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Our Mission
Support healthcare emergency preparedness efforts through collaborative and unique mutual aid, education, planning and response programs and services.
About CHUG
The Collaborative Healthcare Urgency Group (CHUG) is a one-of-a-kind mutual aid collaboration with healthcare providers across the country. Our role is to oversee members’ evacuation, transportation and relocation services, as well as to provide restoration and recovery assistance. We also provide training for members to ensure they’re prepared to respond to emergent events and disasters.
CHUG was formed by Connie Polke and Bill Pretzer in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy, which exposed a significant deficiency in emergency planning and response. With decades of experience in fire service, emergency medical services, emergency management and healthcare, our team of instructors and executives is uniquely positioned to provide an impactful education that empowers members to be prepared for any crisis.
Meet the Team
Connie Polke, Founder and CEO
Connie has more than 40 years of experience in the healthcare industry with a passion for bringing together healthcare organizations, emergency preparedness and response stakeholders in the interest of working collaboratively. Following the 911 tragedy, Connie noticed a gap in disaster recovery efforts, and in 1997, The Collaborative Healthcare Urgency Group was born, and officially received nonprofit status in 2005.
Connie has been instrumental in the development of CHUG’s emergency evacuation and emergency plans, educational programs, and exercises. Connie’s accolades include; the 2009 American Red Cross “Hero of the Year Award” for Disaster Relief, a two-time VIP recognition from the National Association of Professional Women, MVP from Advocate Health Care, Apria Sales Associate of the Year, Presidential recognition for volunteering for the Illinois Medical Reserve Corp and in 2020 received the prestigious award for biography in Marquis Who’s Who in America.
Jim O’ Callaghan, Managing Partner
Jim O’Callaghan is the co-founder of ACR which merged with the Collaborative Healthcare Urgency Group. In 2014, ACR received the RIA Phoenix Award for “Innovation in Restoration.”
Jim is dedicated to bringing the highest level of performance and restoration services to CHUG members. Through his more than 30 years of guiding ACR, his strong commitment to continued professional education has benefited both organizations and their clients.
Jim is a well-known pioneering figure in disaster preparedness and offers best practices for maintaining operational continuity. He is passionate about minimizing loss of use and containing operational expense for clients during emergency events.
Mike Pohl, Managing Partner
Mike Pohl is the co-founder of ACR which merged with CHUG. In 2014 ACR received the RIA Phoenix Award for “Innovation in Restoration.”
Like, Jim, Mike is dedicated to bringing the highest level of performance and restoration services to the CHUG members.
For more than 30 years of guiding ACR, his commitment is to managing the financial aspects of the companies to ensure profitability but ensures quality work in the best interest of ACR’s client’s and now CHUG’s membership.
Bill Pretzer, M.A., Co-Founder and Director of Operations & Training
Bill Pretzer is a retired Battalion Chief and Paramedic from the Chicago Suburban Fire Department. Bill brings vast experience to CHUG in the areas of emergency management, firefighter health and safety, OSHA compliance, commuter rail health and safety, healthcare emergency planning and preparedness, and traumatic stress response and recovery.
In his role as Director of Operations and Training for the Collaborative Healthcare Urgency Group (CHUG), Bill researches, evaluates, writes, and implements Emergency Operations Plans for Healthcare Organizations. Bill has also been an instructor and presenter for 40+ years and enjoys "Paying it Forward" to participants.
In 2010, Bill received the American Red Cross 2010 Hero Disaster Relief Award for his work during the H1N1 Pandemic.
John J. Schaefer, CR, WLS, CCHR-S, Director of Restoration Services
John Schaefer is a restoration industry veteran of more than 24 years, having acquired world-class education and experience in a wide variety of losses. He is currently the Director of Operations and is responsible for developing the company’s policy and procedure standards, as well as the integration of technological advancements to improve the performance of restoration services.
John Schaefer is among the most thoroughly certified restoration professionals with advanced designations from the governing bodies of the restoration industry. He is also a Certified Healthcare Remediator Supervisor through CICTI.
In addition to these certifications and others, he has been awarded the IICRC’s advanced designations of Master Water Restorer (MWR) and Master Fire & Smoke Restorer (MSR).
Ginny Clay, Controller
Ginny Clay started her journey with the company as an entry-level administrator and worked her way up to the position of controller. Ginny is always eager to take on new challenges and apply her keen eye for detail and love for organization to her work.
Mike Luehr, Educator/Consultant
Mike has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience with an extensive background in law enforcement training. Throughout his career Mike has worked with local organizations to assist them in implementing their response to active threats, coordinated and trained volunteer groups in emergency response, and was assigned as a school liaison officer.
Jina Lebert-Davies, LNHA, Educator/Consultant
Jina is a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator with more than 30 years of experience coordinating patient services in hospital, pharmacy, assisted living, and skilled nursing settings.
Organizations under her leadership have been recognized for compliance with the highest national standards for safety and quality of care. Jina prioritizes staff training and development, ethical practices, collaboration, and continuous improvement to promote positive health and wellness outcomes Jina’s unique professional experience complements CHUG member training & education.
Ginia Goggio, Educator/Consultant/Sales
Ginia is a dedicated professional with a strong background in health and human services. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Indiana University, followed by a Master's degree in Health and Human Services. Ginia has channeled her expertise into fundraising for various nonprofit organizations, including hospitals, grief support networks, and shelters. Adding to her credentials, she has also worked as a Director of Marketing & Sales in the home care industry.
Ginia's journey in the healthcare and nonprofit sector has been both diverse and impactful. She will leverage her vast experience to serve CHUG members and the organization with her unwavering dedication to improving the well-being of individuals and communities alike!
Tom Smith, MS, IPEM, Educator/Consultant
Tom is a retired police commander with an extensive background in emergency management, including emergency coordination for the Village of Palatine, IL, a team leader for the Illinois EM Assistance Team, and a Red Cross volunteer.
As a trainer for CHUG, Tom provides training and facilitates exercises for healthcare facilities on ICS, active shooter, exercises, and disaster preparedness topics.
Tom is also the CHUG liaison for several Regional Health Care Coalitions throughout the State of IL reaching from Rockford in the far Northeast to Marion in the far south.
Wanda Celgin, HR Director / Virtual Assistant to the Managing Directors
Wanda has spent the last 30 years working in HR and as an Executive Assistant to both owners and directors across multiple disciplines around the country.
Working in an in-person and a virtual capacity, Wanda has brought a high level of organization and technical skills to help both ACR and CHUG not only with daily tasks, but in the growth of both organizations as well.
Megan Polke, Executive Administrator and Concierge
Megan is a flight attendant and also has a passion for emergency preparedness.
In her spare time, she supports CHUG with administrative responsibilities and is working on her bachelor’s degree.
Trusted by the Best
Over the years, CHUG’s maintained strong relationships with a number of organizations that share a common goal of mitigating crisis. Our members and stakeholders include:
ACR is a commercial and residential restoration company that specializes in mitigating properties afflicted by flooding, fire, mold and catastrophic loss. CHUG and ACR have partnered to create a for-profit organization dedicated to the final phase of emergency management: response and recovery services.