Meet Our Team

Lucinda Hart, CAE, MBA, IOM

President & CEO

With over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management and customer service, Lucinda Hart, CAE, MBA, IOM, specializes in strategic alliance, business development, membership, meeting planning, governance & administration, and certification programs. Lucinda is in charge of the Chamber’s day-to-day operations, managing member programs and services for both Chamber members and the community. Additionally, she represents the Chamber at various events and initiatives.

Lucinda completed her Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management and her Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership & Management at Concordia University Texas. She achieved her Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives and completed her Institute for Organization Management program through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Lucinda actively participates in the community, holding positions such as a board member on the Effingham Regional Growth Alliance, a board member of the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, a member of the Effingham Area Alzheimer’s Awareness Dementia Friendly Community Action Committee, a participant in Effingham Noon Rotary, and a member of Christ’s Church in Effingham.

Celebrating 25 years of marriage, Lucinda and her husband Will live in Dieterich, IL. They find joy in traveling and cherishing moments with family and friends. While they miss their children, Jared (24) and Mercedes (19), they are relishing their time as empty nesters.

Contact For

• Chamber Policy Issues
• Business/Community Development
• Chamber Programs
• Public Relations

Becky Brown

Membership Director, NFCP

Becky is a Certified Not-For-Profit Executive and has over 25 years+ with the Chamber. 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 four grandchildren.

Contact For

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

Nicole Morrison

Director of Marketing & Communications

Nicole has 15+ years of hospitality experience, most notably in the catering and non-profit industry. She oversees the marketing, advertising, print & virtual publications, public relations, events & event sponsorships for the Chamber.

Nicole graduated from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications & minor in Marketing. She uses her skillset to build personal and professional relationships, as well as establish foundations for growth in each of her endeavors. She currently serves on the City of Effingham Tourism Activity Board.

Nicole currently resides in Salem with her boyfriend, Zach, and their children, Nolan, Dane, and Baby Krustsinger (due Dec. 2023).

Contact For

• Advertising/Marketing
• Chamber Events & Sponsorships
• Member Communications & News
• Social Media

Jeff Fritchtnitch

Workforce Development Director

After 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 continues his educational work, serving as Education Solutions Advisor for Synapsis: Rural Illinois Shared Education (RISE) which focuses on educational technologies for distance learning and course sharing. 

Contact For

• Workforce Development

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.   

Contact For

• Administrative
• Financial Records
• Event & Meeting Scheduling