '16
Ellen Jansen has been at TEKsystems since 2016 on the recruiting team in several roles as recruiter, senior recruiter, onboarding coach, and specialized recruiter lead.
Nicole Jones '18
Nicole Jones is currently in her third season as a Senior Accountant with the Chicago Cubs (yes, they talk in seasons vs. years). She is responsible for the Rooftop and Hotel businesses along with managing the accounting for our charitable organization, Cubs Charities.
Ellen Marr '17
Ellen manages the planning and execution of digital ad campaigns, overseeing more than $50 million in ad spend wirh Spark Foundry. She loves coming up with creative strategies and bringing them to life to drive results for her clients.
Filip Miljevic '12
Filip Miljevic is a experienced private equity professional with a diverse career. Her is currently a Senior Associate at G Square Healthcare Private Equity in London, Filip has played a crucial role in several high-profile transactions and holds board positions in several European companies.
Dakota Niesen '15
Dakota Neisen is a dedicated educator and coach. In his current role at Morton High School, Dakota teaches Business and continues to coach girls basketball and track.
Nicole Poggensee '14
Nicole Poggensee is a experienced Content Director at Publicis Collective (formally known as Performics) in Chicago, where she leads the SEO content strategy and oversees implementation for prominent brands including Microsoft, Haleon, and OLAPLEX.
Matthew Riley '16
Matt Riley began his career at State Farm working in risk and compliance. He then made the jump from corporate risk management to personal risk management becoming a Fiduciary Officer for First National Bank and Trust. Since then, he has become the VP of Wealth Planning, helping clients to meet their prosperity goals through investments and retirement planning.
Penney Rodd '14
Penney currenly works for Navistar as a Sr. Financial analyst at Corporate FP&A and was recently promoted to the Finance Manager role to manage overhead cost.
Megan Smalter '20
Megan is currently a Private Company Management Liability Underwriter at CNA Insurance. She manages a $3M book of business and maintains many broker relationships in the Chicago and Cincinnati territories.
Brendan Surmeier '17
Brendan is a Tax Manger focusing on Federal Tax Compliance services for Private Equity Funds, Hedge Funds, and Mutual Funds.
Nathan Willard '14
Nathan Willard is the Chief Executive Officer at JSM Living, a real estate and development firm located on the University of Illinois campus. He leads the strategic planning process in an effort to provide the best possible living and leasing opportunities.
Previous Award Recipients
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Class of 2024/2025
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Class of 2023/2024
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Class of 2022/2023
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Class of 2021/2022
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Class of 2020/2021
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Class of 2019/2020
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Class of 2018/2019
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Class of 2017/2018
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Class of 2016/2017
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Class of 2015/2016
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Class of 2014/2015
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Class of 2013/2014
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Class of 2012/2013
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Class of 2011/2012
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Class of 2010/2011
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Class of 2009/2010
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Class of 2008/2009
Nomination Guidelines
Nominees must be graduate students from one of the programs in the College of Business.
Nominations close March 7, 2025.
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Career Accomplishmentse
- Exemplary professional capabilities as demonstrated through entrepreneurial success, rapid promotions, industry recognition, or innovative practices leading to measurable outcomes.
- Demonstrated innovative and responsible professional leadership and the potential for distinction in the long term.
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Personal Characteristics
- Embodies the five core principals outlined in the College of Business Standards of Professional Behavior and Ethical Conduct: responsibility, honesty, respect, fairness, and trust.
- Shown a substantial commitment to the service of others.
- Continued his or her professional growth through education or professional credentials.
More Information
If you have any questions about the Early Career Achievement Awards, please contact:
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Steve Vandiver
Executive Director of Marketing
College of Business
Campus Box 5500
Normal, IL 61790-5500
shvandi@ilstu.edu