Hinsdale Central High School

J. Thomas Schanck

Membership level: Hall of Fame

J. Thomas Schanck

Inductee Year 2004
J. Thomas Schanck
J. Thomas Schanck, member and President of the Hinsdale Township High School Class of 1948, has had a stellar business and leadership career. His college years were spent at Dartmouth College. After serving with great distinction during the Korean Conflict, Tom began his career with Signode Steel Strapping Co. He was named Chairman and CEO in 1982 and continued in that role for 14 years. In addition, he was Vice Chairman of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), parent company of Signode.

In addition to his responsibilities at Signode and ITW, Tom has served on numerous corporate boards of directors, including American National Bank, Amerifin Corporation, Amsted Industries, Lindberg Corporation, Maytag and Snap-on-Tools. As a business leader, he also has served on the governing boards of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Economic Club of Chicago.

Tom Schanck and his wife Barbara are long time residents of the Hinsdale area. The Schanck’s have 3 children, Karen, William and Rebecca. Together, they are active in Christ Church of Oakbrook and its many youth focused activities.
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