New St. Charles Chamber director to focus on increasing membership, improving events
St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rebecca Greenlee has big plans for the organization’s future.
“Who doesn’t love St. Charles? It’s one of the most beautiful towns I’ve ever been in,” Greenlee said. “It’s just a beautiful place to work.”
Greenlee was hired Jan. 6 to replace former Executive Director Debbie Gurley, who retired in October 2024 after leading the chamber since 2022.
Chamber board Chairman Joshua Feagans said Greenlee was selected out of more than 80 applicants.
“Not only does she have great experience, but her demeanor is fantastic,” Feagans said. “(Greenlee) just has such a welcoming, inviting, calming presence. It’s spectacular, but more importantly, her background is also stunning.”
Feagans said there is great opportunity for growth and the chamber has a solid foundation that Greenlee can build on.
Greenlee of Burlington said her experience writing and administering grants, event management and how personable she is make her the right fit for the job. She grew up in a small town in southern Illinois and earned a degree in broadcast meteorology from Western Illinois University.
Greenlee has worked in grant writing for 20 years with various nonprofit organizations, including the Grand Victoria Foundation in Elgin, the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois and the Boy Scouts Three Fires Council in St. Charles. She served as the first executive director of the Kaneland Foundation, which supports teachers, staff and administrators in Kaneland Unit District 302.
Greenlee said she plans to improve efficiency by streamlining internal operations key to supporting the St. Charles business community. Her goals are membership growth and stability, improving events, guiding groups and committees, and working more with other chambers.
Among the challenges is stagnant chamber membership numbers. One of her first tasks will be to find out why and develop a plan to address the issue, she said.
Greenlee has begun planning changes to events such as Charlemagne, the city’s annual community award ceremony in May. This year, the event will be held at The Royal Fox Country Club, after being at the Q Center for the last decade.
“I feel like we’re going to elevate it this year and really make it one of those events that people are vying to attend,” Greenlee said.