Retired from Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative in Paxton, IL, as the V.P. of Marketing & Economic Development to pursue other personal interests; While at Eastern Illini, his marketing team received numerous national awards for marketing and communications. Was a founding board member of several organizations including: Educational Dividends; Geothermal Alliance of Illinois; Illinois Association of Energy Raters; and most recently Prairieland CEO. Served on several national and local boards and committees: Energy Education Council/Safe Electricity; Touchstone Energy Best Practices Committee; Cooperative Balloon Association; Iroquois Economic Development Association; East Central Illinois Economic Development Foundation; East Central Illinois Home Builders Association.

Married to Gloria, his high school sweetheart for the past 47 years; have two sons and five grandchildren; an elder and middle school teacher at Gibson City Bible Church; an active Gideon for the past twenty-two years; enjoys family, gardening, photography, reading and traveling.

Jeremy Darnell has been the GCMS Superintendent for 4 years and with the district for 11 years.  Prior to coming to GCMS Mr. Darnell spent 11 years, teaching, coaching, and as a dean of students in the Urbana school system.  Mr. Darnell received has a bachelors degree from Knox College, a masters degree from the University of Illinois, and an education specialist degree from Eastern Illinois University.  In his free time Mr. Darnell enjoys outdoor activities with his family and friends, with golf and fishing being his favorites.  As an educational leader, Mr. Darnell is excited about the prospects of the CEO program and is looking forward to the opportunities it provides to the students of the community.

Jon Kelly is currently the Fisher Jr/Sr High School Principal. Before taking on this role, he was the math teacher from 2004-2014 and the Assistant Principal/Athletic Director from 2014-2017. When not at Fisher Jr/Sr High School, Mr. Kelly enjoys traveling with his family, golfing, and following his favorite sports teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bears, and all University of Illinois teams. Jon is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and enjoys spending time with his wife Carolyn, daughter Iva, dog Leroy and cats Pegasus and Perseus.

Sara has a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration.  Upon the completion of her degree, Sara graduated from the Midwest College of Cosmetology and has owned Expressions salon for over seven years. Additionally, she works very closely with Surface Hair as a Culture Artist to teach other stylists the latest trends in the salon industry while also reflecting on the importance of naturally derived styling products. In 2018, Sara expanded Expressions Salon to include Expressions Boutique.  She is passionate about every aspect of the fashion industry and felt she could share this passion by expanding her business within the community.  When she is not searching the latest fashion trend, she loves spending time outdoors with her husband and two daughters, family, and friends.

Eric joined Fisher National Bank in 1996, and began his career in banking in 1992 after graduating from Illinois State University.  His areas of expertise include Corporate Finance, Ag & Corporate lending, Compliance, Investments and Community development. Eric is heavily involved in the Fisher Community. He has been a member of the Sangamon Valley Fire Protection Department since 1999 and is currently serving as Chief, Willowbrook Cemetery Trustee, Secretary/Treasurer for the Fisher Area Business Association and he has been a member of the chain gang for Fisher High School football for the past 26 years. When he’s not at the bank Eric farm’s with his wife, Terri.   Eric enjoys going to Cubs games at Wrigley Field. Eric’s goal is to see a Major League baseball game in every park in one summer. When they get the chance, Eric and his wife enjoy spending summer days driving their jeep.

Nick Reutter is the Market President at Farmers-Merchants Bank of Illinois located in Paxton.  He’s been in finance for 15 years, specializing in ag and commercial lending.  He is also the co-owner of Land Locked Hops Co. in Loda, IL.   When not pushing paper or playing in the dirt, he enjoys golfing, the outdoors, and over-priced beers.  Nick is a graduate of Illinois State University and lives in Gifford with his wife, Jenny, and son, Brooks. 

Chad has had his insurance license since 2011.  Born and raised on a farm near Gifford, he brings his understanding of farming and importance of local and honest relationships to IPG.  Chad received his undergraduate from Illinois State University and a Master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. He enjoys coaching the Girls and Boys Basketball teams at Gifford Grade School. Chad also serves on the Gifford Grade School Board. He and his wife Amanda and their kids, Bowen and Korinn reside near Gifford.