Tim O’Neil
Board President
By profession, Tim is a commercial general contractor having worked for his family’s business, W.E. O’Neil Construction Company for 22 years and since 2020, a V.P. at O’Neil Building Corporation. Tim has extensive knowledge on how to execute projects from small multi-family residential to large commercial projects. He can see creative solutions, and his passion for being onsite contributes to the success of every project. Tim also served on the Board of Directors for O’Neil Industries, Inc., the national holding company for the W. E. O’Neil subsidiaries.
Kathryn Leigh Goetz, PhD
Vice President
Kathryn is an experienced non-profit executive serving in executive leadership positions for the past 20 years. She co-founded Be Strong Families in 2012 and has grown it from zero to $3 million / year annual budget primarily through earned income contracts with state and local government systems. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Princeton University, graduating summa cum laude, and earned a Master’s degree from Sofia University (formerly known as the Institute for Transpersonal Psychology) in Women’s Spirituality and Creative Expression. Kathryn earned her doctorate in Psychology from the California Institute for Integral Studies. In addition, Kathryn has a private executive leadership and organizational development coaching practice: Yes! Coaching and Consulting. She is an IPEC-certified life coach and a yoga instructor (RYT-200). In 2021 she founded Satkona Sanctuary in Wadsworth, IL, a healing sanctuary where art and holistic wellbeing flourish in a context of sacred protection.
Bruce D’Souza
Board Secretary
Bruce D’Souza, an accomplished illustrator and painter, was born in Pakistan and his family immigrated to the U.S. when he was eight years old. He has been a member of the Cleverpillar Creators Collective for the past 15 years and co-produced hundreds of highly successful transformational art events and fundraisers. He is known nationally for creating visually expressive pieces and building out artistic spaces from blueprint to experience in various US cities. Bruce began his college education at Purdue University where he was an Asian Student Union member and worked to bring awareness to and advocate against racism. He finished his BA at Columbia College, in Chicago.
Samantha Peterson
Board Treasurer
Samantha began her career in education in 2008 creating and leading volunteer education and youth programs for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) including working with their Homeless Education Program (HOPES). Today Samantha serves as Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations for Skokie school district #73 1/2. Samantha brings to ARTEMPLE her significant experience and expertise in budgeting and financial accountability, federal and state grant program management, innovative program development and implementation, and a 15-year track record of support to schools and non-profit organizations across Illinois. Her passion is engaging underrepresented youth and their families and building school-family-community partnerships to improve student outcomes.
Gene Kornota
Board Member
Gene co-founded Chicago-based Rebel Hospitality (formerly Neighborhood Development Corporation) in 1988 and has been leveraging his vision and development expertise ever since. Gene has overseen the design of over 16 independent boutique and brand hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues in Chicago, Memphis and Phoenix. As a Principal of Rebel Hospitality, Gene focuses much of his attention on the design, planning, engineering, creative, and branding portions of the business. He is integrally involved in each and every facet from conception, vision and branding. Gene has an ear to the ground and an astute understanding of what consumers are looking for – combined with his knowledge of current trends, Gene creates hotels full of imagination. Gene speaks on many industry panels and at trade shows on the topic of boutique hotel development, investment and design. Under Gene’s leadership, virtually every property and outlet has received multiple industry, press and consumer awards and accolades for spectacular design as well as innovative extras. Gene serves as ARTEMPLE’s real estate and hospitality advisor.
J. Byron Brazier
Board Member
J. Byron Brazier is a visionary artist-turned-entrepreneur, and the lead developer of the transformative $895 million Woodlawn Central project, part of the larger Woodlawn 2060 Plan. His work centers on community-driven development, empowering Black self-determination, and creating sustainable urban regeneration without displacement. A passionate advocate for culture and community, Byron’s initiatives include founding Heir Gallery, Inc., creating The Lacuna Lofts in Pilsen, launching the TVision2020 youth program, and leading “Heirs of Bronzeville,” a $250M project to create thousands of jobs. His global insights into urban planning, tourism, and cultural development shape his approach to creating unique destinations for culture and commerce.
Micah Akenzuah, MST
Board Member
Micah has worked in public accounting, auditing various multi-billion dollar financial services firms. He has also assisted many individuals and families in sheltering their hard-earned fortunes from unnecessary taxation while also enhancing their growth via the strategic use of premier financial growth vehicles. With such an extensive background in the finance sector, Micah authored his first book in 2017, entitled: “I Want You to Finance Your Life: Seven W.E.A.L.T.H. Secrets You Need to Know About the Tax Code”. Micah then became featured in Black Enterprise Magazine, a regular Fox News Contributor, and started Micah Akenzuah, LLC in 2021, to focus exclusively on better income planning and asset protection.