Ralph Velazquez Jr. now chair of Monmouth College's board
New members are Joel Hillison and Monmouth native Nathan Gaskill
Monmouth, Ill. (11/09/2026) — At the most recent meeting of its Board of Trustees, Monmouth College honored a successful past leader and welcomed new leadership and new members.
Mark Kopinski '79 was recognized for his many contributions during his nine-year tenure as board chairman. Under the leadership of Kopinski, a retired chief investment officer and senior vice president with American Century Investment Management, the college's endowment grew by roughly 50%. Kopinski will remain on the board.
"Mark served with distinction, integrity and unwavering dedication," said Monmouth President Patricia Draves. "Throughout his tenure as chair, he provided thoughtful guidance, strategic vision and steadfast support for the college's mission of fostering academic excellence, personal growth and service to society."
Kopinski's 1979 classmate, Ralph Velazquez Jr., served as his vice chair for all nine years, and Velazquez will now chair the board. Velazquez is the chief medical officer of OSF Healthcare System. His vice chair will be 1989 graduate Brad Nahrstadt, a retired attorney and 25-year member of the board. Among a handful of titles during his legal career, Nahrstadt served as chief operating officer with Donohue Brown Mathewson & Smyth. He also delivered the college's Commencement address last spring.
Gaskill, Hillison join board
The two new board members include a Monmouth native, Nathan Gaskill '04, and a retired U.S. Army colonel, Joel Hillison '83. Gaskill started his role in October, while Hillison will officially join the board on Jan. 1.
"As a first-generation college student, Nathan understands firsthand the transformative power of higher education and the opportunities it creates for students and families like his," said Draves. "He will be a valuable trustee for Monmouth."
Gaskill has built an accomplished career in public finance, accounting, technology and organizational strategy. He serves as a partner at Lauterbach & Amen, LLP, in Naperville, Illinois, where he has more than 20 years of experience helping governmental organizations strengthen their financial, operational and technology capabilities. Throughout his career, Gaskill has worked with municipalities, public pension funds, libraries, fire protection districts and other public-sector entities, while also helping grow the firm's financial reporting services to more than 150 governmental organizations.
Despite his professional success, Gaskill remains deeply connected to his local roots and has been a significant supporter of Monmouth and its students. His wife, Laura Haumiller Gaskill '05, is also a proud alumna.
Hillison is a professor at the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania, where he serves as director of the national security policy and strategy course. After earning degrees in business administration and economics at Monmouth, he earned a master's degree in economics from the University of Oklahoma, a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, and a Ph.D. in international relations from Temple University.
Hillison retired from the Army following more than 30 years of service, including service in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom and assignments in Europe and Honduras. His leadership experience included serving as comptroller and deputy chief of staff for resource management for multinational forces in Iraq and as comptroller for NATO's Combined Joint Planning Staff in Belgium, where he worked with representatives of NATO member nations and oversaw a $118 million budget.
In 2022, Monmouth recognized Hillison with its Distinguished Alumnus Award for his professional accomplishments and service.
"In addition to his exemplary military service, Joel is an experienced educator and scholar, and his unique global perspective and outstanding leadership qualities make him a highly valued new member of our board," said Draves.
Media Attachments
RALPH VELAZQUEZ, JR.: The new board chair at Monmouth is the chief medical officer of OSF Healthcare System.
NATHAN GASKILL: The 2004 alumnus grew up in town and graduated from Monmouth High School.
Monmouth College
Barry McNamara 309-457-2117, mcnamara@monmouthcollege.eduShare this Story
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