Fritchtnitch Named Interim Chamber President and CEO

The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Jeff Fritchtnitch as the Interim President & CEO, effective immediately. This decision follows the resignation announcement of Lucinda Hart, who will continue her tenure with the Chamber through the end of May.

Fritchtnitch said, "I am honored to step into the role of Interim President & CEO for the Chamber. I am committed to guiding our organization through this crucial transition and am eager to contribute to our continued success."

Serving 34 years in public education and serving as a teacher, coach, associate principal, principal, and superintendent for his final 18 years, Fritchtnitch retired as the Superintendent of the Mt. Vernon Township High School District #201 in 2020. Locally, he was the Superintendent of the Altamont Community Unit School District #10, where he served as Superintendent for 10 years.

Information from the Chamber shares "Jeff has served on several educational related committees and boards holding the position of president for many of them during his tenure.  He has been a presenter and facilitator at professional conferences, such as Illinois Association of School Administrators, National Association of School Administrators, as well as leading strategic planning for some area businesses, businesses throughout Illinois and several other states.  He also has been an inspirational speaker to school districts, student organizations and businesses throughout the Midwest.

"Jeff has a longstanding connection with the Effingham County Chamber, having commenced his tenure as Workforce Development Committee Chair in 2012, a position he held for two years. Throughout this period, he maintained his involvement with the Committee while concurrently assuming the role of Chairman on the inaugural Effingham Regional Career Academy Board. Furthermore, Jeff assumed the position of Effingham County Chamber Board Chair in 2016. In 2021, Jeff transitioned to the Chamber staff as the Workforce Development Director, concentrating his efforts on implementing EC-JOBS and various other workforce initiatives."

The Chamber release continued, "Fritchtnitch earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University. Concurrently with his teaching career, he pursued and obtained his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Governors State University. Later, while serving as a principal, he furthered his education by completing his Master's Degree in Educational Specialists from Eastern Illinois University. Jeff's commitment to professional development is also evidenced by his participation as an Illinois School for Advanced Leadership Fellow."

Dr. Austin Cheney, the 2024 Board Chair, expressed confidence in Jeff Fritchtnitch's ability to lead the Chamber during this interim period. "Jeff has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication during his tenure with the Chamber. We believe his experience and vision will be invaluable in steering the Chamber through this transition and look forward to working closely with Jeff to continue advancing the Chamber's mission."

The Chamber Board is currently in the process of seeking a permanent replacement. As details are solidified, updates will be promptly shared on the Chamber website: Effinghamcountychamber.com.