The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is comprised of Business Leaders and Community Partner and serves 3 year terms. 

A proud two-time alumnus of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, I’ve called Carbondale home since 2003—despite a brief time away—and am honored to serve as Director of the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. In this role, I focus on creating meaningful, nature-based experiences that inspire connection and growth. My commitment to community runs deep; I currently serve as Board President for Jackson CEO, fostering entrepreneurial skills in local high school students, and I’m active on both the Chamber’s Saluki Pride and Economic Development Committees. Previously, I served on the board of the Association for Experiential Education, championing hands-on learning and outdoor engagement. I share life with my wife Denise, who directs the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at SIUC, our two wonderful kids, and our dog, Cody. Whether hiking, biking, or climbing, I’m most at peace outdoors, and I value how Carbondale blends natural beauty with a vibrant, engaged community. I’m excited to continue contributing to the city’s future through the Chamber of Commerce Board.

Dylan Chambers, a Massac County High School graduate and recent Southern Illinois University (SIU) alumnus, earned his Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration with a minor in Coaching in May 2024. While at SIU, he was a prominent student leader, serving as President of the SIU Dawg Pound and Vice President of Student Affairs in the Undergraduate Student Government. Currently, Dylan works with the SIU Foundation, where he supports fundraising and donor relations to advance the university’s mission. His passion for civic service began early—he was elected to the Metropolis City Council in 2021 at just 19, making him the youngest Alderman in the city's history. Outside of work, Dylan is a devoted uncle, a loyal fan of Saluki Athletics, and enjoys spending time with family and contributing to his community.

Goldie Robinson is an Insurance Agent at Robinson Insurance Agency. 

Robinson has a combined 19yrs. experience in the fields of security, security instruction, insurance, consultation, and firearm instruction. In addition to operating the Motivational Speaking Firm, GFORCE, Robinson is also the owner of Robinson Insurance, LLC, U-Carry Solutions, LLC, and the Supervising Coordinator for HBT Security Inc., Southern IL Region

Michael Lewallen is a Commercial Officer for Banterra Bank in Carbondale. Prior to getting started in banking, he obtained a bachelor’s of Finance from Southern Illinois University in May 2006.

In addition, Michael is the chairman of the Saluki Pride Committee through the Chamber of Commerce and also serves on the Young Alumni Committee through the SIU Alumni Association. Michael is a graduate of Leadership Carbondale and co-owner of Studio Day Spa.

Michael lives in Carbondale with his wife Lauren and daughter Miori.

Jonathan Ihrig is the General Manager for Saluki Sports Properties, a division of Learfield, which manages all corporate partnerships and advertising opportunities around Saluki Athletics. Jon has spent the last 10 years in Southern Illinois, during his time here he also spent 2.5 years working for Banterra Bank as a Commercial Officer in Mount Vernon and Herrin. Jon is originally from Orlando Florida; he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. He currently serves on the Saluki Pride Committee, is a former Southern Illinois 20 under 40 award recipient and has served as a member of multiple community organizations including Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, and BNI chapters across Carbondale, Herrin, and Mt. Vernon. Jonathan currently resides in Herrin.

Director of entrepreneurship and business development at SIU and director of the Illinois
Small Business Development Center at SIU.

Melissa is a business development professional with over 20 years of experience. She has
been in operations from the ground up and responsible for business growth in over 10 new
ventures, in the last 15 years, three of which was a partner in. Her experience working with
entrepreneurs who have a passion for projects has allowed her to learn hands-on what it
takes to not only get a business off the ground but also what it takes to sustain it. She is a
graduate of Southern Illinois University. She is the director of entrepreneurship and
business development at SIU as well as the Illinois SBDC director at SIU. She is rewarded by
working with creative, positive people who get excited about evolving products and
services, so they offer something special to the market that wouldn’t have otherwise
existed. She is passionate about helping businesses, and ideas grow, and she is happy to be
a part of economic development in Southern Illinois.

Cristina has two degrees from SIU, a Finance undergraduate degree and Master of Business Administration. After grad school, she spent 5 years with Saluki Athletics on campus.

She opened her State Farm agency in Carbondale in 2018 and remains heavily involved with supporting the campus and Carbondale communities.

She is currently a member of the Saluki Pride Committee through the Chamber of Commerce and chairs the Young Alumni Committee through the SIU Alumni Association. Her and her husband, Joel, have two children, 5 year old Luca and 2 year old Dori Jo.

Chris Stayton is the owner of the Town Money Saver of Southern Illinois. Town Money Saver is a direct mail advertising platform that reaches nearly 35,000 families and businesses every month from Murphysboro and Carbondale to Marion and Lake of Egypt.

Chris and his wife Dawn, another local business owner (SureLock Home Watch), moved to southern Illinois in August of 2020 and have been actively involved in the local community and their church since they moved here. He is fueled by a passion to help other small business owners thrive and grow.

In addition to being a fan of Saluki athletics, Chris is also a fan of the Chicago Cubs and Blackhawks.

Aaron Christ is the Director of Operations at Intertape Polymer Group.

Jenna Jamieson is a Assistant Lecturer and B.S. Program Director at Southern Illinois University - Carbondale.

Abby Ancell was born and raised in Southern Illinois and is a proud Saluki! With over 20 years in the hospitality industry and now entering her 12th year as a small business owner, Abby has built her career around bringing people together through great food, craft beer, and memorable experiences. Since opening the original St. Nicholas Brewing Co. in 2014, she has expanded to three locations across Southern Illinois.

Abby is passionate about historic preservation, community building, and celebrating local culture. Her belief in giving back through service and volunteerism is what drives her continued involvement in the region.

Now, as a new member of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, Abby is excited to support fellow small businesses and help foster connection and growth throughout the area. She finds inspiration through travel, meaningful relationships, and spending time outdoors with her family—and is honored to be part of Southern Illinois’ vibrant and evolving future.

Originally from the Chicago area, I moved to Carbondale in 1997 as a college freshman and have proudly called southern Illinois home ever since—having now lived more of my life “downstate” than in the city. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to build lasting business and personal relationships throughout the Carbondale area and continue to invest in the community where my family and I have chosen to put down roots. I’ve been with The Printing Plant since 2000 and became the owner in 2007, growing the business to better serve our region and help fill service gaps that have emerged over time. I’m also proud to share life with my wife of 16 years, whom I met during our time as Salukis, and together we’re raising three amazing children.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist, speaker, trainer, coach, poet, and co-youth pastor, deeply committed to strengthening individuals, organizations, and communities. Originally from California, I relocated to Carbondale in 2007 to pursue my master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology at SIUC. While studying, I met and married my husband, a Carbondale native, and we have built a life together here with our four children. We serve as co-youth pastors, guiding young people in faith, resilience, and personal growth.

I founded Hope and Harmony Wellness Group to provide culturally responsive, faith-based therapy services virtually to adults, teens, and couples across Illinois. My team helps clients manage stress, cultivate healthy relationships, improve emotional well-being, and rediscover hope and healing. Open to all, we emphasize serving communities of color and Christian faith communities that have historically faced barriers to accessible care.

I previously served as the Director of Mental Health Operations in the Illinois Department of Corrections, leading rehabilitation-focused programs across 30 facilities and managing multidisciplinary teams. I founded Love is Grace Foundation, a nonprofit expanding access to mental health education and support for underserved communities. I created Stir Up the Gifts, a program giving local youth a platform to express themselves through music, poetry, and performance, fostering creativity, growth, and engagement.

I approach every space (clinical, spiritual, or corporate) as an opportunity to cultivate healing, inspire growth, and strengthen community bonds. Serving on the Chamber Board would allow me to bring this same dedication, collaboration, and leadership to support Carbondale’s businesses, civic engagement, and overall community well-being.

Was born and raised in Carbondale and am proud to call it home. I graduated from Carbondale Community High School in 2011 and then went on to John A Logan College to work on an associate’s degree. After John A Logan I attended SIU and graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutrition didn’t end up being the route I wanted to take, and I started working at SIU Credit Union shortly after I graduated. 8 years later and I’m still here, now serving as the Mortgage Loan Manager. I strongly believe everything happens for a reason and I was meant to switch career paths. SIU Credit Union’s not-for profit mission of helping people has deeply influenced my values and increased my commitment to serving our community. Through my career at the credit union, I’ve developed a strong understanding of financial services and homeownership. I’m passionate about helping individuals and families reach their financial goals while connecting them with resources to help our city reach its full potential. Outside of work, I’m married to my husband, Brian, who works for the City of Carbondale at the Carbondale Water Treatment Plant. We share our home with our two dogs, Charlie and Lucy, and love to go hiking with them. We always try to support local businesses, from eating out to shopping at the Famer’s Market every Saturday. I also enjoy attending community events, especially live music, and giving back to the place that has shaped who I am today.

I’m a Saluki through and through. I came to Carbondale from New Berlin, IL to study Philosophy and Classical Literature at SIU—and never left. What was meant to be a chapter of my life turned into a home, a love story, and a business.

In 2018, I co-founded Fired Up Jellies and Jams with my fiancé Krista Daniel, driven by the desire to build something flavorful, unique, and rooted in the region we’ve grown to love. Over the past several years, we’ve learned what it takes to build a brand with integrity, connect with customers face-to-face, and keep momentum going even when the road gets tough.

Outside of business, I’m an avid hiker and mushroom hunter. The hills, woods, and hidden beauty of Southern Illinois continue to inspire me. I’m also passionate about storytelling—whether through our company’s colorful mascots or through my podcast, "Smitty Thinks He Knows," where I explore the ups and downs of building a life and a business from scratch.

My journey has taught me how important community, grit, and creativity are—not just in business, but in building a fulfilling life. I'm excited for any opportunity to serve and support the people and place that helped shape me.

Carolin Harvey was elected as Mayor of Carbondale in 2023 and previously served for several years on the City Council. She previously worked at SIUC in the Bursar’s Office, Division of Continuing Education, and Registrar’s Office.

Carolin attended Miles College, John A. Logan, and SIU. She has been involved with the Chamber through attending monthly luncheons, volunteering for the golf scramble, and helping with other events.

Carolin and her husband James have two children.

Ryan Thomas has been Principal of Carbondale Community High School District 165 since 2018 and has previously served as Assistant Principal and Special Education Teacher in the district. Mr. Thomas is a CCHS graduate and holds degrees from Eastern Illinois University and McKendree University.

Ryan lives in Carbondale with his wife Vanessa and their three daughters, Hannah, Lydia, and Ruby.

Successful marketing and communications leader with proven ability to increase revenue, and profitability and elevate the brand while fostering a high energy, creative and collaborative environment. Industry experience in higher education, health and wellness, software, web development and more.

Sarah VanVooren is the Executive Director of Community Relations and University Events at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she provides leadership for initiatives that connect the university with communities across the region. She oversees large-scale community relations, university events, and conferences and camps. Sarah brings over 15 years of higher education leadership experience and has played a key role in planning nationally recognized events, including SIU’s 2024 Total Solar Eclipse celebration, which welcomed tens of thousands of visitors to the community and region. A proud SIU alumna, she holds both a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in college student personnel.

Active in service, Sarah is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Carbondale Breakfast and supports academic program development as she sits on SIU’s Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management Advisory Board. She also serves on the Carbondale Chapter of the State University Annuitants Association Board as well as the SIU Recreational Sports and Services Advisory Board.

Sarah lives in Carbondale with her husband Aaron and children, Maisy, Keller and Silas.

Woody Thorne is the Chief Development Executive of Community Affairs at Southern Illinois HealthCare.