Chamber Staff
Learn more about the Grundy County Chamber team!
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Grundy County Chamber Staff
Christina Van Yperen
Executive Director
Christina Van Yperen was named Executive Director in September 2015 and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism with a minor in communications and English from Northern Illinois University. Christina has been an active member of the community as a long-time editor and reporter for the Morris Herald-News and The Herald-News in Joliet covering Grundy County. She is a board member for the United Way of Grundy County and has previously served as a member or board member for other organizations such as the Morris Business & Professional Women's group and the Morris Rotary Club.
Christine Mendez
Events Director
Originally from Channahon, Christine is a 2005 graduate of Minooka Community High School. She continued her education in general studies at Rasmussen College. Christine and her daughter Kaylah moved to Morris in 2014. At her former position at Holiday Inn Express, she was very involved with the Chamber—serving as an Ambassador and a member of Business Expansion Network.
Samantha Yeager-Walrath
Membership Director
My name is Samantha Yeager-Walrath. I am the new Membership Director for the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce & Industry. I am a 2013 graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing with a minor in Journalism. I recently moved to Morris from Bettendorf, IA, but I am originally from a small town about two hours northwest of Grundy County called Fulton, IL.
Before starting at the Chamber, I was a Leasing Agent at an apartment complex in Bettendorf, IA. I also have experience working with various nonprofits including Living Lands & Waters, an environmental nonprofit based out of East Moline, IL and PAWS Chicago, a no-kill animal shelter based in Chicago.
Since starting as the Membership Director on October 10 I have been diligently working to meet as many current members as possible. I have enjoyed getting to know the local businesses and people in the community. I am looking forward to meeting even more new faces as the weeks progress.
When not working, I am an avid reader and especially enjoy reading mysteries and thrillers. I also love crafting, spending time with my husband, Logan, our Beagle, Jefferson, and our Tabby cat, Sega.
Brenda Kreiger
Administrative Assistant
Brenda Kreiger is a resident of Morris with husband, Kevin, and son, Ben. After working in various areas of the healthcare industry for the past 20 years, she decided it was time for a change. Brenda spent some time volunteering for United Way of Grundy County then decided to join the Chamber team. She spends her free time boating or kayaking, reading and practicing yoga.
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