History and past presidents

History as told by June Van Vorst and Sandy Lyon

The Executive Club of Champaign County was established in 1982 to build a network of contacts for business and personal use, offer programs for professional development, and give visibility and exposure to local female executives.

The origin of the Executive Club of Champaign County (ECCC) had an informal and spontaneous beginning. It arose out of a luncheon conversation between June Scannell (now Van Vorst) and Sandy Lyon in the spring of 1982. Lunch was scheduled at the Greater Downtown Food and Beverage Co. (now called The Great Impasta). June and Sandy had known each other for a long time, but had not seen each other in recent years. June was an Investment Broker with A.G. Edwards at the time; Sandy was Marketing Director with Bank of Illinois.

During the lunch conversation, discussion turned to the fact that there were few “business” clubs for executive women in C-U where professional contacts could be made and personal friendships built. In 1982 the idea of women joining traditional male clubs like Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, and Jaycees, was just being talked about. In fact, the Supreme Court heard a case in 1984 where the Jaycees were challenged for not allowing women as members.

Pictured are Lucille Brewer, June Scannell, Sandy Lyon, Jane Henneman, Mary Evenson, Donna Chronister, Geni Roark, Margie Jobe, Carolyn Phebus, Barbara Hundley, and Andrea Schmidt.

Why was it necessary?

For perspective, it is helpful to remember that women were just beginning to make significant inroads into many professional fields in the early 80s. Sandra Day O'Connor was appointed the first Supreme Court Justice in 1981. Sally Ride was the first American woman to be sent into space in 1983. Geraldine Ferraro was nominated for Vice-President in 1984.

Women were becoming a major force in the workplace, but not having an easy time of it. Worth mentioning is that the Equal Rights Amendment was defeated in 1982 when the ratification deadline passed with only 35 of the required 38 state legislatures having approved the legislation. Executive women truly needed the business contacts and the professional support and camaraderie of other women in similar roles.

• Women were excluded from other business and professional organizations.
• No forum existed for meeting other professional women and sharing career related information.
• Programs and events tailored for women in executive and professional positions were almost nonexistent.

Initial development

It was within this context that June and Sandy decided to take steps toward establishing a professional organization for women in executive positions. June spoke to a local Rotary Club to inform them of such a movement and to solicit their input and support. Sandy began to line up financial and administrative support. Roland Kelley, at Bank of Illinois, proved to be one of our initial backers.

Contact was also made with an existing Executive Club in Danville. Many of our initial bylaws, club policies and procedures, as well as the name, were modeled after the Danville Club. Using the names of other executive women personally known by June and Sandy, a steering committee was formed and five months were set aside for planning.

• Contacted an existing club in Danville.
• Modeled many of our initial processes after theirs.
• Used the name Executive Club…but identified it with Champaign County.

The Executive Club of Champaign County would like to thank the founding officers and directors for their immeasurable contribution and vision that has guided Executive Club m years of existence. Each new board strives to maintain and build on the standard of excellence set by them.

Membership qualifications

Members of ECCC demonstrate leadership, influence and impact within their organization and/or community. Leadership may be demonstrated through title, role, specific areas of expertise, management responsibilities, or through recognition of work/achievements. Members may have broad influence within or external to their organization, and may serve on committees, boards or associations. Impact may be demonstrated through initiated projects, actions or process changes that show impact in the workplace or community. Members should also demonstrate an interest in learning, development, collaboration, diversity and inclusion, and fostering strong relationships with other women leaders in the community. If you have questions about membership qualifications or the application process, please contact membership Chair Kandace Turner.

Programs for 1982–1983

In October 1982, the first meeting of the ECCC was held. It was held at Bank of Illinois in conjunction with a bank seminar featuring “Heloise” as guest speaker. Sandy was President of the Club during its inaugural year; June followed as President the next year.

• Opening Night –“Heloise”
• Geni Roark – “TV Bloopers”
• Jim Heins – “Reaganomics”
• Mary Evenson – “Tax Saving Ideas for 1982”
• Wine and Cheese Party
• Linda Sheets – “ Garcia’s Advertising”
• Judy Myers – “Women on the Way Up – Strategies for Success”
• Linda Rolfing – “Color and Style Analysis”
• Barbara Hundley – “Communicating Your Career Development – Moving Up or Out”
• Sandra Schwartz – “How Nutrition Affects Your Health”
• Judge Harry Clem – “Small Claims Court”
• Dr. Suzanne Trupin – “Premenstrual Syndrome and Other Aspects of Competing With Men”
• Violet Malone – “Using Your Leadership Qualities”

Interest Groups

• Small Business
• Working Mothers
• Financial Planning and Investments
• Cultural Events
• Management Techniques
• Current Issues
• Sports
• Purposeless

Why has it survived?

• A commitment to the goal of women supporting other women.
• And by doing so…enriching each other both personally and professionally.

A review of board meetings, monthly programs, interest groups, and other information collected in the ECCC archives gives those interested a sense of the evolution of ECCC over a 20-year period. Based on all that has transpired, both within and outside the ECCC organization, evidence of the value of this organization to the women of Champaign County is apparent. Its original purpose has been validated and its future success appears certain.

Past presidents

Year	President
1982-83	Sandra L. Lyon
1983-84	June Scannell Van Vorst
1984-85	Donna Chronister Hari
1985-86	Linda L. Hamilton
1986-87	Mary McGrath
1987-88	Jan Kiley
1988-89	Shirley K. Anderson
1989-90	Mary Strack
1990-91	Traci E. Nally
1991-92	Medsie Bolin
1992-93	Sheila Hickman
1993-94	Diana Williams
1994-95	Lyn Jones
1995-96	Joan Zernich
1996-97	Becky Goddard
1997-98	Jane Henneman
1998-99	Janet Bial
1999-2000	Kelly Ford
2000-2001	Mary Ann Royse
2001-2002	Donna Greene
2002-2003	Elizabeth Cook
2003-2004	Cherise Lewis
2004-2005	Amy Randolph
2005-2006	Bianca Green
2006	Tammy Lemke
2006-2007	Jane Adams
2007-2008	Jayne DeLuce
2008-2009	Hope Wheeler
2009-2010	Jeannette Beck
2010-2011	Deb Reardanz
2011-2012	Ellen Schmidt
2012-2013	Jennifer Vallowe
2013-2014	Rhiannon Clifton
2014-2015	Wendy Johnson
2015-2016	Beth Katsinas
2016-2017	Angela Carr
2017-2018	Peyton Zerrusen
2018-2019	Karen Blatzer
2019-2020	Joni Utnage
2020-2021	Danielle Runyon
2021-2022	Allison Winter
2022 -	Helen Zhang