Todd Maisch

Since joining the Chamber in 1994, Todd Maisch has made engaging coalitions of employers the cornerstone of the Chamber’s reputation as the state’s leading business advocate. He puts in practice the Chamber’s vision that in helping build stronger businesses, we build a stronger Illinois. President and CEO of the Chamber since 2014, Maisch’s leadership of a team of policy experts, business advocates, and communicators impacts the legislative, regulatory and judicial branches of government. His influence has created a network of pro-business advocates both on a state and national level. Sound tax and fiscal policy, reducing the regulatory burden on employers, pro-active economic development, promoting innovation and greater investment in our critical infrastructure are all key priorities for Maisch and the Chamber. In addition, he has led the Chamber to become the voice of business at the ballot box, supporting pro-business candidates that share the same priorities. A native of Peoria, Maisch earned an MBA from Illinois State University and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Maisch serves on the Steering Committee of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition, and is a member of the U.S. Chamber Committee of 100. Maisch and his wife, Kim, have two children and reside in Springfield.

Meghan Woltman

Meghan Woltman is the vice president of government and community relations for Advocate Health Care, the largest provider of health services in Illinois. She leads Advocate's efforts in Springfield, IL and Washington, D.C. and works with hospital-based teams to build local partnerships with elected officials and community stakeholders and to communicate the policy priorities of the system. Meghan has been with Advocate since 2006, when she joined the system as director of government relations with a specific focus on state issues. Since that time, her responsibilities have expanded to include all levels of government as well as community health strategy. Meghan is the past Vice-Chairman of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and has been a director on the board since 2011. She also sits on the Chicago Women in Government Relations board of directors as well. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from St. Louis University in communication and marketing and also completed her Master's degree at St. Louis University through a research fellowship focused on political rhetoric and journalism. Meghan and her husband live in River Forrest and have three children, the youngest being 10 months old.

Candace Gerritsen

Candace Gerritsen serves as Chief Operating Officer for the Chamber. She is responsible for budgeting and financial management, human resources/personnel management, contractual agreements, legal services, and facilities management as well as interfacing with the Board of Directors. Most recently serving as Vice President of Operations, Gerritsen joined the Chamber staff as Executive Assistant to the President in November 2001 in which she worked closely with President and CEO Doug Whitley.

Gerritsen previously served with a computer consulting company as Office Manager for eight years where she facilitated day-to-day activities of the office, worked with the President and Regional Director, and was the Human Resources Coordinator.

Gerritsen earned her bachelor's degree in international studies with a minor in business administration from Millikin University and a certificate under the Society of Human Resource Management from DePaul University in Chicago.