President - Chris Roth

Chris returned to the Board in 2008 after a couple years off. A native of Springfield, Chris received his BS in Accountancy in 1990 and an MBA from Santa Clara in 2001.

Chris moved to Phoenix in October 2001 and immediately joined the Phoenix Illini. A former President of the Phoenix Illini, Chris typically handles halftime announcements and Illini trivia. He also is the club photographer on all Homecoming trips and makes it back to campus at least 3-4 times per year.

Chris started his career with Deloitte & Touche in Chicago.  After several years, he went to work for Sears, where he started in the Internal Audit department and eventually took positions as the Hardware Stores Director of Business Development, Director of Finance and Analysis for the marketing department, and then Director of Finance and Analysis for Hardware Merchandising.  Upon moving to Phoenix in 2001, he took positions with two software firms that quickly underwent ownership changes.  After transitioning out of the second position in the summer of 2003, he purchased Professional Marketing Associates, a turnaround company handling fulfillment in the direct reponse industry. 

Chris recently sold his two businesses and is a partner in a marketing firm.  In November 2009, he became the Chief Financial Officer for an early stage recruiting and technology firm, TalentCircles (www.talentcircles.com).  

Scholarships and Merchandising - Teresa Ives

Teresa, a native of Champaign and Gibson City (home of Chief Illiniwek) received her Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Public Relations in 1987 and a Master's degree from ASU in Educational Administration in 2004. She is self employed as an educational consultant and teacher. She has two children attending Arizona State University, Clark age 20, and Jackie age 18. She joined the Phoenix Illini Club just 4 days after moving to the valley in 2000, now that's LOYALTY! 

  Coordinator of Sporting Events - Greg Ives

Greg returned to the Board in 2009 after a 12 year hiatus. He is a native of Champaign, and graduate of Uni-High. He received both his B.S. in engineering and master's degree in aerospace engineering from the U of I. He works in research and product development at Honeywell. Greg is our local historian of all things in and around campus. He has proudly served the Board in various capacities throughout the years, most recently as our head of communications until earlier this year.  

Greg is the counterpart to Gary Peterson, responsible for coordinating all of our game-watching events.  While we have expanded our non-sports offerings, these events rank among our most popular.  He ensures that our facilities are lined up and ready for us, and he sends out regular sports updates throughout the season.

Coordinator of Non-Sporting Events - Gary Petersen

Gary joined the Phoenix Illini Club Board of Directors in 2011. He is from a three generation U of I family that dates to the Great Depression.  Gary holds a Masters Degree from the School of Labor and Employment Relations [LER] with an undergraduate degree from UCLA. He served on the National Advisory Board of the College of Engineering UIC for over 25 years. He also served on a similar  Board at the Rose Hulman Institute of Technology [Terre Haute, IN].

Gary brings  broad and varied business experience to the Board. He held management and executive level positions in the electronics industry, consulted for clients such as State of Illinois, Northwestern University and General Electric. Gary was Chairman of the National Engineering Project and also served as the electronic industry’s representative and spokesman for immigration reform and manpower issues at Congressional Hearings and Panels. Most recently as an entrepreneur he was involved in founding and restructuring small businesses. 

Gary is involved in coordinating cultural, educational and special events for the club. He’s interested in expanding our outreach to ensure club events and activities are focused on the interests of the Valley’s large and diverse alumni base. 

Treasurer - Gerry Smedinghoff

Gerry Smedinghoff received a degree in Mathematics & Computer Science in 1984 from the University of Illinois and has lived in Phoenix since 2001.  He is a consulting actuary, whose writings have appeared in a wide variety of newspapers, business and professional publications.  Gerry has run more than 30 marathons.  His served as president of the Arizona Actuarial Association (2006-2007).  His web site is www.GerrySmedinghoff.com.

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