Finance

During his undergraduate studies at Loyola University, John J. Schornack majored in philosophy until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952. Remaining with the military for four years, he received commission and attended the U.S. Navy Supply Corps School, where he was assigned to an aircraft carrier in Brooklyn, New York. As a supply officer, his primary responsibilities were to ensure that other personnel utilized their resources and kept an inventory of supplies. From this moment forward, Mr. Schornack’s interest shifted from philosophy to accounting.

At the inception of his career in 1955, Mr. Schornack joined Ernst & Young. Serving as partner between 1964 and 1991, he also served the firm in myriad other capacities, including as director of personnel from 1966 to 1971, assistant managing partner of the New York office from 1971 to 1972, managing partner from 1972 to 1974 and managing partner of the Chicago office from 1976 to 1985. From 1985 until his retirement in 1991, he was managing partner of the Midwest region and vice chairman of the firm.

During his tenure with Ernst & Young, Mr. Schornack sat on the management committee and served as chairman of the board of directors of the Ernst & Young Foundation for a decade between 1981 and 1991. Furthermore, in retirement, he was a founder and director of Wintrust Financial Corporation between 1996 and 2008. Civically involved as well, Mr. Schornack is a past president of the Chicago Youth Centers, sat on the board of governors for the Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera, and was a life trustee and volunteer for the United Way. He also dedicated his time to DePaul University, the Northwestern University Graduate School of Management, the Loyola University Citizens’ Board, the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business and Barat College, among other organizations. Since 2004, he has been a trustee of Catholic Charities of Chicago.

Maintaining affiliation with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the American Accounting Association, the Illinois Society of CPAs and the Midwest-Japan Association, Mr. Schornack also served as a member of the Chicago Club, the Glen View Club and the Little Club. He considers a highlight of his career to be his participation with the Midwest-Japan Association, as he enjoys assimilating into a different culture. In light of his contributions to the Japanese people and culture, he received the Order of the Sacred Treasure from the Emperor of Japan in 1999.

Looking towards the future, Mr. Schornack intends to continue enjoying his retirement and spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoys charitable work as well and wants to make himself available to the citizens of his local region for the greater good.

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