Our Board

Gaston was born in Argentina and immigrated to the United States at the age of four. He is currently the CEO of OSM Worldwide, an e-commerce shipping company that he co-founded in 2003. Gaston is also the Chairman of Fight for Chicago, a nonprofit organization he confounded 2018. Outside of work, Gaston enjoys boxing, fishing, hiking and spending time with his family.

Why I Fight For Chicago: “This country is truly a land of opportunity, but so many young people in Chicago face major hurdles to access that opportunity. I co-founded Fight for Chicago so we can help young people succeed with mental and physical strength, discipline and a powerful network of supporters.”

Phil is a Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years of experience spanning both industry and public accounting. He currently leads a family office and has held several senior roles in accounting leadership. Phil brings deep expertise in financial planning and management, team development, process improvement, and resolving complex accounting issues. He also serves as the interim Executive Director of Fight For Chicago.

Why I Fight For Chicago: “With my professional experience and background in launching another nonprofit, I’m deeply dedicated to supporting Fight for Chicago in its mission to create lasting, positive change for young people across the city.”

Jerry is the founder and president of Chicago-based MidAmerican Printing Systems, Inc. With more than three decades of experience in commercial printing, Jerry has had a guiding hand in establishing presence and poise for organizations in a diverse array of industries — from health care to education to financial services.  

Why I Fight For Chicago: “I’m an investor in people. Whether it’s going above and beyond for a client, coaching a new business leader, or providing a leg-up to a promising young person in our community, I try my best to make a positive impact on each member of my network.”

Vincent is the President of Forklift Exchange. Forklift Exchange is a high-capacity equipment dealer and wholesaler with multiple locations nationwide. Vincent grew up working in his families Forklift manufacturing business in Bedford Park, IL. Vincent is also involved with managing his family’s real estate and investment portfolio.

Why I Fight For Chicago: “Growing up working in my families Chicagoland manufacturing business, I had the opportunity to better understand the many challenges young kids face growing up in the Southside of Chicago. Growing up I was very fortunate to have great coaches, teachers, and mentors that provided me with invaluable support. Fight For Chicago allows me to provide mentorship to young kids that will be invaluable to them as well.”

Rob is a Chicago partner with Thompson Coburn LLP and a commercial litigator who focuses on preventing and resolving “business divorces” and representing clients in complex business disputes across various industries (including logistics, manufacturing, financial services, real estate, agribusiness, and sports). Rob previously spent six years on the board of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana and was the chair of its governance committee and was named by Marklund Home as “Hero of the Year” for his pro bono legal work.

Why I Fight For Chicago: “There’s no such thing as ‘my community’ and ‘their community’ — the challenges facing one part of Chicago affect all of us. If we can empower a small network of kids to push themselves and truly strive for achievement, it will spur positive results far into the future for these students, their families, and our city.”

Mark is a Sr Healthcare Executive that is passionate about finding and creating innovative solutions to help employers and healthcare consumers connect with the best medical expertise and care available. He brings many diverse perspectives and talents to the Fight for Chicago organization. He has written, performed, and produced music, comedy, and theater throughout the city and looks forward to helping the next generation find their unique ability to express themselves and make a positive impact wherever life takes them..

Why I Fight For Chicago: “I’ve been fortunate to experience the profound impact that various teachers, coaches, and family members have had in my own life, helping to shape me into the person that I am today. I live in Chicago, I raise my family in Chicago, and I see it as both an honor and a responsibility to be able to give back to others the same opportunities that were once afforded to me.”

David is the CEO of Panther Capital, an early-stage investment company that has invested in over 50 startup companies in the last 25 years. A Chicago native, David was a competitive wrestler throughout high school and college and understand the benefit of competitive one-on-one sports as a way to mold character and drive discipline in young adults.

Why I Fight For Chicago: As a Chicago native I understand the benefits and challenges that an urban environment brings. Kids need a guiding hand and a bit of incentive to turn towards the positive opportunities in life. Competitive sports provide a learning opportunity as well as a respite from the streets that seek to turn youths towards less beneficial activities and provide a window to taste success at an early age.

Dave is the Vice President of Sales and a founding member of SMS Assist, now known as Lessen, a Chicago-based provider of national tech-enabled facility maintenance services since 1999.

Why I Fight For Chicago: “As a lifelong resident, I have been fortunate to seize the opportunities that have come my way. However, I recognize that not everyone has the same advantages, and I am committed to advocating for Chicago in order to help create a more equitable environment for all young people in the Chicagoland area.”

Joe is a seasoned business leader with over 30 yrs of success in sales, operations, and leadership positions at ADP and OneSource Virtual. With extensive experience in building and leading high performing teams, he has developed a strong ability to drive business results while fostering meaningful relationships. His expertise in problem solving, leadership, and organizational development has made him a valuable asset in every role he has taken on.   

Why I Fight For Chicago: “While growing up in blue collar Elmwood Park, I found a passion for sports which played a pivotal role in shaping his drive, discipline, and leadership skills. The lessons he learned on the field – teamwork, resilience, and determination became the foundation of his professional success. I’m eager to give back by combining my business acumen with my love of sports to create opportunities for youths and strengthen the Chicagoland community that shaped me.”

Dr. Renteria achieved great success in the laundry equipment business and is Chairman of the From The Barrio Foundation. Dr. Robert Renteria grew to prominence after publishing his first book, From the Barrio to the Board Room, in which he shared his harrowing story of escaping the gang life in East L.A.