Peter Martin

Express Personnel Services

Sarah Prah

Valley Community Bank

Sarah is Operations Supervisor for Valley Community Bank in North Aurora.  As Operations Supervisor Sarah is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the branch located at 75 S. Randall Rd in North Aurora.  Sarah has lived in North Aurora with her husband and son for the past seven years.  She is deeply involved in her community, serving as a member and past Vice President of the North Aurora Mothers Club, board member of the North Aurora Lions Club, and serving on the North Aurora Days committee.  Last year she brought the children’s ice cream eating contest to the North Aurora Days festivities. Sarah has been a member of the Ambassadors committee for several years.  When asked why being a member of the Aurora Chamber Ambassadors committee is important, she responded, “It’s a great way to get out of the office and meet other professionals in the community”

Charron McFadden

Insurance Services

Charron is an insurance agent and the office manager for husband Dan’s Insurance agency, Insurance Services, in downtown Aurora. As newcomers to Aurora, they joined the Aurora Chamber in 2006, and Charron immediately signed up as a member of the Ambassadors in order to meet people! She brings a variety of experiences and interests to the Aurora Chamber. A native of California, Charron grew up in New Jersey and went on to study biology at Wittenberg University in Ohio. She married and spent those early years moving around the country with her husband and family. Charron subsequently pursued her bachelor's degree in Organizational Communication from North Central College and went on to earn a Master of Arts degree from Northern Illinois University in Communication and Media Studies. She has taught Public Speaking at NIU, Mass Media and TV/video production at North Central College, and is currently teaching TV Production at our local ACTV station for the Aurora Public Arts Commission /Waubonsee Community College dual credit program. In her spare time, Charron dabbles in the fine arts, working in pastel and colored pencil. Both Charron and Dan are excited about the opportunities in Aurora, and are energized by the growth and innovations of the downtown area.

Jill Martin

Citizens First National Bank

Jill Martin is an Assistant Vice President of Commercial Lending with Citizens First National Bank in Aurora. Jill partners with local businesses to determine how Citizens’ commercial products can help their business to grow. Whether you are an independent real estate investor or a multi-million dollar organization, Citizens First National Bank can customize the right product for you! Jill joined the Ambassadors in the fall of 2006 and has found it a prolific way to become more involved in the business community and network with local business leaders. Having lived in Aurora for the majority of her life, Jill is excited to see the corridors flourish and the downtown redevelopment get started. “It’s exciting to be working and living in an area with so much positive change happening all around. It is the goal of the Chamber and the Ambassadors to welcome and encourage new businesses in the Aurora area.  I’m proud to be a part of such a wonderful committee.” In addition to Ambassadors, Jill is heavily involved with the hottest new networking group in Aurora, Aurora Young Professionals and also sits on the Board for the Aurora Public Library Foundation. Jill and her husband Dennis, live in the far southeast side of Aurora.

Carrie Lelli

Harris, NA

Carrie Lelli has more than 17 years of experience in financial services.  She currently serves as Vice President and Bank Manager of  Harris at Butterfield and Kirk roads in Aurora.  As Bank Manager, Carrie is responsible for delivering the breadth of Harris products and services to help customers meet their banking needs and reach their financial goals. Carrie is an active member of the Ambassador Committee and was recently welcomed as a new board member of the Aurora Chamber.  When asked why her involvement with the Chamber is important to her, Carrie said, “Being connected to a close-knit organization such as Aurora Chamber allows me the opportunity to support other members’ businesses.  Also, as an Ambassador, I have the honor to welcome new businesses into our City while promoting the Chamber as a leader and a key influence in our community. I am very excited to accept this new endeavor as a board member and look forward to being part of such an important voice in the City of Aurora.

Barry Butler

Volkman Insurance

Barry Butler was born, raised, and lives in Aurora, IL.  He has been a Professional Insurance Agent since 1989 and he is employed by the Volkman Insurance Agency located in downtown Aurora. Barry is also an Ambassador and has been an active contributor to the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce for many years.  He has been instrumental in organizing and promoting the Annual Golf Classic, of which he is the current Chairperson for this well attended event.  When asked why be involved with the Chamber, Barry said, "As an Aurora business community member, it is important for me to stay connected to the city's commerce.  Being an Ambassador offers me a unique opportunity to connect directly with local businesses.  I took this initiative to be involved in order to get the greatest benefit as a chamber member.  As a result, I have established many friendships, clients, and professional associates through my activities with the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce."

Christopher Bennet

Winfree Business Growth Advisors

Christopher Bennett, originally from St. Louis, has lived in Aurora Fox Valley since 1998 when he moved to Aurora, with his wife Linda, from Jefferson City, MO. Christopher has over 16 years of experience helping small businesses as a salesman, manager, consultant and business owner, having visited more than 170 different office machine dealerships in 42 states, Canada and Puerto Rico during his career with OMD (Software) Corporation and Canon U.S.A., Inc.  Today, Chris utilizes his business and relationship building skills as President of Success Assured Inc., a master franchise of Winfree Business Growth Advisors, Results Guaranteed®. Chris became an Ambassador shortly after joining the Chamber in 2006.  “It was a natural thing for me.  I like people and generally they trust and look to me for help.  I am always seeking an opportunity to meet and help someone new.  When a new individual attends a GACC networking event, the worst thing that can happen is they walk in to find everyone is paired off and there is no one to introduce them around.  Typically they leave early and they tell others that a Chamber is Cliquish.  My business is about connecting people with people they should know, and that’s what I love to do.” In addition to serving on the Ambassador’s committee, Chris also serves as Chairman for the Tuesday LEADS Exchange and is active in Aurora’s 10th Ward. 

Cindy Rohrer

Westfield Fox Valley

Although during office hours Cindy works as a leasing manager, she spends her evenings and weekends taking care of the men in her life; her husband Don, their son Mike, and their two dogs. Cindy received a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from Northern Illinois University.  She has been working in leasing since 1999 and before coming to Westfield she worked for companies such as AMLI Residential and Lincoln Property Company. Cindy was a winner of the Lincoln Gold Medallion, a two time winner of the Leasing Professional of the year for AMLI Residential and she was the CAMME award winner for Leasing Professional of the year in 2002. Cindy has solid leadership skills and a proven record of increasing occupancy and/or revenue for the companies that she works for.  When asked about her, her co-workers will describer her as a great team member, vivacious, charismatic and full of spontaneity. Cindy became involved with the Chamber as a means to continue to seek new opportunities for retail development within Westfield Fox Valley. Cindy describes her favorite part of being an Ambassador as, “All of the phenomenal people I get to work with on a regular basis!”

Dawn Tully

Liberty Mutual

Dawn Tully is a Professional Insurance Agent with Liberty Mutual and specializes in Life, Auto and Home insurance. She’s an Aurora resident who is committed to promoting all that Aurora has to offer. Dawn is an active member of the Ambassador Committee, Program Committee and Business Expo Committee.

When asked why she chose to become a member of the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Dawn replied, “Being part of GACC provides a unique opportunity to influence and support the growth of Aurora. I enjoy making newcomers feel welcome and informed about what’s going on in our city while promoting the Chamber and all that it offers to the business community.  The interaction and dedication of all the Chamber members has been incredible to be a part of and I am excited to have a voice in my community.”

Debbie Smith

Fox Valley Park District

Debbie Smith lives in Aurora with her husband. She has three grown sons. She received her Elementary & Special Education degree from Northern Illinois University. Debbie will celebrate her 20th year with the Fox Valley Park District this August. For 13 years, Debbie taught and coordinated the Creative Play Preschool Program at Prisco Community Center. In June of 2000 she was promoted to Recreation Supervisor. Her area of responsibility was Youth Outreach, which included Elementary Sports Saturday, Summer Playground Program and the development of after-school programs. In February 2007 Debbie was promoted to Community Outreach Manager where she is responsible for the volunteer efforts within the park district and continues to coordinate after-school programs. Debbie represents the FVPD and is actively involved in various community organizations. Debbie has been involved with the Chamber since Fall 2004 when she participated in the Leadership Academy. She is an Ambassador and has co-chaired the Business/Education Committee. When asked why she is involved in the Chamber, Debbie responded, "After participating in the Leadership Academy, I knew that I wanted to continue to be a part of the Chamber. Being an Ambassador I have the opportunity to promote the Chamber through my job. With all my involvement in the school districts, both the Ambassador and Business Education Committee have allowed the Fox Valley Park District many new opportunities for networking and exposure to further expand the programs within the Park District. I am excited to work with members of GACC to help enrich the volunteer opportunities at the Fox Valley Park District.”

Ellen VonOhlen

Money Mailer of Kane and Kendall

Tim Miller

Citizens First National Bank

Tim Miller has been involved with the Chamber since coming to Aurora to work with Citizens First National Bank.  He is an Ambassador as well as being involved with the Golf Outing and the Aurora Young Professionals.  When asked why he is involved in the Chamber, Tim responded “With Citizens extending its offerings to the Aurora community, I feel that it’s vital to work along with other businesses in the community to continue to provide the best customer support and help with any needs that may be there.  The Chamber does a great job of promoting networking and growth throughout the community as well as personally.  Both the Ambassadors committee and the Young Professionals allow me to network and learn from some of the best leaders we have in our community.  Through the Ambassadors I have met many contacts and have found many friends in a community that was very new to me.  I would like to say thanks to those that have made the transition to Aurora very easy and comfortable.” 

Mary Ann Dykstra

Honey Do This