Executive Club of Champaign County

A professional club for executive women

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.

The board's officers include:

  • President: Sarah Zehr Gantz, University of Illinois System
    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: Kandace Turner, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign  
    Assists the president in carrying out responsibilities, and presides in the president’s absence.
  • Secretary: Sue Johnson, University of Illinois Foundation 
    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-OfficioHelen Zhang, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    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: Cayla WatersParkland College  
    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 Chair: Elizabeth Sullard, SYNERGY HomeCare
    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: Ashlie Velazquez-Collins, Brookdale Senior Living 
    Responsible for monthly luncheon meeting program speakers.
  • Social Events & Networking Chair: Lainey Emmons, Elliott Counseling Group
    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.


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