The future depends on what you do today.

PRESIDENT

Originally born in Guanajuato, Mexico, Yazmin moved with her family to Rochelle at age 4 and has lived in the area since then. Yazmin graduated with a Bachelors in education from Northern Illinois University and then a Master’s in Educational leadership from Aurora University. Yazmin has worked at the Rochelle Elementary District since 2013 in multiple roles from Paraprofessional to special education teacher and now, director of special programs and preschool. Yazmin enjoys spending time with her family, watching her 4 kids play sports or instruments and giving back to her community by coaching, volunteering and serving where needed. 

VICE PRESIDENT 

Originally from Chicago, Kathleen has called Rochelle home since 2005. She lives here with her husband Tim and their family. Kathleen earned her B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2000 and her J.D. from Northern Illinois University in 2005. After several years in private practice, Kathleen was appointed Ogle County’s Chief Public Defender in December 2020, and continues to serve in that role to date . 

TREASURER

Debbie Howard was born and raised in Rochelle and returned in 1986 with her husband, Kevin, to raise their two daughters (Stephanie & Dana). After spending the first half of her career in banking, she spent 22 years employed by Rochelle School District #231  and retired in May 2020. Debbie has previously served 8 years with the Central School PTO, holding every position from treasurer to president throughout her tenure. In her free time, Debbie loves being with her grandkids and taking trips with her family. Debbie loves her hometown and is excited to help Rochelle grow and thrive in the coming years. 

SECRETARY

Originally from Ashton, Tony graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in Education followed by a Masters Degree from National-Louis University in Wheaton.  Tony joined the Rochelle Elementary School District as a building Principal in 2006, and is honored to serve as Assistant Superintendent for both the Elementary and High School Districts in Rochelle. Tony lives in Rochelle with his wife, Krista and daughter Riley. He enjoys spending his spare time with family and friends.

Trena earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accountancy at Northern Illinois University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Trena and her husband have lived in the Rochelle community 29+ years. During this time they have raised their two children in Rochelle and have enjoyed watching them in all of their extra-curricular activities. Trena has worked in Rochelle for 22 years. These last four years she has been the CFO of Holcomb Bank. Trena prefers and has respect for community minded businesses.  Trena enjoys spending time outdoors with her family camping, hiking, kayaking and skiing. She looks forward to serving as a Board Member of the RACF.

After commencing her career in financial services in 2004 at First National Bank (now Central Bank IL) and holding various roles, Ashley completed her Bachelor of Science in Management at NIU in 2009. In October 2010, she joined Odyssey Wealth Services team as a Financial Consultant registered with LPL Financial.  Ashley resides in Rochelle with her daughter and two dogs. When not playing catch with her dogs, she loves exploring different farmers’ markets and craft vendor markets with her daughter. Community involvement and making a positive impact are paramount to her.  She previously served as president of The Rochelle Area Community Foundation, holds the position of board secretary at Rochelle Elementary Consolidated District #231, and is an active member of the Rochelle Rotary Club. 

 Kwami is a Commercial Merchandiser and Logistics Specialist for CHS Ethanol in Rochelle. Originally from West Africa, he earned a Master of Science in Agronomy for University of Lome’-Togo West Africa and later a Master of Arts Economics from Western Illinois University in Macomb. Kwami Lives in Rochelle with his family and is a member of the Rochelle Rotary Club. 

Kathy brings more than 40 years of banking experience to her role as Vice President and Director of Retail Banking at Stillman Bank. She has been with Stillman Bank since it acquired the former United Bank of Rochelle in 1987 and is responsible for leading the bank’s retail strategy while supporting customers and employees across all retail locations. Kathy and her husband Larry are long time residents of Franklin Grove. She is a graduate of Ashton High School and Sauk Valley Community College. She currently also serves on the executive boards of Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival, Franklin Grove Woman’s Club, Franklin Grove Park Committee, and LHCS Friends of Parks & Recreation. She is also a member of the Rochelle Rotary Club and the Franklin Grove Community Church Council. When she is not working or helping in the community, she loves spending time with her grandkids or relaxing with a good book.

Blake Toliver serves as the Superintendent of Electric Operations for Rochelle Municipal Utilities, where he leads system planning, major capital projects, and reliability improvements for the community’s electric system. Born and raised in Rochelle, Blake has dedicated more than 12 years to serving the City of Rochelle in various roles, bringing experience in utility operations, project management, and community-focused infrastructure planning. He is committed to strengthening local systems, supporting sustainable growth, and advancing initiatives that enhance quality of life for residents and businesses. When he’s not at work, Blake enjoys working on anything mechanical and spending his spare time farming.

 My husband Kyle and I live outside of Oregon with our 2 children Adalynn and Wyatt. I am a graduate of NIU and was a teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for many years. After changing directions, I have been working in Logistics for over 10 years serving many of those in the Rochelle area. Currently, I am the  Business Manager for  many Americold Logistics Automation sites. In in my free time, I am shuttling the kids to practices and sporting events, reading and spending time with my family. I am excited to be giving back to the community I work in. 

 Jake Albers was born and raised in Rochelle and is proud to continue serving the community he calls home. He lives in Rochelle with his wife, Olivia, and their four children—Keagan, Brooklyn, Adelina, and Oliver.

Jake currently serves as the ROSC Coordinator for Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery and has spent the past six years working in addiction recovery, supporting individuals and families through connection, advocacy, and community-based services. He is also an ISSA-certified personal trainer at The Rec, where he helps others build healthier, more active lifestyles.

Outside of work, Jake enjoys watching his children play sports and spending time playing music. He is honored to serve as a board member of the Rochelle Area Community Foundation and looks forward to giving back to the community that shaped him.

Kim Ewald is a Commercial & Agricultural Loan Officer with Central Bank IL. She attended Kishwaukee College to Obtain her general education credits and then went on to receive her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin- Platteville in 2017. She is dedicated to serving the community, and is a strong advocate for Agriculture. Kim is an active member of the Lee County Farm Bureau Young Leaders, the Lion's Club, and looks forward to serving as a Board Member of the RACF. Kim enjoys spending time outdoors, and quality time with family and friends.