Mother McAuley Welcomes Five Accomplished Leaders to Board of Trustees

Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School proudly announces the appointment of five dynamic individuals to their Board of Trustees: Kathy Burns ‘84, Lisa (Stephens) Janek ‘84, Kevin O’Connor, Marie Genevieve (LeConte) Pawlak ‘87 and Severo Pedroza. 

“I am thrilled to welcome such distinguished business leaders and community members to the McAuley Board of Trustees,” president Carey (Temple) Harrington ‘86 stated. “Each individual brings a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge in diverse areas, which will help guide, support and enhance every aspect of our school. Their expertise, passion and dedication to our Catholic, Mercy values, will play a pivotal role as we educate the next generation of Mighty, compassionate and confident leaders.”

Burns currently serves as CEO for Aclaimant, a prominent risk management solutions company. Her career has spanned a variety of roles at global software and technology solution companies, leading as CEO  for a collective 15 years. She also serves as the independent director, vice chair of the risk committee, and member of the operations and technology committee for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, and has been an influential member of the Mother McAuley institutional advancement committee, where her contributions have greatly enhanced the school’s fundraising efforts. She holds a bachelor of arts in political science with a concentration in Spanish and women’s studies from Northwestern University, and is a McAuley alumna from the class of 1984.

Now retired, Janek last served as the chief financial officer for Cast Products, Inc. Her thoughtful and strategic leadership led to improved operating systems, streamlined processes and greater employee benefits, among other accomplishments. She currently serves on the Mother McAuley finance committee and co-chairs the investment committee for the University of Notre Dame-based angel investment group, Irish Angels. Janek is a licensed CPA in the state of Illinois, and holds a bachelor of science in accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and is a McAuley alumna from the class of 1984.

As a partner at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg, O’Connor manages intellectual property, focusing primarily on patent law for clients in the biotechnological, pharmaceutical and medical device industries. His extensive experience includes serving on the board for both Most Holy Redeemer School and Evergreen Park’s District 124, and recently contributing valuable counsel to McAuley’s finance committee. O’Connor holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a JD from Chicago-Kent College of Law, and is the proud father of a McAuley alumna from the class of 2023.

Pawlak serves as CEO of Prime Alchemy, a Division of Planning 101 Group Corp. She has a background in value-based, strategic organizational development across higher education, nonprofit operations and corporate leadership, and has published her successful approach and expertise in books and thought pieces. She has already played a pivotal role in guiding the McAuley team as a consultant in the creation of the school’s current strategic plan. Pawlak holds a bachelor of arts in political science and a master in arts in  organizational leadership from Lewis University, and is a McAuley alumna from the class of 1987.

Pedroza is a renowned State Farm Agent, serving his community as a business leader and providing comprehensive insurance solutions for more than 35 years. He was an active member of the Mother McAuley Fathers Club for nine years, making a great impact on the school and its community. He holds a bachelor of arts from Loyola University of Chicago, and is the father to two McAuley alumnae.

The energy and excitement of the new board members serves as a testament to the power and importance of a Mother McAuley education. 

“As I reflect upon my life and career, I realize that Mother McAuley was a key part of the
foundation that built my confidence, pushed me to achieve more in life and instilled investing in others,” Janek shared. “It is so important to guide [young women] during these critical high school years to ensure that they have confidence and believe in their potential. Mother McAuley was that place for me and I want to be part of its continued success.” 

Pawlak agreed. “The education I received [at McAuley] was instrumental in shaping my confidence, critical thinking and commitment to serving others. I am passionate about ensuring future generations of young women have access to the same transformative experience.”

“Sisters Cathleen and Corinne were a revelation to me; changing our world as leaders, role models and grounded in faith and joy,” Burns continued. “I would be honored to carry on their legacy by ensuring that the school continues to thrive, remains true to its values and creates a foundation for more young women out in the world trying to make a difference.” 

Mother McAuley extends its thanks to departing board members, Tim Doody, Laurel (Azzarello) McGrath ‘72, and Jil (Simpson) Ross ‘82, who faithfully served the school community for the past six years. Their contributions helped guide McAuley with compassion, strength, and foresight while keeping their faith and Mercy values at the forefront.