TURNING IDEAS INTO REALITY.

Our region is rich with ideas and energy, and the GPLC brings them together to create coordinated progress with tangible and accountable results. Our coalition aligns Greater Peoria Leaders to shape strategy, catalyze investment and advance regional vibrancy. That’s because we believe intentional investment, made together, creates stronger outcomes for our community.

OUR PURPOSE

GPLC is based on a simple, yet powerful idea: when leaders align, progress accelerates.

What began in 2023 as the "Choose Greater Peoria" regional talent attraction and marketing initiative has evolved into a unique, business-led collaboration of major employers, civic leaders, philanthropy, community development organizations, education and cultural anchors, all working together to amplify impact. 

GPLC is guided by a coordinated network of Greater Peoria leaders who meet with purpose and momentum.

Through monthly strategy sessions and quarterly meetings, they set direction, align investments and advance the region’s long-term vision.

Leaders from the region’s largest employers contribute both funding and expertise. The Executive Board sets strategy and pace, while the Governing Board drives focus and accountability. The Advisory Board adds perspective, and the Grant Committee translates strategy into action by evaluating opportunities and directing investments.

Together, this structure is built for action — where insight becomes direction and direction drives progress.

BUILT FOR ACTION

Executive Committee

Senior executives driving strategy and fostering investor relations.

Board of Directors

Executive Committee plus CDO board chairs coordinating regional strategy.

Advisory Board

30-40 cross-sector leaders providing broad community insight, strategic direction, and support.

Grant Committee

Investor business leaders guiding grant review, funding decisions and accountability to ensure transparent, high-impact community investment.

Greater Peoria Leaders

Executive Committee

  • Doug Oberhelman, Gilmore Foundation (Chairman)
  • Dr. Keith Knepp, Heartland Health Services (President)
  • President James Shadid, Bradley University (Vice President)
  • Will Williams, DVI (Treasurer)
  • Michelle Conger, OSF HealthCare
  • Laura Cullinan, Gilmore Foundation (Advisor)
  • Robert Gates, Council
  • Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, Illinois Central College President Emerita & SQB Workforce Ecosystems (Advisor)
  • Jeanette Murray, Carle Health
  • Brian Ray, PNC Bank
  • Robert Sehring, OSF HealthCare, Retired

Board of Directors (includes Executive Committee)

  • Songo Dede, GPEDC Board Chair
  • Taylor Holmstrom, Discover Peoria Board Chair
  • Pam Howe, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chair
  • Illinois State Representative Ryan Spain, Downtown Development Corporation Board Chair
  • Dennis Triggs, East Peoria Chamber of Commerce Board Chair

Advisory Board

  • Dr. Meenakshy Aiyer, UICOMP
  • Mayor Rita Ali, City of Peoria
  • Sid Banwart
  • Kory Brown, City of East Peoria
  • Dan Connell, Pekin Insurance
  • J.D. Dalfonso, Discover Peoria
  • Jimmy Dillon, Peoria County
  • Clint Drury, West Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council
  • Brent Eichelberger, Commerce Bank
  • Roberta English, Wildlife Prairie Park
  • Laura Gleissner, PNC Bank
  • Illinois State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth
  • Andy Honegger, Morton Community Bank
  • Kert Huber
  • Steve Jackson, Prairie Home Alliance
  • Mayor John Kahl, City of East Peoria
  • Craig Kliethermes, RLI
  • Misty Klobucher
  • Jeff Kolbus, RE/MAX Traders Unlimited
  • U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood
  • Tim Leesman, Simantel
  • Jessica Linder-Gallo, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Matt Mamer, CEFCU
  • Katie McCord Jenkins, Illinois Mutual
  • Jon Michael, RLI, Retired 
  • John Morris, Peoria Riverfront Museum
  • Chris Ober, Morton Industries
  • Andrew Rand, Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois
  • Dr. Chris Reynolds, Bradley University
  • Kimberly Richardson, City of Peoria
  • Chris Setti, Greater Peoria Economic Development Council
  • Rick Swan, East Peoria Chamber of Commerce
  • Leanne Skuse, River City Construction
  • Doug Stewart, PNC Bank, Retired
  • Tobin Taylor, Heyl Royster, Voelker & Allen
  • Patrick Urich, City of Peoria
  • Henry Vicary, Caterpillar Inc.
  • Matt Vonachen, Vonachen Group
  • Chris Waible, Downtown Development Corporation
  • Jenna Weisner, PNC Bank
  • Ben Wilson, Wilson Services
  • Dr. Jamel Wright, Eureka College
  • Jennifer Zammuto, Heart of Illinois United Way
  • Steve Zika, Natural Fiber Welding, Inc.

Grant Committee

  • Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, Chair
  • Kory Brown
  • Dan Connell
  • Laura Cullinan
  • Roberta English
  • Andrew Honegger
  • Misty Klobucher
  • Kimberly Richardson
  • Tobin Taylor
  • Jenna Weisner
  • Jennifer Zammuto
  • Steve Zika

Real Community Impact

View our latest annual report to see how coordinated leadership and collective investment translate into measurable results for Greater Peoria. 

Our Impact