Congratulations to the 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees!
Paul Flessner
Ford Central High School, Class of 1977
Flessner is a distinguished alumnus of Ford Central High School. He has achieved remarkable success in the technology industry and demonstrated exceptional leadership and philanthropic commitment. After graduating from Ford Central, Paul continued his education at Illinois State University, majoring in business and information technology and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1981.
Paul began his career at Microsoft in 1994, joining as a program manager and eventually filling the role of senior vice president of the server business. Notably, Paul was the pioneering leader of the server business unit when Microsoft reorganized into seven distinct business units. His innate drive to tackle complex challenges earned him a place within Microsoft founder Bill Gates’ inner circle of executives. During his impactful leadership, Paul oversaw business units generating annual revenues exceeding $7 billion and led a worldwide team of over 25,000 employees.
Prior to his tenure at Microsoft, Paul cultivated a strong foundation in IT (information technology), spending 13 years developing and managing IT systems for a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of healthcare products.
Paul’s connection to his alma mater, Illinois State University, remains strong. In 2006, he was inducted into (ISU’s) College of Business Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant professional achievements and contributions. Demonstrating his commitment to future generations, he established the Flessner Family Endowment to support students in accounting and business information systems. He has also generously shared his expertise and insights by serving as a classroom presenter and a keynote speaker at Business Week events.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Paul and his wife, Sue, a fellow 1981 College of Business alumna, have been deeply involved in the fight to cure cystic fibrosis. Driven by the personal experience of both of their sons being diagnosed with the disease, Paul served as a dedicated board member of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics. In this role, he was instrumental in pioneering the concept of “venture philanthropy,” notably securing a private gift of $20 million that directly contributed to the approval of the first drug targeting the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis — a monumental achievement in the field.
Continuing his commitment to positive impact, Paul currently invests in and mentors several socially responsible startup companies. Paul’s career is a testament to the power of leadership, innovation and a deep commitment to making a difference in the world. His achievements in the technology sector, coupled with his significant philanthropic contributions and ongoing support for future generations, make him an exemplary candidate for the PBL High School Alumni Hall of Fame.
Neal Kottke
Roberts-Thawville High School, Class of 1957
After high school, Kottke continued his education at the University of Illinois, earning his bachelor of science degree in 1962 and his master’s in business administration from Northwestern in 1963. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army overseas from 1963 to 1965 before entering the international business world. For over a decade, Neal worked in the international grain export industry, rising to vice president at Continental Grain Co. with roles in Minneapolis, Chicago, New York and Paris. In 1976, he founded Kottke Associates, a proprietary commodity futures and options trading firm, which he managed until 2020.
This firm had offices spanning the globe — in Chicago, New York, London and Singapore. Neal also served as vice chairman of the Chicago Board of Trade and chairman of the Chicago Board of Trade Clearing Corp. Beyond the financial world, he has been farming in Ford County since 1963 and owns and operates Oklahoma ranches, managing cattle across five states with his family-owned Kottke Cattle Co.
Neal has been married since 1963, has two children, and two grandchildren. His impressive career and contributions to the agricultural and financial sectors make him a truly deserving member of the PBL Hall of Fame.
Jennifer Rheeling
Paxton High School, Class of 1986
After high school, Rheeling attended Millikin University, majoring in athletic training, and continued her education at Indiana State University, earning her master of science in athletic training in 1991. Her career began as one of the first athletic trainers in the District of Columbia Public School System, where she retired in 2023.
Her impact stems not only from her exceptional clinical skills in injury prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation but also from her visionary leadership and mentorship. Rheeling has been instrumental in developing and implementing cutting edge rehabilitation protocols and advocating for the integration of evidence-based practice within athletic training. Her commitment to staying at the forefront of the field has led to the adoption of more holistic and patient-centered approaches to sports medicine.
She has received many awards for her leadership and advocacy endeavors. She earned the NATA Service Award and the NATA SAAC Excellence in Leadership Award, as well as the MAATA Service Award and Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award, and was ultimately inducted into the MAATA Hall of Fame in 2018. In 2019, she received both the NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award and the NATA EDAC Bill Chisolm Professional Service Award. Additionally, she will be inducted into the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame in the summer of 2025.
Beyond her direct patient care, Rheeling has significantly contributed to the education and development of future athletic trainers. She has served on various committees and associations as a respected mentor and educator. She has inspired countless students and young professionals to pursue excellence and ethical practice. Her passion for the profession is evident in her active involvement in professional organizations, where she has often taken on leadership roles to shape policy, promote research and elevate the standards of athletic training practice.
