WHO WE ARE
Vision: A strong America, safe communities, and unified people.
Mission: Exchange, inspiring communities to become better places to live.
Core Values: Family, Community, Country
Motto: Unity for Service
Mission: Exchange, inspiring communities to become better places to live.
Core Values: Family, Community, Country
Motto: Unity for Service
our history
The Exchange Club of North Chicago was birthed by an idea of our Past National President, Lou Molitor and Bill Froese. Both gentlemen approached the Mayor of North Chicago, Leon Rockingham with the idea that North Chicago could use an Exchange club. They explained to him what Exchange Club was all about and what it could mean to the City of North Chicago. Needless to say, the Mayor thought it was a great idea and thought, “Now, who could lead this club as president?”
The Mayor approached Louise Loud and of course, she said no! He continued to talk to her and eventually she accepted the position as the first President of the Exchange Club of North Chicago. They then needed officers and began looking out into the community. They acquired Sherry Murry as President Elect, Lynette Hampton as Secretary and Teresa McSee-Odoms as Treasurer. They then had to form a Board. The Mayor would be the first board member, but they needed at least three others. Melody Bickhem, Theodore Wilder, Chief of NC Fire Department and Elsye Williams became the rest of the board.
On June 17, 2008 the Exchange Club of North Chicago was given their charter by the National Exchange Club. They held their installation of officers and charter banquet at the Flannigan’s restaurant in North Chicago, IL. The officers were inducted by Lou Molitor RVP Regional 3 National Exchange. The new members were inducted by President Louise Loud and their keynote speaker for the banquet was Judge Valerie Boettle Ceckowski. The club was chartered with 15 members.
One of the first projects that the Exchange club coordinated was the removal of graffiti from local alleys and neighbor's fences. They were able to paint those areas with the help of the community.
Today, The Exchange Club of North Chicago has since grown in many ways and has given back to the Community of North Chicago through our Programs of Service; Americanism, Community, Youth Projects and our National Project; the Prevention of Child Abuse. With our youth projects we have helped prominent seniors with scholarship funds and care packages. Our Pin Wheel initiative help bring awareness to the prevention of child abuse and the Anti-bullying programs give kids the opportunity to take the pledge to fight against bullying in their community.
We are looking forward to many more years of serving this community.
The Mayor approached Louise Loud and of course, she said no! He continued to talk to her and eventually she accepted the position as the first President of the Exchange Club of North Chicago. They then needed officers and began looking out into the community. They acquired Sherry Murry as President Elect, Lynette Hampton as Secretary and Teresa McSee-Odoms as Treasurer. They then had to form a Board. The Mayor would be the first board member, but they needed at least three others. Melody Bickhem, Theodore Wilder, Chief of NC Fire Department and Elsye Williams became the rest of the board.
On June 17, 2008 the Exchange Club of North Chicago was given their charter by the National Exchange Club. They held their installation of officers and charter banquet at the Flannigan’s restaurant in North Chicago, IL. The officers were inducted by Lou Molitor RVP Regional 3 National Exchange. The new members were inducted by President Louise Loud and their keynote speaker for the banquet was Judge Valerie Boettle Ceckowski. The club was chartered with 15 members.
One of the first projects that the Exchange club coordinated was the removal of graffiti from local alleys and neighbor's fences. They were able to paint those areas with the help of the community.
Today, The Exchange Club of North Chicago has since grown in many ways and has given back to the Community of North Chicago through our Programs of Service; Americanism, Community, Youth Projects and our National Project; the Prevention of Child Abuse. With our youth projects we have helped prominent seniors with scholarship funds and care packages. Our Pin Wheel initiative help bring awareness to the prevention of child abuse and the Anti-bullying programs give kids the opportunity to take the pledge to fight against bullying in their community.
We are looking forward to many more years of serving this community.
MEET OUR OFFICERS for 2023-2024
President |
Melissa Hall is the Executive Director at 1st Class Excursions where she manages and oversees the recreation, event, and trip guide geared toward Lake County Residents. She oversees fundraising, community, and festival events for multiple organizations. In addition to being a volunteer at the Mosaic Hub in North Chicago, a North Chicago Rotary Club member, a Lake County Nature Network Member, and a Lake County Democratic Women Foundation Committee member. |
President Elect |
Open |
Past President |
Alderman Carl Evans has been a member of the Exchange Club of North Chicago for a number of years and is currently the Alderman in the 3rd Ward of North Chicago elected by his constituents to serve and represent their interests in the community. |
Secretary |
Stella Jones joined the Exchange club in June 2008 at its installation of officers and chartering of the club. She became the secretary in 2010 and has remained faithfully in that office. She is a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church of Waukegan Illinois. She has a sted-fast passion for the Exchange Club and the North Chicago community as she works to make a difference in the community under the umbrella of its 4 pillars. |
Treasurer |
Vance Wyatt - Treasurer of the City of North Chicago. He also is currently serving his second term on the Foss Park District Board of Commissioners. |
meet our board for 2023-2024
Trenda Abbott - PADs Volunteer | HBCU Tour | Co-Chair Publicity Committee | Youth Programs Co-Chair
Pamela Brooks - Past District 10 Director | Lake County Honor Flight Board | Harbor Lites Links Inc. | PamDell Printing Co-Owner
Tonja Hudson - Exchange Club President (2018-2019) | Community Action Partnership of Lake County Property Mgr | Lake County Honor Flight Vice President | Nuclear Reaction Drum Line Executive Director
Kevin Stevens - Real Capital Partners | Rotary Club of North Chicago
Teresa McSee - Past Club Treasurer since the inception of the club (10+ years), Board Member and Trustee for the North Chicago Police Pension, a Member of the North Chicago Chamber of Commerce and a Member of the Lake County Black Chamber of Commerce.
Vickie Estes-Brown - Joined the Exchange Club a little over two years ago and works as an Employment Specialist for Great Lakes Naval Base. She is also a part of North Shore Community Service League (Debutante Ball), North Chicago Police Citizen Advisory Committee and the Lake County Sheriff's Citizen Committee.
Pamela Brooks - Past District 10 Director | Lake County Honor Flight Board | Harbor Lites Links Inc. | PamDell Printing Co-Owner
Tonja Hudson - Exchange Club President (2018-2019) | Community Action Partnership of Lake County Property Mgr | Lake County Honor Flight Vice President | Nuclear Reaction Drum Line Executive Director
Kevin Stevens - Real Capital Partners | Rotary Club of North Chicago
Teresa McSee - Past Club Treasurer since the inception of the club (10+ years), Board Member and Trustee for the North Chicago Police Pension, a Member of the North Chicago Chamber of Commerce and a Member of the Lake County Black Chamber of Commerce.
Vickie Estes-Brown - Joined the Exchange Club a little over two years ago and works as an Employment Specialist for Great Lakes Naval Base. She is also a part of North Shore Community Service League (Debutante Ball), North Chicago Police Citizen Advisory Committee and the Lake County Sheriff's Citizen Committee.