Information Requests
General Inquiries
For more information and general questions, email info@skillsusaillinois.org or call 833.754.5545.
Membership and Advisor Inquiries
For membership, registration, conference, or competition questions, email membership@skillsusaillinois.org or call 833.754.5545.
State Office Address
133 N. Parkway Drive
Pekin, IL 61554
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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 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.
Marla Swanson
Executive Administrator
Marla Swanson currently serves as the executive administrator for workforce development of SkillsUSA Illinois, assisting both the executive director and associate executive director to develop workforce partnerships, membership relations, grant management, and state events. 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.
Jackie Lawson
Program Coordinator, Workforce Development
Jackie Lawson is based in Central Illinois where she currently serves as a program specialist for 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.
Amanda Rearden
Program Coordinator, Member Engagment
Amanda Rearden currently serves as a program coordinator for workforce development of SkillsUSA Illinois. In this position, she co-manages SkillsUSA Illinois educational programs and events and co-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.
Career Opportunities
Director of Member Engagement
This position will be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating mission-related programming for customers with a special focus on legacy SkillsUSA programming. This role will provide overall leadership around engaging members through programs, membership initiatives, and trainings that meet organizational goals. Creating a vision, developing timelines and communication plans, and meeting customer needs through relationship building will be key aspects of this position.
Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Interviews will start immediately.
Program Specialist, Workforce Development
This position is responsible for ensuring the completion of organizational daily operational duties, focused on work-based learning (WBL) initiatives, by providing support to staff as well as ensuring that programs managed effectively. This position has significant opportunity for growth within this growing organization.
Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Interviews will start immediately.