Ask the Experts Panel

Jason Campbell

CEO

Brand B Sports

Jason Campbell is a native of the Englewood

 neighborhood on the Southside of Chicago. He is

 considered by his peers as a true rose that grew from the

 concrete. After graduating from Florida A&M University,

 Jason sharpened his skillset in corporate America, working

 in a marketing and global branding capacity for some of

 the world’s most prestigious Fortune 50 companies.

 Over the past 10 years, Jason has worked on many of your

 favorite athlete's personal brands, orchestrating their

 endorsement deals, philanthropic campaigns, and business

 development endeavors. All of this with the goal of helping

 his clients create global, self-sustaining brands that

 transcend their sport. His fingerprints can be found across

 the entire sports spectrum from the NBA, to golf, NFL, MLB,

 NASCAR, Formula 1, USTA (Tennis) and most recently the

 NHL. Whether its real estate, tech or cannabis, Jason seems

 to have his finger on the pulse of the burgeoning industries

 that are next to boom. His success in the industry has

 recently lead to him launching a go-to-market strategy

 company called Ideasyncrazy. He also spends a lot of his

 time giving people unmitigated access to his network, on

 his podcast, the Global Entry podcast.

 His deep-seated passion for community development has

 lead to the fusion of his sports, real estate and tech interest

 to be in alignment with his philanthropic work; providing

 social impact strategy to some of the nation's most exciting

 companies.

 Jason wholeheartedly believes, if you live your brand, and

 work your brand, then you will love your brand. Something

 he preaches to his clients every day.

Karen Wells

Chief Operations & Inclusion Officer

Make-A-Wish America

Karen S. Wells brings over 30 years of distinctive career experiences and an exceptional leadership journey. In addition to being a former NCAA Division I scholar-athlete, Karen has held successful key leadership roles in a Fortune 500 company, multiple C-suite roles in nonprofits, and as an entrepreneur and small business owner. Karen held various multi-disciplined VP positions at the McDonald’s Corporation including Regional Vice President, VP of US Strategy, VP of Operations, VP of Innovation, and VP of US Nutrition and Menu Development for the US 13,000 restaurants, spanning a 20-year career. For a decade, Karen owned and operated a small business as a franchisee of The Goddard School, the leading franchise for early childhood development. Based on her passion for philanthropy, and inspirational storytelling, and guided by her thought leadership in diversity, equity & inclusion, Karen founded her consulting boutique, The AIW Group. Karen first transitioned into nonprofit leadership and served as the CEO of Bridge Communities, the largest provider of transitional housing and support services for families experiencing homelessness in DuPage County, IL. In 2023, Karen joined the executive leadership team of Make-A-Wish America, a grassroots organization granting life-changing wishes of hope and healing for critically ill children across the US. Karen is the Chief Operations and Inclusion Officer for the national office of Make-A-Wish America.

Jonathan Romain

Co-Founder

ART INC.

Jonathon Romain is a graduate of Bradley University and a nationally known artist who has owned an art gallery for over twenty years. His art has been seen on television, in magazines, and museums. In addition to his artistic accomplishments, he is a true visionary and prolific speaker. Jonathon has shared his journey with thousands of young people across the country from prisons to some of the most prestigious colleges in the world, and now with ART Inc, he is able to have a sustained impact in their lives.







To say that art has consumed his life would be an understatement. He spends his days creating whether it be painting, building, or teaching. More importantly, he gives back. Through his art he has helped to raise thousands of dollars for non-profits and other organizations including his own.



His artwork is as eclectic as his life has been. He enjoys experimenting with different mediums and techniques. It is not strange for him to be working on a portrait commission while simultaneously creating an abstract painting.

His greatest passion and personal mission are to help develop young talent.

If not traveling across the country Romain can be found nearly every day at the Romain Arts and Culture Center in Peoria, IL.

Jonathon is also a member of Peoria’s Public Arts Advisory and serves on the PCCEO Board of Directors.

Steve Bob

Director, Entrepreneurial Support Program

UIC College of Business Administration

Steve Bob, Director of UIC Business' Entrepreneurial Support Program, provides training and advising services to start-up and existing business owners who desire to grow their businesses. He has worked with hundreds of different businesses over the years helping them address everything from financial projections to process improvement, marketing to funding.