Executive Office

Mary is an alumna from the University of Iowa. She holds a master’s degree in Higher Education and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She is currently the CEO of the Retail Jewelers Organization and Executive Director of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity and Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority.

Mary has held virtually every fraternal leadership position including President. She is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the Executive Staff. She is the proud mother of Brother Ben Peterson #64 of the Omicron Chapter and also a proud biological sister of Brother Tim Wightman #64 of Alpha Chapter.

She is also a proud sister of Alpha Phi Fraternity and Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority.

Assistant Executive Director, Bro. Eduardo Diaz

Eduardo “Eddie” Díaz joined the Executive Office in January 2010 as the Assistant Executive Director. He has attained a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Spanish from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Masters Degree in Higher Education Administration from Loyola University Chicago. He has worked at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in student affairs with the Illini Union Board and the Illinois Leadership® Center, Boston College in the Office of Residential Life, University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the Dean of Students Office and for Semester at Sea aboard the MV Explorer for the 100th Voyage around the world. Eddie’s future plans include to go back on semester at sea, attain a PhD in Psychology and become a university president.

Director of Member Services & Development, Bro. Ricardo J. Cortez

Ricky is on his third year working for Sigma Lambda Beta’s Executive Office.  He’s a technology enthusiast, and even if he doesn’t appear to be one, he is a nerd at heart.  When he’s not trying to keep up with the world of technology, or busy helping brothers out, he likes putting his FiveFinger shoes to work with a good game of volleyball.  He graduated from the University of Florida in May of 2009 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Recreation, Parks & Tourism and was initiated into the Revolutionary Zeta Beta Chapter on April 7th, 2007.  Since that day he’s believed that if he has given Sigma Lambda Beta his everything, he’s not given Sigma Lambda Beta enough.

Director of Member Services & Outreach, Bro. Christopher Maxwell

Christopher Maxwell is the Director of Member Services & Outreach at the Executive Office.  He graduated from Central Michigan University where he studied Broadcast & Cinematic Arts.  His main role in the Office is to oversee chapter & organizational operations & management in the Northwest, Southwest, Central, and East Regions.  Aside from his administrative tasks, Christopher also works to build professional relationships with businesses & non-profit organizations in order to strengthen SLB’s resources and provide mutual opportunities between the organization and potential partners.  Lastly, Christopher leads the Office in taking on media endeavors to showcase the organization through different avenues and promote the organization as well!

Executive Assistant, Karen Hanes

Karen Hanes joined the Executive Office staff in March of 2008.  She currently holds the position of Executive Administrative Assistant for both Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity and Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority.  Prior to joining the Executive Staff, Karen was a successful business owner, owning and running a boutique maternity shop.  Karen enjoys spending time with her husband and children, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, as well as volunteering and giving back to the local community she has grown up in.

Human Resources & Bookkeeper, Katie Schneider

Katie Schneider joined the executive office staff for Sigma Lambda Beta in July 2009.  Prior to joining the staff she was employed as a Branch Manager and Second Vice President at a local bank, having worked in the banking industry for 10 years.  Katie currently handles the Bookkeeping and Human Resources work for both Sigma Lambda Beta and Sigma Lambda Gamma and is in the office two days a week.  Katie spends her free time with her husband Allen and their children.  Katie enjoys having strong ties to the local community she grew up in and serves as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for Systems Unlimited Inc.

Undergraduate Intern, Bro. Thomas Arce

Thomas Arce is a senior at the University of Iowa from Gary, Indiana. He is majoring in political science with an emphasis in American institutions and completing a certificate program in Critical Cultural Competence with a gender and sexuality emphasis. He has been a Brother of the Almighty Alpha Chapter since Spring 2009 and has held leadership positions such as, Community Service & Academic Chair (Fall 2009), and President (2010).He is currently the President of the newly recognized Multicultural Greek Council. His post graduate plans are to enroll in graduate school for higher education. Thomas is extremely excited and honored to work within the Executive Office and gain both professional and fraternal experience.