MEET THE TEAM
Connie Unruh
Chief Executive Officer
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Tammy Wilson
Chief Operating Officer
Connie became involved with The Vault in 2018, volunteering as the Treasurer and leading our BizTown entrepreneurship program. As a Financial Literacy Educator at the local schools and throughout the Central IL community, Connie grew to love working with students to help them realize their full potential. In January 2024, Connie took on the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role. Using her financial background and experience with students, Connie is well-positioned to guide the organization as we continue to grow in programming and student attendance. Connie has three adult children and eagerly awaits grandchildren (future Vaulters). She wears out her playful puppy, Frankie, in her free time, with many walks.
Tammy joined The Vault staff in October of 2019. Previously, she worked as a literacy specialist and ESL teacher for Richland Community College. Prior to that, she served as the theatre director for both Clinton High School and Decatur Christian School. Her love for teaching, teens, and telling people what to do have found a perfect home in her position as Executive Director at The Vault. Oh, and she loves jelly donuts, dogs, dark chocolate, and alliteration..
Jason Kitson
Program Director
Jason was one of the first supporters of The Vault way back in 2016 when The Vault was just getting started. He joined our staff in the summer of 2021 alongside his wife, McKenna. What a full circle moment! When Jason isn't planning our awesome programs, he likes to spend his time watching a good movie (Marvel all the way), spending time with his family and friends, or playing outside with his two dogs. He's also our chess expert. Challenge him at a game at your own risk.
Wendy DeMent
Director of Marketing and Finance
Wendy became involved with The Vault in 2017 as a volunteer on the fundraising committee and later joined the staff in the summer of 2019. Wendy is married with four children, a dog, and a cat. She enjoys beach vacations, singing Taylor Swift songs with her youngest, and amateur cat photography. Her lifelong dream is to be welcomed into a room with a confetti cannon.
Kaitlin Burton
Programming Assistant
Kaitlin is a sophomore at Illinois State University who has recently begun working at The Vault's new Program Assistant! She is no stranger to The Vault as she was very involved during her high school years serving as a Student Ambassador, cafe volunteer, and Student Cafe Manager. We are so excited to welcome her back to assist us with our program set-up, clean-up, and everything in between!
Alex Kreoger
Cafe Manager
Alex Kreoger, a junior at Clinton High School, is our Golden Gears Café Student Manager. Alex has been coming to The Vault since he was in 6th grade. He loves the staff and volunteers here and is happy to be joining the team! Alex is a very hard worker, makes sure that he is on time, and does his best at whatever job he does. He loves to game during his free time. His favorite games are APEX Legends and COD Modern Warfare. He is also part of the Game Masters Club at Clinton High School and especially enjoys hanging out with his Game Master’s friends and playing Magic the Gathering.
Our Board Members
Michelle Witzke
President
Michelle founded The Vault in 2017 and currently serves as The Vault's Volunteer Community Connections Coordinator. Before founding The Vault, Michelle worked as a secondary school teacher, coach, and social worker. In 2017, Michelle resigned from her previous position at a Decatur homeless shelter to focus her attention wholeheartedly on The Vault and is an integral part of the organization.
Bryce Lynch
Vice-President
Bryce is a partner at the law firm of Taylor & Lynch in Clinton, Illinois. He attended Northern Illinois University for his law degree and for his undergraduate degree in political science. He is also a Rotarian and an active member of the YMCA Board of Directors.
Ann Anderson
Secretary
Ann has a degree in Business from Colorado State University. She and her husband, Randy, have owned Anderson Ford since 1988 where she retired from her position as Office Manager in May of 2019. She previously volunteered with Bible Study Fellowship as a children's leader for 4 years and a women's group leader for 7 years. She is also co-founder of Fan the Flame Christian Concerts, a 501(c)3 created in 2013 to promote Christian concerts and help local charities.
Connie Unruh
Treasurer
Connie is a licensed CPA and the Financial Literacy Coordinator at TS Institute, an affiliate of First National Bank & Trust of Clinton. Connie worked as a financial advisor for a Christian not-for-profit before joining TS Institute. Before this, she worked as an accountant for several non-profits and a public accounting firm. Connie received her BS degree in Finance from Northern Illinois University.
Jim Peck
Jim has been an educator in Central Illinois for the past 11 years, beginning as a classroom teacher at Mt. Pulaski Grade School before moving to Maroa Forsyth Grade School and Middle School. He has served as an administrator at Clinton Junior High School since 2018 and is currently the Principal at CJHS. Jim graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and earned his masters in Educational Leadership from Eastern Illinois University.
Bob Svencner
Bob has been an educator for 29 years and has served as the Clinton High School Assistant Principal for the last 9. He taught for 12 years in a middle school classroom in Lansing, IL., before moving into school administration. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from Aurora University and his Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Olivet Nazarene University. He also earned a Master's degree in School Leadership from Concordia University.
Rob Spickard
Chief Deputy Spickard served 11 years as an Illinois Army National Guard medic and over 20 years with the DeWitt County Sheriff's Office occupying K9, General Criminal Detective, Inspector with the Illinois State Police Task Force, Patrol Sergeant, Chief of Jail Operations, and currently serves as the Chief Deputy. Additionally, Rob serves as a board member for the local Clinton Youth Initiative Program.
Ginny Carter
As a 1972 graduate from Clinton High School, Ginny has been a champion for children of all ages for over 40 years. She is currently employed in the Clinton schools and serves faithfully in leadership positions with organizations such as Youth Initiative, Project Grad, Habitat for Humanity, and as a support for school athletics.
Paul Stroup
Paul Stroup is currently serving as the pastor of the Clinton Presbyterian Church. Paul earned a B.A. in Bible Theology from Moody Bible Institute in 1992, a hospitality/culinary degree from Triton College in 1993, and a M. Div. from Lincoln Christian Seminary in 2006. While completing his Masters, he started a culinary education program to train and mentor underemployed and homeless students. He became an ordained minister in 2018.
Tammy Wilson
Tammy currently serves as The Vault's Executive Director. Before joining The Vault, she worked 6 years in adult education for Richland Community College where she taught reading and math. During that time, she received her ESL Certification from Lincoln Christian University and also taught English to speakers of other languages. She received her BA in Theatre from Illinois State University and served as Theatre Director for both Clinton High School (2008-2012) and Decatur Christian School (2012-2013).
