December 4, 2020
Jorge Herrera, facilitator, Next Rockford
Next Rockford was formed in 2003 with the premise of activating Rockford’s next generation of leaders through advocacy for improvements in education, the business environment, urban development and other important issues regarding the community. Today this continues to be the focus for members of Next Rockford to “Educate, Advocate and Resonate” for the Rockford region. Over the years, Next Rockford members have become leaders in local civic organizations, nonprofit organizations, manufacturing companies, banks and other industries in the Rockford region.
In addition, several Next Rockford members have sought and been elected to public office. Although the focus is not necessarily to become elected officials, Next Rockford would like to acknowledge some of the past Next Rockford members who have been elected to several levels of public office, including state Rep. Joe Sosnowski, Winnebago County Board Chairman Frank Haney, Rockford Mayor Thomas McNamara, and Belvidere Community Unit School District #100 Board member Jorge Herrera. Furthermore, Next Rockford would like to highlight and congratulate current Next Rockford members who were recently elected to public office, such as J Hanley for Winnebago County state’s attorney and Angela Fellars for Winnebago County Board.