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 as co-chair of the Transportation for Illinois Coalition, 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.

Tony Reinhart, Ford Motor Co.

Tony Reinhart is Ford Motor Company's Director of Governmental Affairs (Midwest/Southern Region). He is responsible for implementing Ford Motor Company's legislative, government and community affairs programs in a multi-state region (Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico and Texas). Previously, Tony served as the Manufacturing and Logistics Manager in Washington, DC., where he led Ford's efforts on manufacturing, legal reform and transportation (Highway Re-Authorization) issues. Tony currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Calumet Area Industrial Commission, Chicago Environmental Fund, Associated Industries of Missouri (Immediate Past-Chairman of the Board), Clay County (MO) Economic Development Council (Immediate Past-Chairman of the Board), KC Workforce Investment, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Missouri Hawthorne Foundation. He earned his B.A. in political science, business administration and economics from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri

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.