About the Board of Directors

Executive Club of Champaign County's board handles the growth and maintenance of ECCC, including membership, social events and networking, research and public relations, newsletter, programs, and operations and logistics. The board meets during the first week of each month. Members serve staggered two-year terms that begin in September. To contact a board member, please email us here.

The board's officers include:

• President: Kandace Turner, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 
  The president provides leadership and direction in the fulfillment of ECCC’s purpose. Presides at board meetings and monthly luncheon meetings. Coordinates activities of all committees
• Vice President: Lainey Emmons, Elliott Counseling Group
  Assists the president in carrying out responsibilities, and presides in the president’s absence.
• Secretary: Tasia Nellum, Heartland Bank and Trust Company 
  Takes minutes at all board meetings.
• Treasurer: Shari Fox, Fox Philanthropic Advisors 
  Maintains all monies, financial records, and accounting. Collects money and records reservations for monthly luncheon meetings.

• Ex-Officio: Sarah Gantz, University of Illinois System
  Provides experienced guidance to board, participates in ECCC audits, and reviews monthly bank statements. 

Eight additional members and the immediate past president (who serves as the ex-officio member) include:

• ATHENA® Award Chair: Diana Gonzalez, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign  
  Oversee administering the ATHENA® Award, including nominations, award selection process, award sponsorship, and the award reception.

• Communications Chair: OPEN
  Send monthly e-newsletters to all members, manage social media, and help maintain the ECCC website.

• Membership Chair: Medra Roberts-Southerland, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  Responsible for accepting new member applications and presenting them to the board for approval. Responsible for annual membership renewal.
• Operations & Logistics Co-Chairs: Lesa Brandt, Parkland College & Sharla Jolly, American Cancer Society
  Plans monthly luncheon meeting location and menu, and assists treasurer with check-in.

• Outreach Chair: Susan Toalson-McGinty, U of I Community Credit Union 
  Works to increase awareness of ECCC to potential members in Champaign County, with the ultimate goal of bringing new, qualified, contributing members into the club.
• Programs Chair: Lorrie Pearson, Champaign County Forest Preserve District
  Responsible for monthly luncheon meeting program speakers.
• Social Events & Networking Chair: Caitlyn Floyd, Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club
  Organize and coordinate social events and networking opportunities to meet the needs and requests of members.
• Technology Chair: Kim Fritchey, AMDOCS
  Responsible for managing technology at the monthly luncheons and assisting with other technology needs.