Gov. Pritzker Announces Nine Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Board

David Bennett will continue to serve as a Member of the Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Board.* Bennett currently serves as Equity Partner at the Law Offices of Pretzel and Stouffer in Chicago, specializing in liability and the representation of amusement, sports, and recreation facilities. Bennett joined Pretzel and Stouffer in 1989 and was elected Partner in 1996. Bennett currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel, the Board of Directors of the International Amusement and Leisure Defense Association, and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. Bennett earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Purdue University and his Juris Doctorate from Illinois Institute of Technology’s Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board

Mark Chatham will continue to serve as a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board.* Chatham most recently served as Journeyman Steamfitter with Steamfitters Local 439 until his retirement in 2016. Chatham previously served on the St. Clair County Public Building Commission. An active member of his community, he was honored with a community service award from the Southwestern Central Labor Trades. Chatham earned his high school diploma from Belleville East High School.

Christina Herrmann will continue to serve as a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board.* Herrmann currently serves as Executive Director of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Previously, she provided administrative support to Birth to Five Illinois Region 45, an organization focused on improving access to local early childhood services and informing decision-makers and the community about services in the region. Herrmann serves on the Red Bud Regional Hospital Advisory Board and the Birth to Five Illinois Region 45 Advisory Council. Herrmann earned her high school diploma from Pinckneyville Community High School.

Lisa Hess will continue to serve as a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board.* Hess most recently served as Supervisory Social Worker at the Naval Medical Center San Diego, retiring from the role in 2020. Previously, Hess served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, assigned to the 452nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron at March Air Reserve Base in California, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Earlier in her career, Hess served in the U.S. Navy, assigned to the USS Jason and serving at Naval Air Station North Island in California as well. Hess earned her Bachelor of Psychology and her Master of Social Work from San Diego State University.

Ronald Kaempfe will continue to serve as a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board.* Kaempfe most recently served as Business Manager of International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 520, retiring from the role in 2018. Earlier in his career, he was involved in many construction and site development projects. Kaempfe previously served on the Waterloo Zoning Board of Appeals. Kaempfe earned his high school diploma from Chester High School.

Joseph Luechtefeld will continue to serve as a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board.* Luechtefeld currently serves as Crop Insurance Agent with SC Crop Insurance. Previously, Luechtefeld served as Crop Insurance Agent with Farm Credit Illinois and operated a family farm. A former elected official, Luechtefeld served on the St. Libory School District Board and as Trustee with the St. Libory Fire Protection District. Luechtefeld earned his Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Christopher Kattenbraker will continue to serve as a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board.* Kattenbraker currently serves as Project Manager with Korte and Luitjohan Contractors in Highland. In this role, he oversees day-to-day operations, including managing change orders and procuring equipment. Beyond his full-time role, Kattenbraker is currently a volunteer firefighter with the Waterloo and Columbia Fire Departments. Kattenbraker earned his Associate of Science in Drafting and Design Technology from State Technical College of Missouri.

Donna Richter will continue to serve as a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board.* Richter currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA), representing approximately 500 construction companies. In addition to her role at SIBA, Richter serves as Administrator of the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program, a nonprofit industry fund supported by employers’ contributions. An active member of her community, Richter currently serves on the St. Clair County Public Building Commission. Richter earned her Associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College.

Joseph Stukenberg will continue to serve as a Member of the Kaskaskia Regional Port District Board.* Stukenberg currently serves as Regional Generation Director for energy company Vista, overseeing the operations and safety of four power plants. Previously, Stukenberg served as Operations and Maintenance Manager for Vistra’s Renewables Division, overseeing solar and battery operations. Earlier in his career, Stukenberg served as Director of Plant Operations at Baldwin Power Plant. Stukenberg earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Northern Illinois University and his Master of Business Administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

* Appointments pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.

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