Who We AreThe Dwight Economic Alliance formed in January 2014, when multiple organizations devoted to the economic stability and success of Dwight combined their resources and efforts to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. Our areas of focus include:
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StructureThe Dwight Economic Alliance is governed by a 9-member Board, each of whom serve for 3-year staggered terms. The Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations of the DEA, provides oversight and guidance to committees, and advises the Board.
Committees that may include board members, staff members, and community volunteers exist to perform special functions. Some committees, such as the Economic Development Council, are standing committees that meet year round. Others form around a specific event, such as the Springfest Committee. We are always seeking volunteers, both to serve on committees and to assist as “day of” volunteers at events. If you are interested in joining our work, please contact us at [email protected]. |
Board Members
Randy Irvin ('27)
President
About Randy
Randy is a resident of Dwight, Illinois. He currently serves as President of the Dwight Harvest Days Committee, as a member of the Dwight Lions Club, and as a Village Trustee. |
Shayla Samples ('26)
Vice President
About Shayla
Shayla Samples grew up in Dwight, studied photography at Columbia College Chicago, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Photography in 2009. After college, Shayla worked in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago for three years taking newborn photographs for Bella Baby Photography. While working in the hospitals taking newborn photographs, Shayla was also busy shooting weddings, events, and family sessions around the Chicagoland area. In late 2012, Shayla moved back to Dwight to be a 4th generation business owner, opening up Shayla Loring Photography, a full-service Photography studio specializing in weddings, events, and high school senior photography sessions. Shayla is also one of the co-owners of Dwight’s 24 hour fitness center, Sweat Factory. Along with being a DEA Board Member and head of multiple events, Shayla is a chair on the Dwight’s Christmas for Kids program, part of OneCollective.io photography group and also a member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA). To view Shayla Loring Photography’s website, visit www.shaylaloring.com. |
Chantell Watenpaugh ('25)
Treasurer
About CHANTELL
Chantell is currently employed at SOCU (Dwight Branch) and serves as DEA's Treasurer. |
John Salzer ('27)
Secretary
About John
Dr. John Salzer has spent most of his career in the field of education, with 4 years as a coach at Reed-Custer High School, 5 years as Registrar and Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at the original Kendall College, 8 years as a Registrar and Instructor for the Will/Grundy/Kendall K-12 Professional Development Alliance, and 4 years as Assistant Registrar and Title IX Deputy Coordinator at Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois. John is currently the Associate Director of Heartland Community College’s northern campus in Pontiac, where he serves as the primary Academic Advisor for students in Livingston County. John earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree and Illinois Teacher Licensure (6-12 Math and Social Sciences) at College of St. Francis, his M.A.T. in Mathematics at the University of Idaho, and his Doctorate in Ethical Leadership at Olivet Nazarene University. John joined the Dwight community in 2014 as an employee of the DEA and has served as a volunteer ever since, eventually joining the board in 2018. He also sits on the Executive Board for Dwight Harvest Days. |
Jason Groves ('26)
About JASON
Jason Groves is a dedicated professional with deep-rooted connections to both Dwight and Freeport, Illinois. Residing in the Dwight area for 20 years he currently serves as the Executive Director at Heritage Woods of Dwight, an assisted living community managed by Gardant Management Solutions, where he oversees daily operations to ensure residents receive high-quality care and services. Under his leadership which began in 2021, Heritage Woods of Dwight was selected to receive a Bronze Award for Quality by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), recognizing the Community’s commitment to excellence in care. Heritage Woods has also selected as the “Best in Assisted Living” by the nationally recognized publication US News and World Report. With almost 30 years of experience in restaurant management, Jason previously honed his expertise in business operations, customer service, and team leadership. His background in the hospitality industry has equipped him with strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of client relations, which he carries into his current roles. A devoted father, Jason cherishes spending quality time with his 3 children, emphasizing the importance of family and Community involvement. His dedication to both his career and personal life underscores his commitment to enhancing the well-being of those around him. |
Jill Mann ('27)
About JILL
A long-time volunteer for DEA, Jill joined the board in 2022. Jill is currently employed at Midland States Bank (Dwight Branch). |
Catie Wilkey ('25)
About CATIE
Catie is currently employed with Dwight Common Schools and has experience starting and running a business. She began leading Christmas in Dwight for Dwight prior to joining the board in 2023. |
Jennifer Connor ('27)
About JENNIFER
Jennifer is the owner of Black Bird Common. She joined the board in 2025. |
Meredith Donaldson ('26)
About MEREDITH
Meredith is the co-owner of Goos Creek Acres in Dwight and is a Travel Advisor and Founder of World Citizen Travel. She joined the board in 2025, assuming the last two years of a vacant position. |
Staff Members
Brooke Baker - Coordinator
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