Chicago Foundation for Women, one of the largest women’s advocacy and grant making groups in the world, announced Gary A. Mecklenburg, retiring president and CEO of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare and interim president and CEO of Northwestern Memorial Foundation in Chicago, as the winner of its "Feminist Father Figure Award".

The Foundation recently called for Chicago metropolitan area women to nominate a father or male figure who has been supportive or influential in the development of their feminist identity. Wives, daughters, friends and co-workers throughout the city and suburbs nominated the men in their lives. Most emphasized the supportive role the male nominees played in their becoming proud, successful women by eliminating barriers and actively opposing sexist attitudes and practices toward women and girls. Mecklenburg was chosen as the winner because of the instrumental role he has played in promoting women to leadership positions NMH.

Classic Residence by Hyatt, a national leader in luxury senior living, has named Meg Ostrom as senior vice president of sales and marketing. In this newly created role, Ostrom is responsible for revenue generation, occupancy, and all of the sales and marketing efforts for Classic Residence by Hyatt’s established communities and new community developments. She also oversees corporate marketing, brand development, and public relations efforts.

Ostrom brings over 20 years of retail merchandising and sales and marketing experience to Classic Residence by Hyatt. Prior to joining the company, she held several senior positions at Sears Holdings Corporation including the vice president role in two key merchandising areas. Ostrom was also responsible for implementing the award-winning Softer Side of Sears campaign, in addition to national director marketing roles.

Ostrom has a Bachelor of Science degree in design and merchandising from Drexel University in Philadelphia. She also serves on the board of directors for Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.), a New York-based children’s charity as well as being a volunteer and is a mentor for Women Unlimited

West Suburban Medical Center acknowledged volunteer and Auxilian, Nancy Quinn, and retired physician Everett Nicholas, M.D., for their leadership, unwavering commitment and significant contributions to the institution and the community during a celebratory reception in their honor.

Nancy Quinn, First Vice President, Auxiliary of West Suburban Medical Center, was presented the Margaret R. Houck Award for Volunteerism and Stewardship. Ms. Quinn was recognized for her ability to give of herself in a thoughtful, selfless manner and her significant contribution of time, talent and resources to the hospital and community. She began her life of volunteerism at a young age as a candy striper at what was then West Suburban Hospital and continues to regard volunteer service as an honor and a chance to help others. Through the years, she has used her leadership skills and fundraising expertise to raise hundreds of thousand of dollars to help local organizations meet the needs of the community she has lived in throughout her life, including West Suburban Medical Center, Hephzibah Children’s Association and the Infant Welfare Society in Oak Park.

Retired West Suburban Medical Center physician Everett Nicholas, M.D., was awarded the Kenneth J. Douglas Award for Excellence for his consummate dedication to his patients, fellow physicians, coworkers and the West Suburban Medical Center community. Since joining the medical staff in 1947, Dr. Nicholas gave of his time, talents and resources to make sure that every patient who entered the doors received outstanding medical care. He did so by serving as the Chairman of the Department of Surgery, a member of several subcommittees, a 22-year member of the Board of Trustees and as a member of the College of Nursing’s Coordinating Council. Dr. Nicholas is the eleventh recipient of this prestigious award, named after Kenneth J. Douglas, former Chairman of the Board of Directors of West Suburban Medical Center.