WATERLOO, Iowa—VGM Group announced its board of directors recently elected two new members: Steve Ryan, senior vice president of client services at GreatBanc in Chicago, and Rebecca Ehretsman, president of Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. These two new members replace VGM co-founders John Deery, Jr., who resigned from his position on the board at the end of 2023, and the late Jim Walsh, who passed away on Oct. 12, 2023.
“We are fortunate to add two exceptional leaders to our board of directors,” said Mike Mallaro, who serves as the VGM executive chairman of the board. “VGM Group has become an increasingly sophisticated organization and a leader in the industries it serves. I’m excited to welcome their insights as we move the company forward.”
Ehretsman brings a unique perspective to VGM as president of a large organization, including leadership development and succession planning expertise. And, having a background in health care from her time as an occupational therapist and certified hand specialist, she also understands one of the core industries VGM serves. Ehretsman became president of Wartburg College in 2022, the first woman president in the institution’s history, and she is also the first woman to be elected to VGM’s board.
In his role at GreatBanc, Ryan specializes in serving employee-owned companies like VGM Group, which has been 100% employee-owned since 2008. Ryan also serves as chair of the ESOP Committee of Private Directors Association, a national organization for professionals serving on boards.
"I’m honored to be able to work with Mr. Ryan and Dr. Ehretsman,” said VGM CEO Jeremy Stolz. “Their depth of executive and leadership knowledge make them ideally suited to help guide VGM toward our ambitious goals and usher in the bright future we’re all building here.”
To learn more about VGM Group, the industries it serves, and its involvement within the Cedar Valley community, visit vgmgroup.com.
