This week, State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) welcomed Lesli Melendy, Executive Director of the Metro West Council of Government, and Jonelle Bailey, Executive Director of the Sycamore Park District, to Springfield for the Emerging Women Leaders event to recognize the contributions of female leaders throughout Illinois. Lesli and Jonelle were among nearly fifty women selected from across the state.
Emerging Women Leaders event participating in
a listening session and discussion with House Minority Leader Tony McCombie and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton.
“It was my honor to recognize Lesli and Jonelle,” said Keicher. “In their respective roles, both of them have demonstrated a passion for service and leadership in our communities, and it was a privilege to recommend them for selection at this year’s Emerging Women Leaders event. Thank you to both of them for the work they have done and continue to do to serve residents in the communities of the 70th District.”
As the Executive Director of the Metro West Council of Government, Lesli Melendy leads a council of municipalities serving a population of more than 750,000 in Kane, DeKalb and Kendall Counties to work collaboratively toward achieving various goals. Prior to her work with the Council of Government, Lesli served as Chief of Staff for multiple State Senators and served her community on the local school board and the McHenry County Mental Health Board.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie,
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White.
“It was an honor to be nominated for this recognition with other leaders from across the state,” said Melendy. “This area is truly fortunate to have a State Representative of the caliber of Jeff Keicher, and it is a privilege to get to work with him on issues affecting municipalities in Kane, Kendall, and DeKalb Counties. Spending the day with other women was empowering and a reminder of the strength in supporting each other as women leaders.”
Serving as the Executive Director of the Sycamore Park District, Jonelle Bailey leads a team dedicated to enhancing the community through wellness, recreation and green space, as well as a responsive approach to service, community relationships, and sustaining the Sycamore Park District legacy. Jonelle has also worked with the Salvation Army over the years and was recently named to the board of the DeKalb County History Center.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie,
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White.
“It was certainly an honor and a surprise to be recognized,” said Bailey. “We greatly appreciate Jeff’s support of local parks and recreation. That support helps us to continue to provide accessible opportunities for health and well-being in our community for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.”
As part of the Emerging Women Leaders event, attendees participated in a brunch with Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White, a listening session and discussion with House Minority Leader Tony McCombie and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, and all were recognized on the House floor for their work.