DeKalb Times

In an April 19 Facebook post, Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) shared information about the April 18 Emerging Women Leaders event in Springfield.

“Yesterday I had the honor of welcoming Lesli Melendy, Executive Director of the Metro West Council of Government, and Jonelle Bailey, Executive Director of the Sycamore Park District, to Springfield for our Emerging Women Leaders event to recognize the contributions of female leaders throughout Illinois,” he posted. “In their respective roles, both Lesli and Jonelle demonstrated a passion for service and leadership in our communities, and it was a privilege to recognize their work."

The event was sponsored by the Illinois House Republican Caucus to honor women leaders.

"As part of the event, attendees participated in a brunch with Supreme Court of Illinois Justice Lisa Holder White, a listening session and discussion with House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, and all were recognized on the House floor for their work," Keicher posted. "Thank you to Lesli and Jonelle for the work you have done and continue to do to serve the residents of the 70th District!”

Bailey joined the Sycamore Park District in 2020, according to a Sycamore Park District Facebook post. She has more than two decades experience in the field of parks and recreation.

Melendy joined the Metro West Council of Governments in 2019 and has held the position of chief executive for more than three years, according to her Linkedin profile. She'd previously worked in Sen. Don DeWitte's (R-West Dundee) office as chief of staff and in Sen. Karen McConnaughay's (R-West Dundee) office.

“We were privileged to host an extraordinary group of women from every corner of Illinois who are truly making a positive impact in their communities,” McCombie said on her website. “I would like to thank each of them for sharing their stories with us and for their dedication toward improving the quality of life for women and families in this state we are proud to call home.”

Keicher was first elected to the Illinois House in 2018. His legislative experience includes serving on the Appropriations-Higher Education, and Immigration & Human Rights committees. Keicher resides in DeKalb.