Currently serving as the President of the IACCE, Michael is also the COO for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Previously, Michael was with the University of Illinois at Springfield and served in senior faculty and management positions including Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Organization and Management Studies, Director of the Office of Business and Management Development, and most recently, Associate Chancellor. He holds the rank Professor Emeritus in Economics.

Ayers began his professional career in the Treasurer’s Division of Eastman Kodak Company. He holds a B.A. degree from Midwestern University in Wichita Falls, Texas and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma.

Email: mayers@ilchamber.org

Joining the Chamber in May, 2011, Lisa Weitzel is the Director of Communications for the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. A small business owner, Lisa also serves as the vice-president of the Ball-Chatham Board of Education. She is also a former director of the Springfield Art Association Board, and served on the Board of the Westminster Presbyterian Cooperative Preschool Board of Directors.

Lisa honed her communications skills during her board experiences and as a freelance photographer in the Springfield area. She is active in the Illinois Association of School Boards and comes to the Chamber with excellent writing, editing, and design skills.

Lisa is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with her bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and interned with United States Senator Alan J. Dixon.

Email: lweitzel@ilchamber.org

Mary came to the Chamber with 28 years experience working in administrative capacities with a Fortune 500 manufacturing company. She joined the Chamber in December 2002 as Receptionist at the Springfield headquarters. Her current duties include a variety of administrative assignments including working with the Director of Local Chamber Relations. In this role, she maintains the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE) membership and financial information as Office Manager. Mary also assists in the day-to-day operational functions of all aspects of the Springfield office as well as preparing materials for the regular meetings of the Chamber's Bard and Executive Committee.

Email: mtaylor@ilchamber.org