Effingham County Chamber Announces Jeff Fritchtnitch as Interim President and CEO

Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Effingham County Chamber announces the appointment of Jeff Fritchtnitch, Ed. S., as Interim President and CEO, effective immediately. This decision follows the announcement of the resignation of Lucinda Hart, who will continue her term in the House until the end of May.

“I am honored to take on the role of Acting President and CEO of the Chamber. I am committed to guiding our organization through this critical transition and look forward to contributing to our continued success. – Jeff Fritchnitch

Serving 34 years in public education and serving as a teacher, coach, associate principal, principal and superintendent for his last 18 years, Mr. Jeff Fritchtnitch retired as Superintendent of School District No. 201 of Mt. Vernon Township in 2020. Locally. , he served as superintendent of Altamont Community Unit School District No. 10, where he served as superintendent for 10 years.

Jeff has served on several education-related committees and boards, serving as chair for several of them during his tenure. He has been a presenter and moderator at professional conferences, such as the Illinois Association of School Administrators, the National Association of School Administrators, and has also led strategic planning for some area companies, Illinois companies and from several other states. He has also been an inspirational speaker to school districts, student organizations and businesses throughout the Midwest.

Jeff has long-standing ties to the Effingham County Chamber, having begun his tenure as Chairman of the Workforce Development Committee in 2012, a position he held for two years. Throughout this time, he maintained his involvement on the committee while simultaneously serving as Chairman of the first Effingham Regional Career Academy Board of Directors. Additionally, Jeff assumed the esteemed position of Chairman of the Effingham County Chamber Board of Directors in 2016. In 2021, Jeff joined the Chamber staff as Director of Workforce Development implementation, focusing its efforts on the implementation of EC-JOBS and various other workforce initiatives.

Jeff received his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Eastern Illinois University. Along with his teaching career, he pursued and earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from Governors State University. Later, while serving as principal, he continued his education by completing his master’s degree in educational specialists from Eastern Illinois University. Jeff’s commitment to professional development is also demonstrated through his participation as a scholar in the Illinois School for Advanced Leadership.

Dr. Austin Cheney, Chairman of the Board for 2024, expressed confidence in Jeff Fritchtnitch’s ability to lead the Chamber during this interim period. “Jeff has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication during his time in the House. We believe his experience and vision will be invaluable in guiding the Chamber through this transition and we look forward to working closely with Jeff to continue to advance the Chamber’s mission.

The chamber’s board of directors is currently searching for a permanent replacement. As details are consolidated, updates will be promptly shared on the Chamber website: Effinghamcountychamber.com.

About the Effingham County Chamber
Founded in 1917, the Effingham County Chamber is the county’s leading business advocate and champion. The Chamber strives to create a climate of growth and success in our community by providing leadership opportunities as well as volunteer programs and business-building initiatives focused on Effingham County’s critical business priorities. Leveraging the support, talent and resources of our members, the Effingham County Chamber leads efforts to ensure business success and community growth.