Local Government Educators and Committee

Terry has two bachelor of arts degrees in communications (Organizational) and political science (International Relations) and a master's degree in public administration.

Terry has a diverse background divided between education/training and as a practitioner at the local and federal government levels. Her experience runs the gamut from being in charge of community development for the City of Indianapolis under the auspices of the CFO/Administrator for Community Development and Financial Services, to team member, then managing editor of the White House Task Force on Reinventing Government. Terry also served in the US Army as an Intelligence Analyst and Korean linguist.

With Extension, Terry focuses on programs designed to assist businesses and organizations in developing more positive work environments, employee relationships and robust bottom lines. At the local government level, Terry helped developed and currently provides Tomorrow's Leaders: Understanding Illinois Local Government to high school teachers in northern Illinois; is one of the instructors of the Certified County Officials program; offers strategic planning and other facilitation programming; and, works with associated agencies and nonprofits to better organize and provide services. She is also proficient in statistical analysis and demographics.

Terry is an adjunct professor of political science and public administration and has extensive experience in professional training in both public and private sector. She currently is appointed to the City of Freeport Planning Commission.

Rachelle Hollinshead began her duties as the County Director for the Clay-Effingham-Fayette-Jasper Unit in 2010. Prior to that, she served as the Community and Economic Development Educator in the Effingham Extension Center from 1992 -2007, County Director in Marion County from June 2007 until September 2008, and Community and Economic Development Educator in the Clay/Fayette Unit from September 2008 until November 2010.

She received her bachelor's degree in law enforcement administration from Western Illinois University and her master's degree in Extension education with an emphasis in rural and community development from the University of Illinois. She is a graduate of the Community Development Institute and has completed numerous courses toward the doctorate in public administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Her county director duties include financial and staff oversight for the Clay-Effingham-Fayette-Jasper Unit, as well as program development and implementation.

Hollinshead is a member of the Illinois Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (IL-ACDEP,) Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP,) and the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) Alumni Association Board.

Amanda Cole has been with University of Illinois Extension since January of 2005. She serves as an Extension Educator in community and economic development for Montgomery County. She holds a bachelor of arts in business (2002) and a master's of business administration (2004) from Eastern Illinois University.

Her professional development training has included attending Years 1 through 3, and the Advanced Level of the Midwest Community Development Institute from 2005 through 2008. She has attended both the 2009 and 2010 Annual Conference of the Illinois Development Council and the International Economic Development Council's 2010 "How You Build It Conference."

Within Montgomery County, Amanda works with the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), a local non-4 profit, who works "To Build a Brighter Future for Montgomery County." In that role she assists communities in securing grant funds that have totaled over $520,000.00 and helps in administering the Montgomery County Revolving Loan Fund. In addition, to working with the MCEDC, Amanda provides one-on-one counseling for those interested in starting small businesses, working with local units of governments on long-range planning and is currently working with the Montgomery County Planning Commission in the development of a Comprehensive Plan for Montgomery County.

Previous work experience includes C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation as an Outreach Housing Counselor and the former American Express Financial Advisors as a financial advisor. She has previously served on the Montgomery County FEMA board from January 2006 through June 2009, and is currently a member of the Illinois Association of the Community Development Professionals, Extension Partners of Illinois and Illinois Development Council.