Advisory Board
Dr. Gene Crume P
Dr. Gene Crume has been the President of Judson University for 12 years, leading the institution through its first comprehensive strategic plan in 2019. Under his leadership, Judson introduced its first doctoral programs, expanded academic offerings, and acquired the Ambria College of Nursing. He also helped launch innovative initiatives like the R.I.S.E. program for intellectually differently-abled students and expanded athletics with new sports teams.
The university’s World Leaders Forum, a major fundraising event, has raised over $3 million and provided scholarships for more than 50 students. Fundraising efforts have grown significantly with multiple million-dollar gifts and increased annual giving.
Dr. Crume’s career includes roles at Western Kentucky University, Tidewater Community College, Park University, Midland Lutheran College, and Indiana State University Foundation. He actively serves on various boards, speaks on leadership and education topics, teaches a class each semester, and mentors the Roeser Leadership Scholars.
He holds a B.A. in Public Relations and an M.A. in Communications from Western Kentucky University, along with a Ph.D. in Education with a focus on Organizational Leadership from the University of Virginia.
Winston Blake
Winston Blake is the Founder and Managing Partner of Robert Rose Capital LLC, with over 20 years of experience in financial services. His career began at JP Morgan Chase as a financial credit analyst, where he worked in underwriting, banking, and later with Chase Capital Corporation, leading investments in diverse industries such as food production and aerospace.
He later served as President of Attucks Asset Management, overseeing a $4 billion portfolio for institutional investors. His role included financial management, strategic initiatives, and business development. In 2020, he successfully led the acquisition of a competitor, doubling the firm’s assets and broadening its investment capabilities.
Winston holds a B.S. in Communication Studies and an M.B.A. in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
James Luster
James Luster, a Chicago Southside native, is dedicated to educating individuals on the importance of financial planning. His programs and services equip individuals with the financial tools required to accumulate generational wealth through buying money at a discount. James is passionate about empowering families with financial knowledge to secure their long-term financial future.
Cory Croft
Cory is a passionate and people-focused entrepreneur with 16 years of experience across corporate and operational roles. Known for his dynamic and scrappy leadership style, he excels at leading teams, driving growth, and maintaining a strong company culture. His background includes roles in inventory management, strategy, and marketing at Target, Accenture, Delta Airlines, and Expedia, as well as leadership positions at tech startups like Sonder and Rinse.
Growing up in a single-parent household in Milwaukee, WI, Cory developed a strong sense of responsibility and independence from a young age, shaping his leadership approach with humility, respect, and gratitude.
He holds a B.S. from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, with concentrations in marketing, strategy, finance, and entrepreneurship. Now living in Chicago with his wife and daughter, Cory enjoys golf, grilling, and family time. His core competencies include growth strategy, customer experience, market sizing, and business case development.
Anna Barsky
Anna Barsky, a Vice President and Business Development Officer at Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc., has been in the 1031 industry for over 15 years and is located in IPX1031’s Chicago office. Anna specializes in all types of real estate exchanges and assists in structuring complex 1031 transactions. She is an expert in 1031 Exchange rules and regulations and frequently conducts continuing education classes for law firms, accounting firms and commercial real estate companies throughout the Midwest. Prior to joining IPX1031, Anna was instrumental in implementing tax deferred 1031 Exchange programs at banks and Fortune 500 companies.
Robert A.J. Patton
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a finance and capital markets expert with over 15 years of experience in investment banking, endowment management, and real estate development. He began his career at Duke Realty, analyzing leases and valuing real estate portfolios, and later led investment and underwriting operations at Equities First, a $500 million fund.
A.J. went on to found 548 Capital, LLC, and 548 Development, LLC, combining his financial expertise with his passion for community development and sustainability. In 2022, he merged these ventures into 548 Enterprise, a full-service firm providing comprehensive development solutions focused on housing, environmental sustainability, and economic growth in inner cities.
Based in Chicago, A.J. is an avid sports fan, golfer, and father. His accolades include being named a Midwest Energy “40 Under 40” honoree, a member of the American Council on Renewable Energy, and a Chicago INVEST South/West Winner. He holds a B.S. in Finance from Indiana State University.
Jeff Allen
Jeff Allen is the Vice President of U.S. Commercial Real Estate at BMO Harris Bank, where he provides capital to real estate investors, focusing on the Chicagoland area. With extensive experience in commercial banking, Jeff specializes in underwriting, portfolio management, asset quality, loan review, and bank operations.
Previously, he served as a Senior Commercial Real Estate Banker at Urban Partnership Bank, where he supported development projects in underserved communities across Chicago.
Jeff holds a B.S. in Economics with a minor in Finance from Florida A&M University. He is actively involved in community development, serving on the Metro Board of Neighborhood Housing Services and the Financial Services Pipeline Initiative’s Steering Committee. He is also a member of the Emerging Leaders of the Business Leadership Council, the Illinois Bankers’ Association, and the Real Estate Investment Association.