HINSDALE, IL, June 15, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Jessica Korpela Sherwood has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Sherwood has established a distinguished career marked by adaptability, leadership and a commitment to growth across multiple industries. Her early years were shaped by athletic achievement, as she was recruited to play soccer at San Diego State University on a full scholarship. She graduated in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in mass communication and media studies, an academic foundation that would later support her dynamic professional journey.

Following her graduation, Jess began her career in sports broadcasting with CBS, where she gained firsthand experience in media production and communication. Driven by ambition, she relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting, enduring significant challenges, including living out of her car for eight months. This period of perseverance led to an opportunity with the agency that had represented her as an actress. Over the next seven years, she played a pivotal role in expanding the agency's national presence, opening offices for One Source Talent — now known as Nine9 - from 2005 to 2010.

Seeking new challenges, Jess transitioned into commercial real estate in Chicago. She initially focused on retrofitting lighting systems in commercial buildings through utility-funded programs as a sustainability consultant with EverLights from 2010 to 2011 and then as an energy management specialist at AEP Energy from 2011 to 2013. Her expertise in energy efficiency and sustainability positioned her for advancement as the vice president of business development at (RE)METER, a Free Market Ventures subsidiary from 2014 to 2015.

In 2016, Jess joined Leopardo Construction as director of business development. She quickly distinguished herself by leveraging her relationship-building skills and strategic vision. Her efforts contributed significantly to the company's growth both locally and nationally, leading to the opening of three new offices in Florida, Ohio and Washington DC.

Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Jess was promoted to vice president of business development leading a national team in 2020 and subsequently advanced to senior vice president of growth in 2024. In this capacity, she oversees a workforce of more than 400 employees and manages a company valued at over $1 billion, focusing on partnerships and strategic growth opportunities.

Jess's influence extends beyond her executive responsibilities at Leopardo Construction. She has been involved with the Magnificent Mile Charitable Foundation through The Magnificent Mile Association since 2025, supporting outreach initiatives that benefit the broader Chicago community.

Known for her commitment to industry advancement, Jess holds board positions and leadership roles within several professional organizations, Since 2018, she has served as co-founder and board member of SHE BUILDS, advocating for women's leadership and career growth in construction and related fields. She has also contributed as networking chair for the Healthcare Engineer Society of Northern Illinois since 2019 and held the position of membership chair for AMFP Chicago within the Association of Medical Facilities Professionals from 2021 to 2022.

Jess's educational background has been instrumental throughout her career. Her studies at San Diego State University provided her with critical communication skills and media literacy that have underpinned her success across diverse sectors. She previously attended Columbine High School, graduating in 2001.

Civic engagement remains central to Jess's values. She actively participates in fundraising and charity work throughout Chicago and Hinsdale, supporting local causes and fostering community development.

In her personal life, Jess is dedicated to raising her two sons while maintaining an active lifestyle that includes participating in triathlons, half marathons and traveling. Looking ahead, she plans to develop a clothing line that reflects her personal style and fashion values alongside her ongoing professional ambitions at Leopardo Construction. Jess excels in personnel management and consulting, regularly collaborating with chief executive officers to identify opportunities for organizational improvement while sharing insights that drive business growth.

Jess attributes her success to an ability to connect genuinely with people, a quality that has earned her trust and built lasting relationships across every industry she has entered. Her dedication to accuracy, consistent follow-through and clear communication defines her leadership style and continues to set her apart as an innovator in the construction field.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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