Effingham, IL – January 4, 2024, The Effingham County Chamber is pleased to announce the 2024 Chamber Board Executive Committee and Directors. Following these appointments, the Board of Directors will be comprised of 24 members, including Ex-Officio members.
Dr. Austin Cheney – Chair
Cheney is the Dean of Lumpkin College of Business & Technology for Eastern Illinois University.
Jay Buehnerkemper – Chair-Elect
Buehnerkemper is the VP, Community President for First Mid Bank & Trust in Effingham, IL.
Matt Cekander – Treasurer
Cekander is a Partner with Doehring, Winders & Co., LLP in Effingham, IL.
Kara Wade – Secretary
Wade is a Partner with Taylor Law Offices in Effingham, IL.
Astrid Reyes – Vice President Membership Development
Reyes is Professional Photographer and Owner of Astrid Johana Photography.
Alex Steppe – Vice President Business Development
Co-Owner/Managing Broker of RE/MAX Key Advantage in Effingham, IL.
Sarah Zerrusen – Vice President Workforce Development
Zerrusen is the HR Generalist for Stevens Industries, Inc. in Teutopolis, IL.
Travis Bushue – Past Chair
Bushue is the President and Partner of Bushue HR, Inc. and Bushue Background Screening in Effingham, IL.
Chamber Board Directors Include:
Dr. Navi Arora, Physician, Effingham Prompt Care
Aroyn Borries, Owner, Lindsay’s Prefinishing
Emily Debenham, Owner, Joe Sippers Café
Andy Johnson, Superintendent, Effingham CUSD #40
Chad Markham, MBA, President & CEO, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital
Carrie Rodman, General Manager, Tuscan Hills Winery
Russ Runde, Loan Officer, Dieterich Bank
Julie Stephens, Manager, Effingham County Farm Bureau
Lindsay Wantuck, Attorney, Orr Law, LLC
Karen Whitt, Managing Executive Office & CFO, The Equity
Ex-Officio Board Members Include:
Joshua Douthit, Chairman, Effingham County Board
Lucinda Hart, CAE, MBA, IOM, President & CEO, Effingham County Chamber
Steve Miller, City Administrator, City of Effingham
Dan Milleville, Mayor, City of Altamont
Kim Uphoff, President & CEO, Sarah Bush Lincoln
Mr. Courtney Yockey, President & CEO, Effingham Regional Growth Alliance
More information on the Board of Directors can be found on the Chamber website at EffinghamCountyChamber.com/who-we-are or by calling the Chamber at (217) 342-4147.
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About the Effingham County Chamber
Founded in 1917, the Effingham County Chamber is the county’s leading advocate and champion for business. The Chamber works to create a climate of growth and success in our community by providing leadership opportunities as well as volunteer programs and business-building initiatives that focus on the critical priorities of Effingham County businesses. By leveraging the support, talent, and resources of our members, the Effingham County Chamber is leading efforts to achieve business success and community growth.