Board of Directors
2026-2027 Board
Jane Santogrossi, President
Jane Santogrossi joined the LWVCC in 2021. A graduate of the University of Illinois Gies College of Business, she spent 44 years as a consultant on tax and compensation issues in Chicago and Atlanta, retiring to Urbana in 2019. She also serves as Treasurer for Krannert Art Museum Council. Contact: [email protected] |
Deb Busey, Vice President
Deb Busey joined the LWVCC in 2016. Deb enjoyed a long career in county government - 20 years in the State's Attorney's Office followed by 20 years in Administration where she served as County Administrator from 1998 until her retirement in 2016. She is a past president of the Junior League of Champaign-Urbana, has served on the Champaign Public Library Board, the Champaign County Nursing Home Board, and the Stewardship Council of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. In addition to working with the League of Women Voters Champaign County as Vice President, she is also currently serving on the U-I Friends of English Board.
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Cathy Baird, Treasurer
Cathy Baird joined the LWVCC in 2025. She moved to Champaign 37 years ago. Over her career, Cathy has worked as an accountant for public accounting firms, small businesses and non-profit organizations. She recently retired after 18 years as the CFO at the United Way of Champaign County. She served as the Treasurer for the Illinois Football Club until 2007. Since her retirement she has enjoyed spending time with her 4 grandchildren, reading and cooking.
Contact: [email protected] |
Laura Lyon, Secretary
Laura Lyon graduated from Bradley University and has been working at Carle Hospital as a physical therapist for over 25 years. She has been a secretary for her children’s PTA and has been active in Mother's Demand Action for Gun Sense in America for the past 2 years. She is a new member of LWVCC and is excited to contribute her time and energy to further civic engagement in her community.
Contact: [email protected] |
Carol Bosley, Director
Carol Bosley joined the League in 2019. Prior to retirement, she worked for 32 years at the University of Illinois in Student Affairs administration. She has had the unique experience of seeing her name on an election ballot – when running for the Library Board (she won). In January 2017 Carol was part of the grassroots effort that organized buses for 225 local women to join a half million fellow marchers at the Women’s March in Washington. She is a founding member of the Braver Angels Alliance of East Central Illinois,
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Karen Carney, Director
Karen Carney joined the League in 2025. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, she moved to Champaign for graduate study at the University of Illinois. After earning a Ph.D. in English, she worked in academic administration at the University, retiring in 2017 as an associate dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Since retiring, she has worked as a Champaign County election judge, and her interest in elections and voting inevitably led her to the League. She also enjoys running, knitting, and volunteering.
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Karen Kane, Director
Karen Kane joined the LWVCC in 2023. She has been a longtime community volunteer in Champaign schools, area hospitals, local environmental groups and the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen. As the Voter Ready Team co-lead, Karen is committed to engaging other League members and voters in voter registration and education, partnering with other community groups, and getting out the vote!
Karen also enjoys flower gardening, practicing yoga, reading mysteries and spending time with her grandchildren. |
Sara Kelley, Director
Sara Kelley joined the League in 2019. As an Illinois alumna she spent 30 years in higher education, first in student affairs and later in advancement at the University of Illinois. She retired in 2011 as Assistant Dean for Advancement in the College of Applied Health Sciences. Sara leads the League’s Marketing and Communications Team. She is also a founding member of the Braver Angels Alliance of East Central Illinois. Contact: [email protected]
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Rhonda Kirts, Director
Rhonda Kirts joined the League in 2019 and is involved with the Youth Outreach and Civic Engagement Team. She retired from the University of Illinois where she worked in the Office of the Dean of Students. Rhonda has also served as a Champaign County Election Judge. Contact: [email protected]
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James Manrique, Director
James Manrique has been a League member since 2019. He is focused on voter education & outreach, including development of the League's Candidate Guide. James has been involved in local activism for the past several years, working hard to promote Voter Turnout through his work with the Champaign County Voters Alliance. When James isn't busy motivating voters, he likes to listen to vinyl records and tend to his plants.
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Joan Volkmann, Director
Joan Volkmann joined the League in 2021. She enjoyed a long career in fundraising, retiring in 2021 from her most recent position as Associate Dean for Advancement for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Currently she leads the League’s Fundraising Team and serves as a member of the Voter Ready Team. When she is not working for the League, she is a yoga practitioner, a student of Ikenobo ikebana, and an avid reader. Contact: [email protected]
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Not Sure Who To Contact?
Send an inquiry email to the general LWVCC address
[email protected] Or visit the LWVCC Teams and Activities page for more information.
[email protected] Or visit the LWVCC Teams and Activities page for more information.
