Information Requests
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General Inquiries
For more information and general questions, email info@skillsusaillinois.org or call 833.754.5545.
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Membership and Advisor Inquiries
For membership, registration, conference, or competition questions, email membership@skillsusaillinois.org or call 833.754.5545.
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State Office Address
133 N. Parkway Drive
Pekin, IL 61554
Send Us A Message
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State Office Staff
Eric Hill
Executive Director
Eric Hill serves as the executive director for SkillsUSA Illinois, Inc. Hill was appointed in 2015 to lead a staff that provides services to over 150 chapters (educational institutions). In this role, Eric focuses on cultivating strategic partnerships to develop workforce solutions. SkillsUSA Illinois’s mission is to empower members to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible citizens. It improves the quality of our nation’s future skilled workforce. Eric has almost 20 years of experience with SkillsUSA, including being a state and national competitor, state officer, active alumnus, business and industry partner, and technical committee member. Previously, Eric served SkillsUSA Illinois as the assistant executive director, managing conference-related operations and State Championships (career competition programming). Eric is based out of the SkillsUSA Illinois State Office in Pekin and has a robust business and industry partner network. Outside of SkillsUSA, Eric is an entrepreneur owning several local companies and serves the local community as an elected school board member, chamber of commerce board member, and Pekin Marigold Festival committee member.
Christopher Anderson
Associate Executive Director
Christopher Anderson currently serves as the associate executive director for SkillsUSA Illinois, Inc., managing organizational operations focused on workforce development, including membership relations, work-based learning initiatives, grant management, and state events. As a former tenured Career and Technical Education teacher, Chris has developed an expert understanding of the current workforce and educational climate. His educational philosophy includes the belief that everything a student experiences inside a classroom should yield an intentional connection and benefit for that student outside the classroom. Chris has 15 years of experience with SkillsUSA. His involvement has included experiences being a student member, state and national competitor, state officer, active alumnus, state officer trainer, and local chapter advisor. Previously, Chris served SkillsUSA Illinois as the Director of Education, managing educational programs, training, and conferences, including the State Championships. Chris is based out of Chicago and has a robust network, including professionals from education, industry, and beyond.
Brendan Creamer
Director, Member Engagement
Brendan Creamer currently serves as the Director of Member Engagement with SkillsUSA Illinois, Brendan works to develop, implement, and evaluate programming for members to ensure the organizational goals are met, and that members feel supported and satisfied with the services they receive. An outgoing, passionate, and dedicated program manager, Brendan's career to this point has revolved around fighting for educational equity for the students of Boston Public Schools, and having recently relocated to Illinois, he is excited to apply the skills he has developed within a new community. The child of a teacher, Brendan has a strong understanding of the value of education and of developing applicable life skills. Based out of Chicago, Brendan has worked to establish a diverse and robust professional network, and he could not be happier to work to expand the influence of SkillsUSA Illinois. Outside of work, Brendan is a loving dog owner and a huge Boston sports fan.
Marla Swanson
Senior Program Coordinator, Member Engagment
Marla Swanson currently serves as a program coordinator of member engagement for SkillsUSA Illinois. In this position, she provides fantastic support to our chapters across the state through implementing and evaluating mission-related programming with a special focus on legacy SkillsUSA programming. Coming from the automotive industry, Marla started as a personal secretary to a group of six different brands, including a semi-pro hockey team. Through adaptation and flexibility, she facilitates innovation through all enterprises. Marla is based out of the SkillsUSA Illinois State Office in Pekin and has over twenty years of workforce experience with a strong emphasis on customer service. Outside of SkillsUSA, Marla is an outgoing personality with a vast personal and professional network. Previously, Marla served as the executive administrator of SkillsUSA Illinois, assisting both the executive director and associate executive director to develop workforce partnerships, membership relations, grant management, and state events.
Amanda Rearden
Program Coordinator, Member Engagment
Amanda Rearden currently serves as a program coordinator of member engagement for SkillsUSA Illinois. In this position, she co-manages SkillsUSA Illinois educational programs and events and coordinates SkillsUSA Illinois’ flagship career competitions, the Championships. Before joining the SkillsUSA Illinois team, Amanda spent the majority of her career in the accounting industry, working in both the public and private sectors. Before shifting her focus to educational programming, Amanda served as an administrative specialist at SkillsUSA Illinois, assisting both the executive director and associate executive director to develop workforce partnerships, membership relations, grant management, and state events.
Jackie Lawson
Program Coordinator, Workforce Development
Jackie Lawson is based in Central Illinois where she currently serves as a program coordinator of workforce development for SkillsUSA Illinois. Jackie maintains industry and educator connections, obtains and reports grant data, and assists in facilitating apprenticeship events and recruiting. Jackie has 15-year history in administration for both the education and medical fields. She has worked with students, patients, other administrators, and executives in both fields. In this capacity, Jackie has established connections throughout multiple states. Jackie has served on several committees throughout her tenure as both a director and manager for multiple companies. She enjoys sharing her experience and knowledge to help fuel her passion for student, industry, and educational success.
Susan Rushing
Program Specialist, Workforce Development
Susan Rushing joins the SkillsUSA Illinois team as a program specialist for Workforce Development. With a diverse background in business management, Susan has successfully navigated and overseen operations in various skilled trade organizations. Drawing from her extensive expertise in Human Resources, Susan has played a pivotal role in managing various aspects of HR, including recruitment, training, compliance, and financial oversight. Her hands-on experience in HR and customer service positions make her a valuable asset in understanding and addressing the diverse needs of both employees and employers. Susan's passion lies in workforce development, particularly in the trades industry. She brings a strong desire to contribute to the growth and enhancement of the trades workforce. Through her work with SkillsUSA Illinois, Susan aims to utilize her skills and knowledge to foster a robust and skilled workforce that meets the demands of the ever-evolving business landscape. Her commitment to excellence, paired with her ability to navigate the intricate aspects of business management, positions Susan as a key player in shaping the future of SkillsUSA Illinois and making a lasting impact on the development of the trades sector.
Alex Swanson
Program Specialist, Workforce Development
Alex Swanson serves as the program specialist of Workforce Development at SkillsUSA Illinois. Alex provides support to our Business Partner Network, concentrating on developing industry partnerships and registered apprenticeship programs. Focused on communicating the organization’s mission, Alex will manage the content of the organization’s digital media initiatives and platforms – including updating, managing, and providing strategic leadership around the organization’s website and social media channels. As a recent college graduate, she has work experience in customer service, digital media, and content production, and emphasizes communication aspects of each job. Prior to this role, Alex served the organization as a digital media consultant.
Career Opportunities
Senior Coordinator
Office of Business Partnerships
This position is will play a crucial role in building and expanding partnerships to support the missions of SkillsUSA Illinois and the Youth Workforce Development Foundation. The Youth Workforce Development Foundation is the official foundation of SkillsUSA Illinois and focuses developing and expanding worforce development programs nation-wide. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive strategy to identify and engage potential corporate partners, sponsors, and donors.
Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Interviews will start immediately.
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