Downstate Illinois Announces Personnel Changes

February 8, 2021 - Discover Downstate Illinois's long-time Finance Director Darlene Chapman has served in her role for nearly 20 years. In March of 2020 after the former President/CEO left the bureau, Downstate Illinois's board decided to name Darlene the Interim President/CEO on top of her position as Finance Director. During the latest Downstate Illinois board meeting, board members voted to remove the interim tag and officially name Darlene the activeCEO/Finance Director of Discover Downstate Illinois.

Downstate Illinois is also excited to announce the hiring of our new Graphic Designer/Social Media Specialist - Katerina Engle. Katerina comes to Downstate Illinois with several years of professional experience working in graphic design. She will be working closely with the team to help promote area attractions and events by designing eye-catching graphics to display in publications and online.

In other personnel news, Communications Manager Andy Waterman has now assumed the role of Communications Director. Andy has played a key part in the recent success of Downstate Illinois's video content, that has led to a major increase in social media reach and followers since he started at the bureau in the fall of 2018. Andy is also responsible for writing and developing all of the bureau's publications including the annual Downstate Illinois Visitors Guide and the Tourism Times.

Downstate Illinois is excited to keep building on these personnel moves, and believe the future is bright for local tourism in 2021. For any additional information, please contact Communications Director Andy Waterman at (618) 257-1488