Past STAC Presidents and Current Members Reflect on Our Centennial and the Enduring Impact of STAC

"As a member and past president of STAC, I am grateful to this organization in so many ways.

My first memories of STAC go back to the exchange floor—surrounded by big personalities and characters straight out of a movie script—while I was just a young clerk at a small firm. I had limited knowledge of the business and knew only one other person on the entire exchange. What made all the difference for me was the STAC events—and more importantly, the STAC family. The events were always enjoyable, always welcoming, and truly made my experience in a new city feel more connected.

What I experienced personally is something STAC has always done well: creating connections, building community, and supporting its members in a very genuine way. That spirit has carried through for generations, and it’s why STAC continues to thrive.

As we approach STAC’s 100th year, I’m proud to have played a part in carrying on the traditions that make this organization so special. Our fundraising and scholarship efforts remain some of the most meaningful work we do—opening doors for those just starting out, much like I once was. STAC’s commitment to the Chicago community continues to grow, not just through financial support, but through mentorship, connection, and shared purpose.

Supporting STAC means investing in the next century of leadership, community, and opportunity."

With gratitude,
Steven Roy
STAC President (2020)

"As a past STAC President and STA Board of Governors member, I’m so grateful to STAC and excited to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

My introduction to STAC was a 'STAC Attack' cocktail and networking event in 2015. I had recently moved to Chicago from Maryland and was eager to find a group that could help me expand my personal and professional network in the Chicagoland area. I immediately knew this unique community could help me consistently engage with and learn from seasoned professionals across every level of the securities industry.

I’m always amazed at STAC’s power to help shape the next era of securities trading in Chicago. STAC puts so much into member education, like the content-led Mid-Winter Meeting, which allows attendees to network, hold concentrated peer discussions and gain exposure to a diversity of ideas and perspectives. During my tenure I was also thrilled to see the launch of STAC Young Professionals - a forum within STAC that helps securities industry professionals accelerate professional development during their early to mid-careers. YP truly demonstrates the power of STAC and its ability to empower the next generation to expand their professional knowledge and network and blaze a path for the future.

STAC’s mission of education, networking and philanthropy is as important today as it was 100 years ago. I’m proud to have contributed to the evolution of this amazing member community as we prepare for the next 100 years."

Lauren Arbid
STAC President (2024)

"Celebrating STAC's 100th anniversary is deeply meaningful to me—not just as a milestone of longevity, but as a testament to the strength, growth and community this organization has built over a century. As one of STAC’s first female presidents and a long-term member, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities STAC has given me to grow, connect and give back.

I’ve witnessed firsthand how this organization transforms careers and lives, and I’m proud to have played a part in its history, especially helping to open doors for future generations. I know firsthand how financial hurdles can impact young people in their educational journey, and that’s just one of the many reasons why I think the STAC Fund Scholarship program is so vital to our community.

The legacy we’ve built over the last 100 years is one of resilience, mentorship and purpose, and it’s been wonderful to have been a part of that journey. STAC has never just been about networking—it’s about lifting each other up, and that mission is more important now than ever."

Patty Schuler
STAC President (2011)

“STAC’s 100th anniversary isn’t just a milestone—it’s a reflection of a century of connection, collaboration and progress in our industry. As someone early in my career, I’m inspired by the legacy I’ve joined and proud to help shape its future through initiatives like STAC Young Professionals. STAC YP is such a great example of the power of STAC: it was created specifically to foster a supportive environment for emerging talent and allow driven early to mid-career professionals to come together to learn and network with their peers. The breadth and depth of exposure and educational opportunities that STAC offers are critical when starting out or advancing your career. This centennial celebration reminds us that our collective impact, especially when we invest in the next generation, is what drives real, lasting change.”

Hanna Droessler
STAC YP Leader

“STAC’s 100th anniversary isn’t just a celebration of time; it’s a celebration of impact. For me, STAC has always been about building real connections, embracing change and learning from those around you. As the industry evolved from open outcry to electronic trading, STAC helped me – and so many others - expand our networks, gain new perspectives and grow as professionals. It’s an organization that empowers people, whether through mentorship, education or philanthropy, and that’s why it continues to shape both careers and communities. I’m proud to have been a part of STAC for over two decades and witness its enduring influence on both the City of Chicago and the overall securities trading industry.”

Ted Bilharz
25 Year STAC Member
15 Year STAC Board Member

"One hundred years of STAC is more than just a milestone, it’s a testament to the power of community, connection and giving back. As a past STAC and STAC Fund President, I’ve seen firsthand how this organization helps people grow professionally, personally and philanthropically. STAC has given me lifelong friendships, career-shaping opportunities, and the chance to support the next generation through our scholarship fund. It’s an honor to be part of this legacy, and I’m excited to help carry it forward into the next century."

Dan Finkelstein
STAC President (2022)

"STAC has been a foundation of my professional life since I secured my first job in institutional trading in 2009. From the moment I joined, I saw the value of this incredible network for both members and member firms. From educational content to career development opportunities and more, STAC continuously supports its members. It’s a testament to the power of this organization that each new career venture I’ve embarked upon has been through a connection from STAC or the national STA network.

STAC has allowed me to grow as a leader, build lifelong relationships and launch initiatives like the STAC Poker Tournament and Face-Off Hockey Tournament, which have shown me how powerful this community can be when it rallies around a cause. Since launching these events, we’ve raised our scholarship contributions from just a few thousand dollars to over $50,000 annually, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to be part of an organization that can do that. The 100th anniversary is a celebration of STAC’s longevity but also a celebration of the impact we’ve made and the lives we’ve touched. I’m proud to have played a role in that legacy and excited for the next century of growth, connection and philanthropy."

James Bohrer
Two-Term STAC President (2017 and 2018)
Founder of STAC Poker and Face-Off Hockey Tournaments

“When I walked into my first STAC event more than a decade ago, I never imagined how much this organization would shape my career and my life. STAC has given me a voice, a platform to give back, and a network of truly remarkable people who have become friends and mentors. I’m especially proud of the work we’ve done through STAC Young Professionals—creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation to learn, connect and lead—and through the STAC Fund, which has grown from small beginnings into a powerful engine for good, awarding scholarships and supporting impactful community initiatives. From recruiting applicants and selecting deserving students for scholarships based on their amazing accomplishments, to serving meals at The Night Ministry, STAC has allowed me to give back to our community and witness firsthand how powerful our collective impact can be. Thanks to the wonderful generosity of our STAC community, we’ve been able to increase our philanthropic efforts tenfold in the last ten years and make over $500,000 in charitable donations and scholarship awards to support Chicagoland students. It’s an honor to be president of STAC during our 100th anniversary and celebrate a century of community, opportunity and service.”

Ginny Kowalczyk
STAC President (2025)

"STAC has never just been a professional association to me; it’s my community, my people. Every single person I’ve met through STAC has shown a willingness to lift others up, whether it’s helping someone build their career, grow their network or support our greater Chicago community. That spirit of generosity and connection is what makes STAC so special. I am particularly proud to have helped launch STAC Young Professionals—a group focused on creating pathways for the next generation of industry leaders. As we celebrate 100 years, I’m humbled by the legacy we’re carrying forward and the future we’re building together. From supporting students and early-career professionals to expanding our impact across the industry, STAC continues to be the greatest matching engine out there—and I’m honored to be part of it."

Jason Schwab
STAC Vice President (2025)

"Serving a STAC President was a great way for me to give back to the organization which I joined over two decades ago. The experience gave me a chance to help shape the management of an organization that has had an outsized impact on my career. During my tenure, I’m proud of the strides we made in expanding member engagement, modernizing our operations and laying the groundwork for long-term growth and stability. But more than any one initiative, what stands out is the people — the relationships, the mentorship and the shared commitment to helping each other. I’ve been able to witness firsthand the professional power and generosity of this group, particularly through the STAC Fund, as we work to help prepare the future generation of security traders in Chicago. As we celebrate STAC’s 100th anniversary, I’m filled with pride knowing I played a small role in a century-long legacy of connection, education and impact. Here's to the next hundred years of excellence."

Dan Romanelli
STAC President (2023)

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