Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has made three new appointments, including two alumni, and one reappointment to the Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees.
Dennis Barsema, who earned a bachelor's degree in management at NIU, is president and CEO of Redback Networks. He also has served as president and CEO of Onetta, Inc.
He is currently on the Board of Directors for five organizations, including Carpenter's Place and Nest.
Barsema teaches courses in social entrepreneurship at NIU. Two campus buildings are named for him.
Eric Wasowicz, an investor and advisor at the Greenbrier Group, earned his bachelor's degree in computer science from NIU and has taught management and entrepreneurship courses in the NIU College of Business. He was named an "Honorary Alumnus" of the College of Business in 2009.
Veronica Herrero is the Chief Program Officer at One Million Degrees, formerly known as the Illinois Education Foundation. She previously was the Director of College Success Programs at the University of Chicago – Urban Education Institute and the Vice President of Operations for Progressus Therapy.
Herrero earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and her MBA from the University of Chicago.
Rauner also re-appointed Timothy Struthers to NIU's Board of Trustees.