EMP-38

Greetings EMP-38!

It's been 10 years since we started our executive master's degree adventure. I don't know about the rest of you, but I haven't aged at all. That doesn't mean that we can't keep changing and some of our classmates are on the move. Here's a rundown of the latest and greatest.

Kevin Ozan has been promoted to the corporate senior vice president and controller at McDonald's. I didn't hear this from Kevin, but Gary Weiss dropped me a note. You can appreciate this even more after reading Gary's observation: "Those of us in Group K who are aware of this are very proud of Kevin and know he'll love the attention you can send his way. We also all know he owes all his success to the rest of us who carried him through grad school."

Kevin has held various finance roles during his 11 years at McDonald's. He joined McDonald's as director of financial reporting in the corporate controller group in 1997. During his seven years in CCG, he displayed outstanding leadership, communication and analytical skills. At the same time, he focused on his own development, completing the Kellogg School's Executive MBA Program, spending six months in McDonald's Sweden working in their accounting department and participating in the inaugural class of the Leadership at McDonald's Program (LAMP). In 2004, Kevin accepted an opportunity to become a regional controller in the Chicago region, where he gained great firsthand field experience. In May 2006, Kevin moved to investor relations to leverage his existing knowledge of the business and learn more about investors' perspectives on McDonald's.

Ian Heller EMP-38 and wife Penny visit with Andy MartinEMP-38 and his wife, Barb. That's not Velveeta Andy is holding.
Chef Cindy Vanina EMP-38 enjoys a celebratory beverage ather graduation party from Kendall College.

Cindy Vanina's career is really cooking — literally. After several years of attending Kendall College at night, she completed culinary school and had yet another fabulous graduation. Cindy is a mild-mannered banker at JP Morgan (read: high-powered business negotiator in tax credits) during the day, and at night she turns into "Chef Cindy."

Andy Martin joined a fast-growing payroll and human resources software company in Orlando called Empagio. The company and its subsidiaries serve an impressive list of Fortune 500 clients and offer world-class software that saves time, money and improves performance of routine HR transactions. "My specific charge will be leading operations worldwide and integrating various acquired business units," notes Andy. "It is a general management role and presents a good fit with my background, as a myriad of competencies are required. Thus far we have acquired three companies and are far from being done."

Keith Heideman continues to work with IBM Finance and lives in St. Louis. "My role with IBM has resulted in me spending lots of time in St. Louis (Boeing), KC (Sprint), Detroit (Ford/Visteon) and Bentonville (Wal-Mart) over the past few years, as I have been the CFO on a few of our biggest accounts. My wife and I became empty-nesters this fall; our four children are grown, two are married and we have two grandchildren — all before I am 50."

Sue Leandri and her family have moved to sunny Florida to continue her work for PWC. (I'd try to embellish this but it's all I've got.)

Ernest Lucineo joined Intercall in December to head their program management office. He recently bumped into EMP-38 classmate Scott Etzler in the hallway. Ernest is finding his new role both challenging and interesting — just like peas and carrots.

Jim Pogue has joined Guardian Life Insurance as vice president, group dental. "Guardian is committed to helping small and midsize employers attract and retain the best talent." Research shows that dental insurance is a popular benefit and can bolster a company's overall benefits package. Guardian's focus is on wellness and preventive procedures.

You all know where you can find me. Thank you all for your updates. I thoroughly enjoy hearing from folks.