Meet Our Team

Chris Setti is the CEO of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, a public-private organization that helps drive economic success in a five county region of Central Illinois. Chris joined the EDC three and a half years ago after a 12 year career with the City of Peoria where he served in a variety of roles including Director of Economic Development and Assistant City Manager. Prior to his work with the city, Chris spent 10 years working in social services in Chicago, Denver and Peoria. Chris has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Notre Dame and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Colorado-Denver. Chris grew up in Southern California but has called Peoria his home since 2003.

Lenora joined the the Greater Peoria EDC as the Director of Business Attraction in June of 2019. Prior to that, she served as the Community Development Director for the Morton Economic Development Council and Chamber of Commerce. Her efforts at the the Greater Peoria EDC are informed by her experiences running a small business, advocating for public transportation, managing an academic research center and serving on a winning presidential campaign and transition team. She has masters degrees in International Conflict Resolution from the American University in Washington DC and Theological Studies from Wesley Seminary in Washington, DC.

Sally Hanley is the Director of Business Assistance for the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council and has held numerous positions with the organization for over 20 years. In her current role, she works with existing intra/interstate businesses to help them stay and grow in the region. She is renowned for expertise in researching and securing public and private economic and community development resources and funding to assist businesses and municipalities.Ms. Hanley’s role at the the Greater Peoria EDC also involves administering federal and state programs including Foreign-Trade Zone #114, DoD Defense Industry Resiliency, EDA Economic Development District, CDBG grant programs, and multiple IL Enterprise Zones.

Melissa joined the the Greater Peoria EDC as the Office Manager in November of 2014. She takes care of the day-to-day operations and handles the financial responsibilities for the organization. Prior to that, she served for three years as a loan assistant/teller for Morton Communty Bank’s Washburn branch. Melissa has an Associates Degree in accounting from Joliet Junior College. She grew up in Central Illinois and has lived in the Peoria Area for the last 16 years.

Kari Rauh joined the the Greater Peoria EDC Team as its Director of Workforce Solutions in November 2020. Prior to joining the the Greater Peoria EDC, Kari served in a consulting capacity for Illinois Central College’s Workforce Development division and as the consulting HR Director for a Peoria tech startup (CooperRidge Companies). Prior to her work in Peoria, Kari spent 6 years working in healthcare and social services in Seattle. Kari holds a bachelor's degree in anthropology from the Wheaton College and a diploma in clinical massage therapy. Kari is a 5th generation central IL native who graduated from Metamora Township High School in 2007. She believes that a healthy workforce leads to a prosperous community and is honored to work alongside passionate people serving the region she calls home.

Andrew Ngui is a visionary systems builder. As the Director at the Office of Innovation and Startups, he works synergistically to innovate while engineering radical inclusivity and unity across silos. He spearheads human-centered movements to garden innovation and helps bridge gaps in ecosystems at scale. He works collaboratively with national and regional leaders to build capacity in innovation, entrepreneurship: new venture creation, corporate innovation, and community development to improve economic performance in the Greater Peoria region.

Kathleen Brown joined the Greater Peoria EDC Team as its Director of Rural Outreach and Development in December 2021. Prior to joining the Greater Peoria EDC, Kathie served as a Community and Economic Development Specialist with the University of Illinois Extension. Her extensive community development work has largely revolved around blending theory and practice as she engages community leaders, businesses, and local governments in strategic planning, asset mapping, survey design and implementation. All this is focused on stakeholder-defined outcomes and building community.

Dick is a lifelong resident of Central Illinois and an active participant in the Peoria area business community for over 40 years. He joined the Greater Peoria EDC as Director of the Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network in 2022 following his previous career as President / CEO of Peoria Production Solutions, a local not for profit organization. Dick is committed to bringing and keeping business in the Greater Peoria area. Advancing opportunities for businesses in the Greater Peoria area is a top priority with him. He is a graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in vocational education. Dick and his wife Nena live in Morton.

David is originally from Ghana, West Africa and has a Bachelor's degree in Communications Studies from the Ghana Institute of Journalism. David has worked primarily in development and social enterprise sectors with multiple USAID-funded organizations. David has over 8 years experience in Public Relations, Branding, Programmatic Communications and Marketing for development organizations. Prior to relocating to the United States, David served as the Communications Specialist for the USAID-funded West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change Program, covering 15 West African countries. David is proud to call the Greater Peoria area his new home and is glad to have the opportunity to serve the region.