Mayor Proposes Most Diverse, Inclusive, and Strategic Board for ACCA
Published on June 03, 2026
At the Tuesday, June 2nd Committee of the Whole meeting, Mayor John Laesch formally proposed the appointment of four new members to the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) Board, who, along with two proposed reappointments, will comprise the most diverse, inclusive, and strategically skilled Board in the history of ACCA.
Mayor Laesch’s recommendations align with his bold strategic priorities for the Board, which include diversifying content to fit Aurora’s rich cultural fabric, as well as long-term fiscal sustainability for ACCA. The newly proposed Board members are expected to broaden artistic expression by cultivating artistic programming that better represents those that live in Aurora, while adding key financial expertise to boost fundraising pipelines and expand local networks.
The four new appointments include Juan Sifuentes, the current Chairman of the East Aurora School District 131 Board; Diane Lantz, the former Executive Director of the Illinois Government Finance Officers Association; Nastasha Prunty, the President of Gospel Morale and Entertainment; and Christopher Childress, co-founder of Progressive Energy Group and the former President of Nicor Gas Services. Jonathan Hylton, the Principal of Clear Perspective Advisors, LLC, and Gina Moga, former City of Aurora Special Events Manager, serve as Mayor Laesch’s two proposed reappointments.
Sifuentes is a community-rooted bilingual leader who brings operational expertise and deep relationships throughout the East Side’s largest demographic community. He currently works as an office services and facilities manager for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, plus boasts 15-plus years in records and budget management.
Lantz is a proven municipal finance expert and certified public accountant with decades of public-sector leadership. She formerly served as the Village of Elk Grove’s Assistant Finance Director, has experience in multi-million-dollar asset growth, and is a trusted local government finance and strategic planning advisor. As an avid patron of the arts, Lantz’s presence is expected to strengthen ACCA’s fiscal strategy and long-term financial competency.
Prunty is a nationally recognized creative director, veteran, and cultural curator who has elevated Black arts and entertainment across the region. She is a U.S. Army Veteran, an Orchid Award recipient for Arts and Entertainment, and has been featured on various media outlets for her creative direction. Her career focus centers around diversifying audiences and historically underrepresented voices, which will help amplify ACCA’s commitment to improved community representation and continued artistic excellence.
Childress is a philanthropic business leader with a track record of generating large-scale revenue. He currently serves as the Co-Founder of Progressive Business Solutions and has maintained an extensive philanthropic track record in Aurora. His focus will be to assist ACCA in pursuing bold, alternative revenue streams to ensure future financial stability.
Hylton, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Board, provides strategic direction, financial oversight, and significant institutional knowledge pertaining to ACCA. He possesses over 25 years of investment advisory experience, and formerly served as the Vice President of Old Second National Bank.
Moga is a lifelong Aurora resident who retired from the City in 2021. She launched the “Downtown Alive!” series in 1998, oversaw the City’s acquisition of “Blue On The Fox,” plus managed over 100 festivals and 100 parades throughout her municipal tenure. She has also previously served on the RiverEdge Park Committee and Fox Valley Music Foundation Board.
“Our goal with each of these appointments was to provide continuity between seasoned, experienced members of the Board, along with new voices who will better represent the demographics of Aurora,” Mayor Laesch said. “With these appointments now in place, our goal will be to continue to build on the excellent performances offered by the Paramount Theatre, Stolp Island Theatre, RiverEdge Park, and Copley Theatre, while expanding our entertainment portfolio to meet the interests of the most diverse city in the State of Illinois.”
The City will be hosting a public reception at 5 P.M. on Tuesday, June 9 in Council Chambers, ahead of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting, allowing residents to meet and interact with the proposed appointees. An executive session will also commence later that evening, providing City Council members with the opportunity to speak with each appointee. The Council is expected to take a final vote on the proposed appointments during the Tuesday, June 23 City Council meeting.