John Feser serves as chief operations officer and chief financial officer for The Iona Group, a creative communications company that develops training, video, websites and interactives that educate and motivate Fortune 1000 clients’ target audiences. As an owner, Feser has led the Iona Group through a complete overhaul of their financial functions, implemented new processes and software, and taken personal responsibility for hiring key individuals.
Feser exemplifies the characteristics of strong and effective leadership, with the ability to tackle and accomplish challenges head-on, and the capacity to take a vision and drive it to reality. He demonstrates enthusiasm and includes others in planning and performing. Feser embodies the five E’s—example, education, environment, experience and evaluation—as stated in the book Building Character: Strengthening the Heart of Good Leadership by Gene Klann.
A Morton resident, Feser volunteers his time as a coach to his children’s sports teams and is involved with the Morton Pumpkin Festival. He serves on the board of the Morton Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Morton Economic Development Council, an enterprise focused on attracting and retaining businesses to the Morton area. He is also a member of the Morton Rotary Club.
The Iona Group has been a strong supporter of the Central Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross, and through Feser’s efforts, has worked with the organization to develop new branding and image. Other community service projects in which he has played an active role include: Lawndale Community Church, which provides service to disadvantaged inner-city Chicago areas, and Central Illinois Riding Therapy in East Peoria, which provides therapeutic riding for children and adults with physical and mental challenges.
As a partner and owner of The Iona Group, John Feser has never been satisfied with the status quo. He always challenges himself, and others, to do better and his hard work is evidence that he is concerned not only with his personal success, but the success of those around him. iBi
