Mary Lynn Fayoumi
President and CEO
HR Source

Mary Lynn Fayoumi, CAE, SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-SCP is the President and CEO of HR Source, a Chicago-based employers’ association with over 1200 member organizations. She is a highly respected speaker, trainer and advisor and an accepted authority on a variety of workplace issues including culture, employment trends, and HR management. Countless organizations have benefited from her expertise during her distinguished career at the association. Mary Lynn is a prolific writer, quoted and published regularly in a variety of publications. She currently serves on the boards of World at Work, the Employer Associations of America, and the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation. She is Past Chair of the Board of Directors for the Association Forum of Chicagoland. She is also an Advisory Board Member of the Community Memorial Foundation. Mary Lynn was named a Notable Leader in HR by Crain’s Chicago Business and a Woman of Influence by the Association Forum. Mary Lynn is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Industrial Relations/Human Resources. She also holds an MBA with honors from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Kathy Steele
Chief Executive Officer
Red Caffeine

Kathy Steele is the dynamic CEO of Red Caffeine, a growth consultancy that thrives on building strategic marketing, branding, and technology solutions to fuel client growth. With over two decades of entrepreneurial expertise, Kathy has honed her ability to drive company strategy through culturally-aligned leadership and robust client collaboration. Under Kathy’s stewardship, Red Caffeine has been recognized repeatedly for its standout workplace culture and innovative growth strategies. Her dedication to fostering a collaborative environment is reflected in the firm’s commitment to values-driven work, which has resulted in numerous industry accolades and a robust client portfolio. An impassioned speaker, Kathy frequently shares her insights on business strategy, leadership, and corporate culture at major industry events. She is deeply committed to community service and actively contributes to economic development initiatives. Kathy’s leadership extends into her roles in various advisory boards and business councils, where she advocates for policies that enhance business and community well-being. Kathy’s expertise is frequently sought for her thought leadership in integrating marketing, technology, and operational strategies to achieve business goals. Her approach not only drives organizational growth but also ensures sustainability through innovative practices and a focus on building long-term client relationships. Through Red Caffeine, Kathy continues to inspire and lead a team dedicated to delivering measurable results and transformative impacts for their clients, positioning the consultancy at the forefront of industry innovation and thought leadership.