FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Halo Advisory Group Founder and Chairman Lou Sandoval Receives Dominican University’s James W. Haugh Award
Brennan School of Business honor recognizes entrepreneurship, ethical leadership and commitment to community
CHICAGO, October 9, 2026 – Halo Advisory Group announced today that its founder and chairman, Lou Sandoval, has received the James W. Haugh Award for Entrepreneurship and Ethics in Business from Dominican University’s Brennan School of Business.
Named for James W. Haugh, former chairman of Dominican University’s Board of Trustees and a former KPMG national practice director, the award honors individuals whose achievements demonstrate exceptional business acumen, dedication to community and personal integrity. It recognizes the connection between entrepreneurial success and the responsibility business leaders have to the people and communities they serve.
Past recipients include Ralph B. Mandell, co-founder of PrivateBancorp; Art Velasquez and the Velasquez family, owners and operators of Azteca Foods; and entrepreneur and financial technology leader Kristi Ross. The award’s history reflects a commitment to recognizing leaders who combine enterprise building with ethical conduct and community involvement.
Sandoval’s career spans entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, board governance and civic service. Through Halo Advisory Group, he works with companies, investors and leadership teams to execute growth strategies, improve operating performance, integrate acquisitions and develop leadership systems that support sustainable growth.
His experience includes serving as President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, leading the turnaround of SupplyHive, developing connected technology businesses at Brunswick Corporation and founding Karma Yacht Sales. He also serves as a director of Wintrust Bank N.A.
“It is a great honor to receive the James W. Haugh Award from Dominican University’s Brennan School of Business,” said Sandoval. “I am grateful to Dean Curci and the University’s Board of Trustees for this recognition. Mr. Haugh’s legacy of leadership, integrity and service to Dominican makes this honor especially meaningful. I am humbled to receive an award that reflects values I have sought to uphold throughout my life and career.”
The principles reflected in the Haugh Award align with Halo Advisory Group’s approach to helping organizations grow through disciplined execution, accountable leadership and strong stakeholder relationships. Sandoval brings that perspective to his advisory work with founders, executives, boards and investors navigating significant business transitions.
About Halo Advisory Group
Halo Advisory Group is a management consulting firm that helps companies and investors execute growth strategies, optimize operations, integrate acquisitions and strengthen leadership effectiveness. Founded by Lou Sandoval, the firm supports organizations navigating inflection points, pursuing accelerated expansion and building the operating capabilities needed for lasting performance.
Media Contact
Media Director | Halo Advisory Group
Media@Haloadvisorygroup.com | 773-254-0200
# # #