About Us
Liz Ganitopoulos MBA, PDMM
Liz founded Private Matters, LLC in 1998 to meet the needs of the senior population. She is the managing partner and oversees the business, providing structure and organization. Liz spends most of her time with clients.
Liz was raised in Lake Forest, IL. She received a Bachelors degree in Nutrition from Northern Arizona University and her Masters in Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management.
Prior to launching Private Matters, LLC Liz worked in various administrative and managerial positions for Fortune 500 companies for 10 years. She then spent 14 years as President and CEO of a manufacturing business located on Chicago’s west side. While under her leadership the company doubled its revenue, began outsourcing proprietary component parts to China and put the company back on sound financial footing. In 1997 she sold the business to a competitor and led the team to ensure a smooth transition.
While CEO, Liz concurrently experienced first-hand the challenges families face due to the declining health of her parents. While helping her parents she identified the need for friendly, compassionate and trustworthy people to assist seniors with their financial matters.
In everything Liz does, she applies the values instilled by her parents and memorialized by Mark Twain quote…”Always Do Right”
Giving back to her community is a priority for Liz. Currently she is sharing her knowledge and energy with the following organizations:
Northbrook Senior Services Commission, appointed Commissioner in July, 2010.
American Association of Daily Money Managers – Speaker at “Business Basics” seminar for 4 years, serving on the Certification Board
Village Presbyterian Church – Deacon since January 2014 (3 year commitment). Liz serves on the congregational needs committee
Alzheimers Association – volunteers to work during their annual 5K walks
WTTW Channel 11 – volunteer to work phones during telethons accepting pledges
Past Volunteer Activities
Northbrook 4th of July Association, Co-Chair Pancake Breakfast – serving 3000 meals in 4 hours, coordinating 100 volunteers and 10 service organizations, 12 years
Northbrook Civic Foundation – 15 years
On a personal note…
Liz and Tas, her husband of 30 years, live in Northbrook and enjoy traveling the world. Liz loves to cook and entertain.
Vera M. Mayer
Vera joined Private Matters, LLC in 2007 as our administrative assistant. She handles our billing, mailings, records management and purchasing. On the client side, she handles, caregiver payroll, US Postal Service specialist, generates reports for contributions and spending, estimated tax payments.
Vera was raised in Chicago. She received both her Bachelors and Masters degree in Business Administration and Political Science from the University of Illinois. After a 34 year career with Kraft Foods, Vera took early retirement. Over the years she worked in many areas of responsibility both process/procedures and management for specific Brands and Support Groups (Sales and Logistics) : Credit and Account Receivables, Order Processing, Financial Audits and Controls, Acquisitions and Mergers and Strategic Planning and Operating Budgeting. Business net operating revenue responsibilities up to $250 million.
Giving back to her community is one of Vera’s core values. Currently she is sharing her skills and energy with the following organizations
Northbrook Library Board Trustee since August, 1996 appointed to fill an open position and since have been elected four times by the community. She has served as President, Vice-President and Treasurer of the Board. Vera works with her fellow trustees to ensure the Library meets the needs of the community and was involved in the 1997-1999 reconfiguration and expansion project.
Rotary Club of Northbrook member since September, 2006. Vera has served as Youth Exchange Officer, Fundraising Director, and Secretary and Club President 2011-12. Currently serves as the Rotary District 6440 Youth Exchange Chair and has personally hosted 3 exchange students. Member of the District team that went to India in February, 2012 and participated in the National Immunization Drive to eradicate Polio.
The Family Service Center Glenview, Kenilworth, Northbrook and Wilmette
Board member since January, 2012 involved in the Strategic Funding and Development committees.
Northbrook Symphony Board Member since March, 2012 involved in Strategic Funding activities
We are fortunate to have Vera, a talented and dedicated woman, as part of the team at Private Matters, LLC.