Illinois State University’s College of Business (COB) will host its Early Career Achievement Awards ceremony during Homecoming 2024. The Early Career Achievement Awards (ECAA) recognize young graduating students who have demonstrated innovative and responsible professional leadership, potential for future excellence, and a commitment to service to others. One recipient will be selected from each degree program.
This year, 14 winners representing various divisions across COB will be in attendance to receive their awards. The winners will return to campus to receive their awards and share advice to current students through a panel discussion during the Homecoming party at Illinois State University.
Recipients of the Early Career Achievement Award must demonstrate the following characteristics:
Graduate of one of the College of Business’s programs. Exemplary professional ability demonstrated through entrepreneurial success, rapid advancement, industry recognition, or innovative practices leading to measurable results. Demonstrated innovative and responsible professional leadership and has the potential for long-term excellence. Embody the five core principles of responsibility, integrity, respect, fairness, and trust outlined in the College of Business’s Standards of Professional and Ethical Conduct. Demonstrated a strong commitment to serving others. Continuing professional growth through education or professional certification.
2024 Early Career Achievement Award Recipients
Connor Achim ’16, Professional Sales | Director of Sales at Crexi, Inc. Ashley Carboni ’14, Financial Accounting | Manager of Accounting Advisory Services at KPMG Renee Haning ’12, CMBA | Director of HR at Country Financial Ellen (Schumacher) Janssen ’16, Marketing and Organizational Leadership | Professional Recruiting Leader at TEKsystems Nicole Jones ’18, BS/MBA Accounting | Senior Manager, Senior Accountant at Chicago Cubs Ellen Marr ’17, Integrated Marketing Communications and Talent Management | Associate Director at Spark Foundry Filip Miljevic ’12, Finance and International Business | Senior Associate in Private Equity at G Square Healthcare Private Equity LLP Dakota Neisen ’15, Business Teacher Education | Business Teacher and Girls Basketball and Track and Field Assistant at Morton High School Nicole Poggensee ’14, Marketing | Director of Content at Performics Matthew Riley ’16, Finance | Vice President, Wealth Planning Fiduciary Officer, First National Bank and Trust Penney Rodd ’14, MBA | Financial Manager, Navistar Megan Smalter ’20, Risk Management, Treasury, Insurance | Underwriting Specialist, CNA Insurance Brendan Surmeier ’17, BS/MBA Accounting | Tax Manager, EY Nathan Willard ’14, Human Resources Management | CEO, JKM Living
