Board Profile
Mastroianni talks on making an impact on area education, the arts
Educating community, business outreach
Tell us about your business and your role?
I am associate vice president of Rock Valley College. My areas are outreach and planning, so I am responsible for all of the non-credit and credit-non transfer programs and the theater.
We have about 100 employees and more than 200 instructors in adult education, dislocated worker programs and grants, business outreach, community education, continuing education, Center for Learning in Retirement, traffic safety, small business development, procurement technical assistance, entrepreneurship and theater.
What do you like best about your job?
I like the people contacts, training, and speaking to groups, and trying to make an impact in the community in economics, people development, the arts and education.
What's changing in your business/industry?
With more smaller businesses, instead of the larger family-owned businesses of the past, our program content and delivery methods change frequently.
Why are you involved in the Chamber?
The Chamber is a great source for networking, business contacts, business support, education and enrichment that any company or small business needs. I also wanted to give back to the community that I have lived in all my life.
If you didn't have your present job, what would you most like to do?
If I wasn't in my present job, I would be consulting part time with Norm Dasenbrook in mediation and conflict resolution, and writing musicals with Mike Webb of Starlight Theater. I do these things now, but not as frequently as I would if I had the time and income.
What's one thing you'd like to see in Rockford?
I would like to see rail service in Rockford and a renewal of the downtown into an arts and cultural center, with living space.
What is one fact folks might not know about you?
People may not know that I am a 2nd degree black belt in Shotokan Karate, and that Mike Webb and I have a musical at Starlight this summer, based on the story of Jonah and the Whale.
What are one or two charitable organizations you are dedicated to and why?
I am on the board for Family Counseling Services. I also like to help with the Y's Strong Kids Campaign and Boylan High School's alumni fund raising, and support the heart and cancer societies.
Anything you'd like to say about your role on the Chamber board?
I am proud to be on the board with some of the most energized and talented leaders of our region, along with the leadership of such a gifted individual as Einar Forsman.
