SBAC Team

Elliot Richardson

Co-Founder & President

Elliot Richardson is the Co-Founder and President of the Small Business Advocacy Council, an organization laser-focused on advocating for the small business community. The SBAC is dedicated to passing legislation and moving policy initiatives that will help small and local businesses thrive. The SBAC works with numerous partners to provide the small business community a unified and strong voice to advocate on policies that impact the economy.

Elliot is a partner at the law firm Korey Richardson, LLP. Elliot has also served as the Board Chair for Kids Above All, an organization focused on protecting, healing and educating children and families so they can build better lives. Elliot remains on the Board of Directors. Elliot also formally served on the board of Youth Conservation Corp., Youth Communications and the YMCA Alliance Board. Additionally, Elliot formerly served on the Editorial Board of the Chicago Bar Association and on the Executive Committee of the Young Lawyers Section of the CBA.

Elliot received his law degree from the University of Dayton and received the University of Dayton School of Law Pro Bono Publico Service Award. Elliot graduated from Bradley University with a degree in sociology and criminal justice, with a minor in history.

Scott Baskin Bio

Scott Baskin

Retired President & CEO of Mark Shale
Chief Executive Officer

Scott Baskin retired as President and CEO of Mark Shale in 2011. Mark Shale was Chicago’s largest independent clothing retailer with stores in Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Kansas City, and St. Louis. Prior to his business career, Scott served as Chief Legislative Assistant to the late Congressman Abner Mikva.

In addition to his professional experience, Scott is an engaged community leader. He is a board member of Uptown United, an economic development organization serving Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. He was an elected member of the Northside College Prep High School Local Council and chair of its finance committee, and past treasurer of the Center for Law and Social Work. He is a graduate of Vassar College and Northwestern University School of Law.

scott@sbacil.org

Patti Zikmund-Roverud

Chief Operating Officer

Patti joined the SBAC Team in February 2020 as a part-time consultant while continuing her work at SBAC Empower as a Program Consultant. In June 2020, she was invited full-time to the SBAC as the Director of Membership and Communications. In February 2021, she was asked to be the Chief Operating Officer which she gladly accepted.

Patti has a Bachelors in International Business, Marketing and French. She speaks French and German fluently while dabbling in several others. Patti has built her career working with small businesses, start-up companies, and entrepreneurs helping them build internal and external communications as well as managing their business. Additionally, she is a certified DISC and Motivators Consultant.

patti@sbacil.org

Natalia Borowska

Policy & Community Engagement Specialist

Natalia is a Polish immigrant and lifelong Illinoisan. She joined the SBAC team in September 2023 upon graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with her Master of Public Affairs degree. Natalia has over half a decade of experience working in community relations and engagement in the higher education, nonprofit, and government spheres. She is passionate about using policy to make a positive change in the world, as well as bringing community members together to develop support networks and services. During her spare time, Natalia enjoys the outdoors, attending comedy shows, and taking her miniature goldendoodle, Romeo, to the dog park!

natalia@sbacil.org

Omari Prince

Government Affairs Liaison

Omari has ten years of experience in governmental relations. Prior to joining the Small Business Advocacy Council, Omari has served in government relations roles for companies where he built positive public relations, and developed and established effective working relations with clients and governmental officials. He has also worked on the teams of several political candidates, including Commissioner Larry R. Rogers Jr. and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood. During Omari’s spare time, he likes to work out, keep up with the latest Internet marketing trends, and advise candidates potentially seeking political office.

omari@sbacil.org

Emma Roach

Communications Specialist

Emma moved to Chicago and joined the SBAC team in October 2022 as the Communications Specialist. She graduated from the University of South Dakota with her B.S. in Media & Journalism with a specialization in strategic communications. She is responsible for communications, community connections, engagement, and marketing. Emma comes from the nonprofit world and has a passion for helping those in her community. Outside of work, she likes to explore her new home of Chicago, spend time with her two cats, and play video games.

emma@sbacil.org