Hall of Fame
The Illinois Community Action Hall of Fame recognizes pioneers, leaders and visionaries who have distinguished themselves in service to Community Action. Hall of Fame members are those who have demonstrated integrity, commitment to change, led innovative practices, and embodied the ideals of the Promise of Community Action on a state or national level. The Illinois Community Action Hall of Fame is committed to the preservation of Community Action history and will use the Hall of Fame to promote learning and engagement in Community Action by future generations.
2026 Inductees
Paulette Hamlin
Inducted 2026
Paulette Hamlin devoted 24 years to Community Action. As Executive Director of Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council, she built the agency that her community needed. She served on the IACAA Board of Directors and was an active participant in the Learning and Development Committee. She cared about the network, not just her corner of it. The agency received the Excellence in CSBG Award from DCEO several times during her tenure there. Her career was built on dedication, perseverance, and a genuine belief in what Community Action can do for people.
Cathy Felner
Inducted 2026
Cathy Feltner’s career exemplified the very best of Community Action through her lasting impact, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people and communities ERBA serves. Over her 25 years with the agency, including her transition from guiding the fiscal department to serving as Executive Director in 2015, Cathy provided consistent, ethical, and innovative leadership that stood the test of time. She achieved her CCAP credentials in 2024, reflecting her professional excellence and commitment to best practices. Cathy was a passionate advocate for vulnerable populations, and she consistently emphasized measurable outcomes, community engagement, and maximum feasible participation to drive meaningful and lasting social change.
Keith Brown
Inducted 2026
Keith Brown began his employment with B.C.M.W. Community Services in 1972 as a coordinator for the Neighborhood Youth Corps Program. He worked for BCMW for 42 years, serving as Executive Director from 1997 until his retirement in September 2014. Under his leadership, BCMW fought poverty and uplifted those living on the margins through a comprehensive array of services. Beyond BCMW, he served on the boards of IACAA, Illinois Ventures for Community Action, Housing Action Illinois, and multiple regional and statewide organizations. Forty-two years of showing up for your community is a legacy that speaks for itself.
Anita Holmgren
Inducted 2026
Anita Holmgren has been the financial backbone of the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies for sixteen years. Over her tenure, IACAA has navigated leadership transitions both internally and at the state funder level, but she remained constant, steady, and a disciplined stewards that kept IACAA’s financial house in order. Her financial leadership not only preserved IACAA’s ability to serve its member agencies; it strengthened it, year after year. But to describe Anita only in terms of spreadsheets and balance sheets would miss who she really is. She brings warmth, humor, and genuine care to every room she enters. She is disciplined without being rigid, precise without being cold, and deeply committed to the mission that underlies every dollar she manages.
2025 inductees
John Dimit
Inducted 2025
John Dimit dedicated over 39 years to Champaign County, shaping the Regional Planning Commission and expanding its role as a Community Action Agency. Under his leadership, vital programs like LIHEAP, Weatherization, and Head Start took root in the region. A lifelong advocate for mentorship and service, John spent decades on the local school board, led Boy Scouts Troop activities, and supported clean water and economic development efforts in Malawi. His legacy is one of strengthened communities and inspired leadership.
Phyllis "Phib" Hedden
Inducted 2025
Phyllis “Phib” Hedden spent over 25 years at DCEO strengthening Illinois’ Community Action Agencies through capacity building, innovation, and collaborative leadership. Known for her ability to connect with staff and board members, Phib helped agencies grow into trusted pillars of their communities. She also served 17 years on the CAPCIL Board, underscoring her lifelong commitment to Community Action. Phib’s legacy continues to inspire advocates across the state.
Gail Hedges
Inducted 2025
Gail Hedges has over 40 years of public service, championing policies that support families statewide. As Division Manager and later Deputy Director at DCEO’s Office of Community Assistance, she strengthened programs like LIHEAP, CSBG, and Weatherization, and helped implement Community Action Organizational Standards. Gail’s leadership and advocacy have left a lasting mark on the Illinois Community Action Network and the lives it touches.
Sandra Julifs
Inducted 2025
Sandra Julifs dedicated over 40 years to Community Action, including 29 years as President/CEO of Tri-County Opportunities Council, where she expanded services across nine counties. A statewide leader, she served as IACAA Board Chair, led the Illinois Community Action Fund, and co-founded Illinois Ventures for Community Action. As part of the first CCAP class, a portfolio reviewer, and author of an early Body of Knowledge outline, Sandra helped shape the national standard for excellence in Community Action. Her legacy is one of vision, transformation, and enduring impact.
Thornton Ridinger
Inducted 2025
Thornton Ridinger devoted his career to advancing equity and opportunity for disadvantaged communities through his work with the State of Illinois, especially in the Division of Economic Opportunity. Even in retirement, he continued serving others through F.A.I.T.H. Volusia County. A committed church elder, Mason, and veterans’ advocate, Thornton’s lifelong dedication to justice and service left a lasting impact on every community he touched.
Mr. Thorton Ridinger was inducted posthumously into the Illinois Community Action Hall of Fame.
Paul White
Inducted 2025
Paul White has devoted over 40 years to advancing Community Action, including 37 years as CEO of C.E.F.S., where he led efforts to expand services, launch literacy programs, and advocate for low-income families. He helped shape statewide policy through advisory roles and initiatives like the Poverty Bus Tour and Dialogue on Poverty. Even in retirement, Paul remains active in board leadership and community initiatives, continuing his lifelong mission of service.
2024 Inductees
McFarland A. Bragg
Inducted 2024
As the former Executive Director of the Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity, McFarland expanded the Head Start program under his leadership. He built 140 homes for low-income families, establishing affordable housing solutions statewide through the Illinois Community Action Development Corporation. His dedication earned him a place in the Peoria African American Hall of Fame Museum in 2002, honoring his lasting impact on Community Action in Illinois.
Vincent Clark
Inducted 2024
As the former Executive Director of Kankakee Community Services, Vincent was a dedicated leader within the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA) for nearly 30 years, serving as a board member and chairman. He fiercely advocated for impoverished communities like Pembroke Township and Hopkins Park, leveraging his statewide leadership to bring critical infrastructure improvements and capacity building. His unwavering faith and servant leadership were central to his work, whether advocating for the marginalized or guiding Community Action through challenging times. His contributions spanned community development, advocacy, and collaboration with neighboring agencies.
Theresa Faith Cummings
Inducted 2024
Theresa served as the Executive Director at Sangamon County Community Action Agency, dedicating over six decades to championing civil rights and significantly influencing local and national advocacy. Drawing inspiration from her family’s resilience against discrimination, she bravely tackled systemic inequities, advocating for causes ranging from school desegregation to economic justice. Her steadfast commitment to equality, often at personal risk, has profoundly impacted her community, emphasizing the importance of persistence and continuous dialogue in the fight for justice.
Dorothy Rabe Ivanuck
Inducted 2024
Dorothy Rabe Ivanuck served as the Executive Director of the Western Egyptian Economic Opportunities Council. A dedicated leader in early childhood education, committed to enhancing the lives of young children and their families throughout her career. Her efforts focused on developing inclusive educational programs that catered to the community’s diverse needs. Dorothy’s commitment to equity in education and her work with family support services helped pave the way for better opportunities for generations to come.
Dwight Lucas
Inducted 2024
Dwight served as the CEO of the East Central Illinois Community Action Agency for 27 years, guiding the organization through significant transformation. He drove the agency’s growth and launched essential programs in education and emergency shelters that addressed critical community needs. As chair of the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies, Dwight’s influence extended statewide, helping to shape policies that strengthened the entire network. Even in retirement, his ongoing mentorship reflects his enduring commitment to the cause.
Suzan Nash
Inducted 2024
As the former Western Illinois Regional Council Executive Director, Suzan has demonstrated transformative leadership in securing funding for public infrastructure improvements. Under her guidance, WIRC became a Community Action Agency, blending individual services with community development to revitalize neighborhoods. Her dedication to projects such as domestic violence services, housing rehabilitation, and public water systems has impacted western Illinois.
Ken Pettijohn
Inducted 2024
Ken Pettijohn served as the Executive Director of WADI, motivated by a profound passion for Community Action from his childhood poverty experiences. His dedication to fostering pathways to self-sufficiency transformed lives in the community. It revolutionized the workplace with policies that offered healthcare, educational assistance, and additional benefits for staff. As a respected and influential leader, Ken’s legacy inspires those within the Community Action field.
Rob Schroeder
Inducted 2024
As the former Western Egyptian Economic Opportunities Council Housing Coordinator, Rob’s visionary leadership transformed lives through initiatives like Pyramid Manor, which provided housing for low- to moderate-income Sparta residents. His affordable housing efforts in Carbondale set a statewide standard. Beyond his housing contributions, Rob’s unwavering commitment to community service was evident in his leadership of home rehabilitation projects and the WEEOC’s certification as a Housing Counseling Agency, creating a legacy of kindness and meaningful contributions.
Frank Schwab
Inducted 2024
As the former Executive Director at Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation, Frank’s dedication to Community Action spans over three decades and is defined by his tireless advocacy and pursuit of institutional change. He set a high standard for leadership, spearheading the FCD program and leveraging his legislative connections to secure crucial CSBG funding. Frank’s legacy is one of transformative leadership, enriching the Illinois Valley while driving positive change throughout the state.
Dalitso Sulamoyo
Inducted 2017
Dalitso Sulamoyo began his career in community Action at the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA) where he served as President and CEO. He moved on to become the Chief Executive Officer of Champaign County Regional Planning Commission. Dalitso serves as the Chair of the National Community Action Partnership Board and the IACAA Board of Directors. Dalitso has led many successful advocacy and public policy initiatives. He built relationships and partnerships with governmental administrations in the State of Illinois and developed effective political strategies to safeguard the interests of Illinois’ Community Action Network. Inducted 2017 as the initial inductee.
Vince Thomas
Inducted 2024
As the former Executive Director of Project Now, Vince has passionately advocated affordable housing and community activism for nearly three decades, significantly impacting the Quad Cities. His leadership has mobilized community support and resources, garnering backing from local leaders and companies like Deere & Co. His commitment to fighting poverty and housing injustice remains unwavering, and his involvement in state and national housing organizations further amplifies his efforts.
Cheryl Vanderford
Inducted 2024
Cheryl Vanderford served as the Executive Director at Shawnee Development Council, Inc., a dedicated advocate for underserved communities, and was pivotal in advancing affordable housing initiatives. She was known for fostering collaborations between local governments and non-profit organizations to provide sustainable housing solutions. Her commitment to social justice and community empowerment left a lasting impact on the lives of many.