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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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