The Effingham Regional Career Foundation elected new board members this year, replacing those whose terms ended and welcoming a new representative for the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce.
The board welcomed new board members Joe Schumacher, VP of Operations at Stevens Industries; Vanessa Wright, Guidance Counselor at Beecher City Unit 20; Katie Koester, President and CEO of Effingham County Chamber; and re-elected Emilee Plumlee from HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital.
Additional ERCF Board members are Phil Lark from Beecher City Unit 20, Cary Jackson from Dieterich Unit 30, Andy Johnson from Effingham Unit 40, Matt Sturgeon from Teutopolis Unit 50, Greg Fearday from St. Anthony Schools, Dr. Josh Bullock from Lake Land College, Courtney Yockey from Effingham Regional Growth Alliance, Bob Schultz from Schultz Investment Company and CTEC representative, Jami Sidwell from JS Consulting, Steve Mette from South Central FS, Kelly Roepke from Y-Yard Auto-Truck, Dave Jansen from Siemer Milling Company, Sara Ruding from Lanracorp and Norma Lansing, community representative.
The Board thanked retiring board members Mark Doan, Chad Thompson and Tammy Bloemer for their contributions to the ERCF mission during their terms.
New officers were elected to serve from 2024-2026: Jami Sidwell, Board President; Cary Jackson, Vice President; Norma Lansing, Treasurer; and Courtney Yockey, Secretary.
Effingham Regional Career Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that oversees the operation of the Effingham Regional Career Academy. Serving communities and 14 school districts in Clay, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper and Shelby counties, ERCA offers focused curriculum and advanced, hands-on training in manufacturing, agriculture, health care, technology and transportation.
ERCA courses empower both high school students and current professionals with hands-on learning opportunities in key fields, preparing them to build successful careers locally. The mission is to equip the region with a highly skilled workforce, enabling individuals to pursue their chosen fields without the need to relocate. The Explore course introduces students to local career pathways through blending classroom learning with practical business and industry experience.
For more information, visit erca.us.