Meet Our Team

Katie Koester

President & CEO

Katie Koester is a dedicated and experienced professional with a passion for people, community development, and event management. She currently serves as the Integrator and Special Event Manager at firefly grill, where she oversees operations and ensures the organization runs efficiently. Starting her career in event planning, Katie’s expertise in weddings and special events has made her a well-known and trusted figure in the community. Her calm, professional demeanor brings confidence to both her clients and her team.

Katie holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Marketing, and Hospitality from Kentucky Christian University. Over the years, she has expanded her professional expertise to include real estate, becoming a licensed broker with RE/MAX Key Advantage.

In addition to her professional achievements, Katie is actively involved in several community organizations, including Effingham Sunrise Rotary, the City of Effingham Tourism Board, and 100+ Women Who Care of Effingham County. Her commitment to serving others extends to her church and various local charities. Outside of work, Katie enjoys traveling and has visited many countries around the world.

With her strong leadership, dedication to service, and deep community ties, Katie Koester is a respected and influential leader in Effingham and beyond.

Katie resides in Effingham.

Contact For

• Advocacy
• Business Development
• Partnerships
• Policies
• Workforce Development

Becky Brown

Membership Director, NFCP

Becky is a Certified Not-For-Profit Executive with 30 years of Chamber experience. In her role, she works as a resource with our business community and members. The part of her role that is her passion is watching a business connect and invest for their growth. In addition, she enjoys engaging members with benefits that support their business and coordinates ribbon cuttings and welcoming new members with immediate exposure. 

Becky received her Associates Degree in Accounting from Lake Land College in 1994; a Dale Carnegie graduate in 1996 & a graduate assistant in 1999; completed the Pacific Institute Investment in Excellence Training in 2006 and received the Dana Ketterling Lifetime Achievement Award – Bronze level for $175,000 in sales in 2020 from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. 

Becky is also active in the community as a member of Sunrise Rotary & Past President for the club; a member of the Effingham Women of Today, and a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Strasburg.

Becky and her husband, Ken, reside in Effingham. They have two children and six grandchildren.

Photo: Nuxoll Photography

Contact For

• Business Referrals
• Community Relocation Information
• Event Scheduling
• Membership
• Volunteering

Nicole Morrison

Director of Marketing & Communications

Nicole brings over 20 years of expertise in the hospitality industry, with a strong focus on catering and non-profits. In her role at the Effingham County Chamber, she manages marketing, advertising, public relations, event coordination, and sponsorship development, playing a key part in the Chamber’s success.

A graduate of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications with a minor in Marketing. She leverages her communication and marketing skills to foster meaningful relationships and create growth opportunities in all her professional pursuits. Additionally, she serves on the City of Effingham Tourism Activity Board.

Nicole resides in Salem with her boyfriend, Zach, and their children, Nolan, Dane, and Kayce.

Photo: Nuxoll Photography

Contact For

• Advertising/Marketing
• Events & Sponsorships
• Member Communication & News
• Public Relations
• Social Media

Michelle Markham

Administrative and Membership Associate

Michelle earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Pathology with a minor in Psychology from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Before moving to Effingham, Michelle worked as a substitute teacher in the Sioux City Community School District.  She volunteered her time in the programs and events provided for teenagers in need.  She is actively involved in her family’s generation farm, serving as their Secretary and Chair for over 13 years.  Michelle uses her organizational skills to help the Chamber operate to its full potential. 

Michelle and her husband, Chad, have three children and reside in Mason, Illinois.   

Photo: Piotrowski Studios

Contact For

• Administrative
• Business After Hours Scheduling
• Financial Records

Jeff Fritchtnitch, Ed. S.

Director of Workforce Development

Serving 34 years in public education and serving as a teacher, coach, associate principal, principal, and superintendent for his final 18 years, Mr. Jeff Fritchtnitch retired as the Superintendent of the Mt. Vernon Township High School District #201 in 2020. Locally, he was the Superintendent of the Altamont Community Unit School District #10, where he served as Superintendent for 10 years.

Jeff has served on several educational related committees and boards holding the position of president for many of them during his tenure.  He has been a presenter and facilitator at professional conferences, such as Illinois Association of School Administrators, National Association of School Administrators, as well as leading strategic planning for some area businesses, businesses throughout Illinois and several other states.  He also has been an inspirational speaker to school districts, student organizations and businesses throughout the Midwest.

Jeff has a longstanding connection with the Effingham County Chamber, having commenced his tenure as Workforce Development Committee Chair in 2012, a position he held for two years. Throughout this period, he maintained his involvement with the Committee while concurrently assuming the role of Chairman on the inaugural Effingham Regional Career Academy Board. Furthermore, Jeff assumed the esteemed position of Effingham County Chamber Board Chair in 2016. In 2021, Jeff transitioned to the Chamber staff as the Workforce Development Director, concentrating his efforts on implementing EC-JOBS and various other workforce initiatives.

Jeff earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University. Concurrently with his teaching career, he pursued and obtained his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Governors State University. Later, while serving as a principal, he furthered his education by completing his Master’s Degree in Educational Specialists from Eastern Illinois University. Jeff’s commitment to professional development is also evidenced by his participation as an Illinois School for Advanced Leadership Fellow.

Photo: Piotrowski Studios

Contact For

• Workforce Development