Our philosophy is simple: business needs drive HR practices

Russell Dann

Chairman, ARGA Holdings
Russell has over 25 years of executive management focusing on strategic direction, corporate acquisitions, financial management and production of large accounts. Prior to forming ARGA, Russell was Chairman of the Board and CEO of Dann Insurance, one of the largest privately held insurance agencies in the country with over 100 employees producing over $16 million in annual revenue. Dann Insurance offered property, casualty, group health, life, disability, loss control and engineering services to large commercial clients. Noted as a visionary, Russell was the strategic force behind achieving record profits for the company. While with Dann Insurance, Russell founded Dann Insurance Benefits Company (BPA) with revenues of over $3 million and Loss Control Dynamics, filling an essential need for Dann clientele. Dann Insurance was sold to Mesirow Financial in 2006. Russell currently serves as the Chairman and CEO of the Mind-Eye Institute Russell has a (B.A.) from Ithaca College.

Arthur B. Muchin

Senior Partner Laner Muchin Dombrow Becker Levin and Tominberg Ltd.
Mr. Muchin graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School. He accepted a position with the National Labor Relations Board in the Chicago Region in 1967. While at the NLRB, Mr. Muchin was assigned to a special group of attorneys who were in charge of resolving strikes, unlawful picketing, and jurisdictional disputes. In 1970, he accepted an associate position with the predecessor firm to Laner, Muchin, Dombrow, Becker, Levin and Tominberg, Ltd.; in 1974, he became a partner; and in 1979 he became a senior-named partner. Mr. Muchin has been counsel to publicly and privately owned corporations throughout the United States including such diverse employers as the Chicago White Sox American League Baseball Team, the Chicago Bulls National Basketball team, the United Center, the Chicago Housing Authority, municipalities, banks, law firms, manufacturing companies, and employer associations. He has lectured to the American Management Association, banking associations, and various personnel groups.

Tom Gimbel

CEO, LaSalle Network
Tom Gimbel started The LaSalle Network, a Chicagoland staffing and recruiting firm, in 1998. Since then, the company has grown to become the local leader in placing talent with more than 9,000 placements and more than 900 clients, while reaching 35 percent annual growth.

Today, The LaSalle Network specializes in the areas of Accounting and Finance, Office Services, Human Resources and Executive Search. With five offices presently, Tom plans to expand his company in 2007 – 2008 by adding four more offices and expanding into Wisconsin and Indiana.

Tom is a nominee for the 2007 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. He has been featured on ABC7 News, Wall Street Journal, Fortune Small Business, Crain’s Chicago Business, Chicago Sun-Times and CLTV.

Brian Israel

Director, ORBA
Brian has been with Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. since 1992, and became a director in 2001. He has extensive experience serving individuals, partnerships, and mid-sized privately held corporations. He specializes in representing companies in various industries, including medical, food service, real estate, manufacturing and distribution, as well as professional service firms. Brian provides guidance in a full range of financial and business advisory areas, including audits, reviews, compilation and tax planning and compliance services.

Brian is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Indiana University.

Michael Shaw

DPartner, Much Shelist
Michael B. Shaw is a partner at the law firm of Much Shelist Denenberg Ament & Rubenstein. His legal practice focuses on corporate law, where he represents clients in connection with a broad range of transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital financings, business succession planning, strategic alliances and joint ventures. He received his B.A. from Northwestern University, his J.D. from the Northwestern University School of Law and his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.