The SIU Foundation recently announced the addition of five members to its Board of Directors.
Led by President Diane Compardo, the SIU Foundation Board of Directors has set a course that led to a historic Fiscal Year 2024 in which the Foundation raised $46.8 million amid the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign. The campaign, which ends in 2028, has raised $343 million toward its $500 million goal.
The following individuals joined the board on July 1, 2024:
- John Forbes, CPA, founder and president, Forbes Financial Group
- David Hartley, CPA, CISA, partner-in-charge, advisory, Anders CPAs + Advisors
- Darius Robinson, operations manager, Menzies Aviation
- Toni Williams, owner, Children’s Center for Creative Learning, and owner-operator, McDonald’s
“We are thrilled for these talented individuals to join us as we work together in moving our mission forward,” said SIU Foundation Board of Directors President Diane Compardo. “Their unique perspectives and dedication will be so important in shaping our future and making a meaningful difference.”
Forbes is a native of Southern Illinois, grew up in Carterville and graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. After graduation, he served as a staff accountant in the Middle Market Practice Group at KPMG Peat Marwick in St. Louis. During that time, he also obtained the designation of certified public accountant. Before founding Forbes Financial Group in 2005, he was an investment representative with Edward Jones in Carbondale for nearly 10 years. Forbes holds an Accredited Behavioral Finance Professional designation as well as an Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation from the College for Financial Planning. He and his wife, Karen, have supported SIU through donations to multiple areas, including Saluki Athletics, WSIU, and The Together We Can Do More Scholarship Fund. They live in Makanda and have three daughters and three grandkids.
“Giving back to SIU changes lives. It makes generational impact,” Forbes said. “It’s certainly a valuable place to invest time and money into. It’s amazing when people that are passionate about something get together and collaborate, and I’m excited to be a part of that.”
Hartley graduated from SIU in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. A Carbondale native, he is a business and technology executive with over 30 years of continuous innovation and leadership. He was recognized by the Missouri Society of CPAs with its “Impact Award: Outstanding Innovator” in November 2018 and elected to serve as a Member of the MOCPA Board of Directors for 2020-2023. He was formerly vice president and CIO at Arch Coal (now Arch Resources), one of the world’s largest, safest and most environmentally responsible coal producers. He and his wife, Barbara, have been regular supporters of the Accounting Circle Fund in SIU’s College of Business and Analytics. They live in St. Louis and have two adult children.
“I am very excited to be a member of the SIU Foundation board and contribute back to what I consider a great institution and a great cause,” Hartley said. “I’m very humbled by this opportunity. SIU has been a huge part of my life.”
Robinson received his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology in 1995 and a master’s degree in manufacturing systems in 1998, both from SIU. He has made significant contributions to SIU students and his community, including establishing an endowed scholarship for graduates from East St. Louis Senior High School. He is also involved in various volunteer activities, such as supporting schools in Ghana and Mexico through the Sister Cities Committee of Hanover Park. In his role at Menzies Aviation, he manages the jet fuel and hydrant system that fuels the aircraft at O’Hare International Airport. His dedication to giving back and helping others is inspired by his father, who was a strong role model in his life. He and his wife, Norlander, live in Hanover Park.
“When I saw how Chancellor Lane, his staff, and the SIU Foundation bringing alumni together and breaking fundraising records, I realized that the Foundation board was the entity with which I wanted to align myself,” Robinson said.
Williams received her bachelor’s degree from SIU in 1991, majoring in elementary education. She later earned master’s degrees from Chicago State and University of Illinois Chicago. She is also a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. After a 10-year career in the Chicago Public Schools system, she opened the Children’s Center for Creative Learning, which provides a nurturing and creative learning environment for children ages 6 months to 6 years. She is also an owner-operator of multiple McDonald’s franchises.
“Our legacy and our history are strong, and it’s going to be strong for many years to come,” Williams said. “I want to thank Salukis everywhere from all they do across the globe.”