Rick Surkamer, Class of 2013
President and COO, Sun Times Media Group
Mr. Surkamer was appointed President and COO of Sun Times Media Group in February 2009. The Sun Times Media Group is the number one media holding company for multiple publications, web sites and local news in the Chicago region. He is responsible for finance, new media, IT, sales, marketing, labor, manufacturing, distribution and overall general management of 48 publication titles in the metro Chicago land region. He led the firm through reorganization and sale to a local investor group, assuring that the voice of the Chicago area would be sustained. He joined the company as VP Operations in March 2007 and was named EVP and COO in October 2007.
From 2003-2007 Mr. Surkamer held positions of increasing responsibility from VP & General Manager to President & COO at Rollex Corporation. His efforts were focused on maximizing shareholder value through divestiture of non-core business units, closure of unprofitable product lines, and sale of facilities.
Mr. Surkamer served as COO for two internet and technology companies from 1999- 2001. He raised capital and then led in the sale of both firms. From 2002-2003 he served as acting President of a privately held fluid power manufacturer.
From 1997 to 1999 Mr. Surkamer was Senior Vice President of Global Marketing, Sales and Service at Goss International. Some of his accomplishments included creating a consolidated global aftermarket organization, consolidating global product development, and growing sales in the Americas by 40% in one year.
Mr. Surkamer held various positions at the Tribune Company from 1986 until 1997, receiving nine promotions in eleven years. Some of his accomplishments at the Tribune include providing industry leading operations initiatives, speaking at global conferences, leading multiple company-wide supply and productivity initiatives, and developing a Commercial Division that is still providing a significant share of the Chicago Tribune operating margins.
Mr. Surkamer is an active alumnus of Lake Forest Graduate School of Management (Class of 1987 with honors). He completed the President and Publisher Development Program at Northwestern Kellogg-Medill Joint Venture. He is former Chair of the Illinois Economic Development Council for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce; and is currently a board member of the Suburban Newspapers of America. He was elected to the LFGSM Board of Directors in February 2010.
Undergraduate course work at Lawrence University (Philosophy), Carthage College (Religion Studies), Cardinal Stritch University (Religion Studies and Economics), and the University of Wisconsin – School of Letters and Science (Sociology)
MBA, Lake Forest Graduate School of Management
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