LaVonne Brown, 33

By Paul Anthony Arco

Early in her professional career LaVonne Brown was encouraged by her peers to get involved in the community. Many times Brown, director of client experience for Savant Capital Management, found herself as the youngest volunteer or board member sitting around the table.

“I never felt being the youngest person on a committee or board was a barrier. The other volunteers always made me feel welcomed,” she says.

Brown’s passion for volunteer work is well documented. She recently won a Rockton Shining Star Award from the Rockton Chamber of Commerce for her efforts as co-chair of the 2007America in Bloom Committee. She currently serves on board of directors for the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Village of Rockton Zoning Board.

Brown and her husband, Jeremy, have two sons, Ethan, 9, and Isaac, 7. Originally from LaCrosse, Wis., she moved to Rockford in 1997, and spent nearly 10 years with the RACVB. She started as marketing and public relations assistant and eventually was promoted to vice president and chief operating officer. She also was appointed by the board as interim CEO when longtime chief Wendy Perks Fisher retired.

Six months ago, Brown joined Savant in a newly-created position overseeing the client services team who supports the day-to-day needs of clients. Prior, she was vice president of resource development and communications for the United Way of Rock River Valley, overseeing donor relations, major gifts, planned giving and marketing and community relations.

“I’ve been blessed to work with a variety of people who’ve taken the time to coach me, mentor me and encourage me to get involved in the community,” Brown says. “I hope to serve in that same capacity for the next generation.”