About Marion Connects
Marion Connects is a 501c3 Not-for-profit community development organization creating a stronger community through advocacy, volunteerism, growth & renewal. It is a citizen-led collaboration dedicated to making Marion the premier place in Southern Illinois to live, work, visit, shop and play.
Our Mission
Marion Connects is creating a stronger community through advocacy, volunteerism, growth and renewal.
Our Commitment
Unity, Inclusion, Cooperation, Growth, Welcoming Environment, Civic Pride, Positive Image and Positive Outcomes.
Current Projects & Programs
Third Thursday
Once a month from May through October Marion Connects takes over the Marion IL town square for Third Thursdays! Third Thursdays are the heart of Marion connects! Bringing community together, creating lifelong memories all while helping support the small businesses that are such a vital part of our community.
Neighbor Spotlight
Our neighbor spotlight events are a monthly event that brings community members and business owners together to network and learn more about our community, history and upcoming events.
Leadership: Board of Directors
Amy Eckert: President
Amy Eckert is the President of Marion Connects and the Designated Managing Broker of Gideon Realty, based in Marion. She also serves on the Board of Directors of her real estate association, Southwestern Illinois Board of REALTORS®. A life-long resident of Marion, Amy's roots run deep in Southern Illinois with ancestors who were among the earliest settlers in Williamson County. A graduate of MHS, Amy has been married to Mike, also a Marion native, since 1990. Together they have raised their family of four children who are now grown and enjoy their seven grandchildren. Amy has a passion for her community and considers it an honor to serve on the Board of Marion Connects.
Jennifer Mick: Vice President
Jennifer Mick is a seasoned finance professional with 37 years of experience and a longstanding commitment to community service. She is actively involved with local organizations and works closely with business and civic leaders to support and promote the Marion community.
Kelly Davis: Secretary
Kelly Davis is a lifelong Marion resident and has served as a Program Coordinator with the Marion Chamber of Commerce for the last two years. She deeply enjoys the Marion community engagement she experiences in this position. As a Marion homegrown resident, putting back into the community that raised her has been a passion for the last several years. She previously worked as Executive Assistant for Fighting Cancer Today, supporting mission-driven efforts focused on individuals and families impacted by cancer. As a current cancer thriver who has battled multiple rounds of cancer over the past eight years, Kelly brings a deeply personal perspective to her work in the nonprofit and community space. She believes strongly that life truly “takes a village,” and that when individuals commit to small acts of good, meaningful change can happen across an entire community. She resides in Marion with her husband of 20 years, John Davis, and their son, Jonathan, who has volunteered alongside her for years with organizations including Marion Connects, Fighting Cancer Today, and the Salvation Army. Kelly is honored to serve as Board Secretary of Marion Connects.
Amber Hiltz: Board Member
Amber Hiltz is a dedicated entrepreneur and community leader, serving as a Marion Connects board member and owner of Celebrations Event Center. With extensive experience in launching small businesses and non-profits, Amber is passionate about fostering growth and development within her community. Her leadership and faith-driven approach inspire meaningful progress in Marion, uplifting both local businesses and the community through her dedication and service.
Jon Hiltz: Board Member
BIO COMING SOON
John Shadowens: Board Member
John Shadowens is a Community and Economic Development Educator with University of Illinois Extension. He is the former President and CEO of Spero Family Services with more than 35 years of management and program development in the behavioral health field. John has a long history in not-for-profit and community leadership including the creation of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Illinois, Partnership for Youth and Marion Connects. He is an experienced presenter on topics including Adolescent Brain Development, Culture Shift, Working with Generation Poverty and Positive Youth Development using the Search Institute's Developmental Assets Framework. John has a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Southern Illinois University. John is also the author of Legacy Lost: Cultural Erosion, Social Isolation, and the Effect on Children and Families at Risk. John enjoys playing music in his spare time as a drummer in a couple of different area bands as well as teaching a bible study for high school students.
Sharon Vansaghi: Board Member
Sharon Vansaghi is an active member of Marion Connects and serves on its Advisory Board. She is the Curator and Coordinator of the Williamson Historical Society and has been a professional photographer for 30 years. Sharon is passionate about supporting the downtown area and community of Marion.