MENDOTA, IL — Black Bros. Co., a sixth-generation, family-owned manufacturer of roll coating and laminating equipment, has announced an executive leadership transition designed to support the company’s long-term growth and continued success. The changeover is effective Sept. 1.
Matthew B. Carroll, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, will transition from his role as CEO and continue to serve as Chairman of the Board.
Carroll joined the company in 1978 and became Chief Executive Officer in 1995, succeeding his father, James S. Carroll. During his tenure, Black Bros. expanded into new markets and product lines while maintaining its reputation for quality manufacturing, engineering innovation, and customer-focused service. He will remain actively involved in guiding the company’s strategic direction and supporting the leadership team.
Jeff Simonton has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer and will lead the company’s day-to-day operations. Simonton joined Black Bros. in 1999 and has held several senior leadership roles, including Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and most recently President and Chief Operating Officer. His experience across both financial and operational functions positions him to lead the organization in its next phase of growth.
Evan Carroll has been promoted to Executive Vice President. A sixth-generation member of the Black family, Evan Carroll joined the company in 2017 and has developed experience across multiple areas of the business, including shop operations, sales, production, and engineering. In his new role, he will continue to take on expanded leadership responsibilities across the organization.
Megan Kneebone, Chief Financial Officer, will assume the additional role of Chief Human Relations Officer (CHRO). Kneebone joined the company full-time in 2008 and has advanced through several leadership positions, including Director of Accounting. In her expanded role, she will continue to oversee financial operations while leading all human resources functions, supporting both strategic growth and employee development.
“This transition reflects our commitment to long-term leadership continuity while building on the strong foundation that has defined Black Bros. Co. for generations,” said Matt Carroll.
Founded in 1882, Black Bros. Co. is a world-renowned manufacturer of roll coating and laminating equipment, serving a wide range of industries across the globe. Headquartered in Mendota, Ill., the company continues to emphasize quality manufacturing, innovative engineering, and long-standing customer relationships.
Matthew B. Carroll –
Matthew B. Carroll represents the fifth generation of family leadership at The Black Bros. Co., a company with more than a century of manufacturing history and a strong reputation for quality and innovation.
Matt joined the company in December 1978 and assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in 1995, taking over leadership from his father, James S. Carroll, who had led the company for several decades.
During his tenure as CEO, Matt guided the company through continued growth and evolution while maintaining its commitment to engineering excellence, product quality, and customer service. Under his leadership, Black Bros. expanded into new markets and product lines while reinforcing its position as a trusted manufacturer across multiple industries.
Matt is married, with six children and six grandchildren, with one more on the way. He takes great pride in both his family and the company’s continued legacy as a multi-generational business.
Upcoming Transition: Matt will step into semi-retirement, transitioning from his role as Chief Executive Officer while continuing to serve as Chairman of the Board.
Jeff Simonton –
Jeff Simonton joined The Black Bros. Co. in May 1999 and is entering his 28th year with the company. Over that time, he has held several key leadership roles, including Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and most recently President & Chief Operating Officer.
Jeff brings extensive financial and operational leadership experience, with a consistent focus on execution, performance, and the long-term success of the organization. His broad background across both finance and operations positions him well to lead the company into its next phase.
Jeff is a graduate of the University of Illinois. He is married, with two daughters and four granddaughters, and values time with his family.
Upcoming Transition: Jeff has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer and will assume full leadership of the company’s day-to-day operations.
Evan Carroll –
Evan Carroll, a sixth-generation member of the original Black family, joined The Black Bros. Co. full-time in August 2017 after graduating from the University of Iowa. Since then, he has followed a deliberate path to develop a comprehensive understanding of the business.
Evan began his career in the shop supporting assembly operations before transitioning into roles in sales, production, and engineering. He has also contributed to laboratory operations, supporting product testing and customer application development. His broad, hands-on experience across departments reflects a long-term leadership development approach within the company.
Evan is married and is the father of a young son. He values time with his family while continuing to build his experience across all areas of the organization.
Upcoming Transition: Evan will be promoted to Executive Vice President as he continues to develop across all company functions in preparation for future leadership of The Black Bros. Co.
Megan Kneebone –
Megan Kneebone began her career with The Black Bros. Co. while still in college and joined the company full-time in April 2008 as a Staff Accountant after graduating from the University of Iowa. Over her tenure, she has advanced through key leadership roles, including Director of Accounting, and now serves as Chief Financial Officer.
In her current role, Megan oversees all financial operations and compliance for the organization. She also leads the company’s human resource functions, aligning workforce strategy with business objectives. Megan holds both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Iowa and has continued to expand her expertise through additional coursework in financial management and human resources.
Megan is actively involved in the Mendota community, serving as President of the Mendota Business & Professional Women, Vice Chairperson for the OSF Saint Paul Medical Center Community Council, Treasurer for the Mendota Golf Club, and a member of the HR Source Advisory Committee. She is married and enjoys balancing her professional responsibilities with family life, staying active through CrossFit, golf, and travel.
Upcoming Transition: Megan will assume the additional title of Chief Human Relations Officer (CHRO), reflecting her expanded responsibility for leading all human resources functions alongside her financial leadership.
