The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Board of Directors announced Wednesday the appointment of Casey Wichmann as the organization’s Executive Director.
Wichmann brings to the Byway a wealth of knowledge and an extensive background in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. She brings more than a decade of non-profit experience to the organization including work with the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield and most recently, the state-wide Illinois Association of Park Districts. An experienced Director of Marketing and Development, Wichmann also brings years of experience in event planning, financial and human resource management, fundraising, grant writing, and strategic planning to the Byway.
Wichmann is a 1998 graduate of Western Illinois University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.
In a release Wednesday, Wichmann said quote - “I am elated about the opportunity to work with such a successful and Historic Byway. This year promises to be one of growth and strengthening our organization. I look forward to working with our incredible members and partners who help us achieve our mission every day. Being able to combine my years of professional experience with a passion for helping non-profits thrive and grow is an exciting opportunity. I am honored by the confidence the board has placed in me to lead this organization to new heights."
Route 66 will be celebrating its centennial in 2026; that significant anniversary led Illinois to be the first state to introduce legislation to establish a State Route 66 Centennial Commission. The legislation was passed unanimously by the Illinois House and Senate and has been signed into law by the Governor. In Congress, there are two bills going through the legislative process: one that would establish a Federal Route 66 Centennial Commission, and another that would amend the National Trails System Act to designate U.S. Route 66 as a National Historic Trail.
The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway enhances and promotes economic opportunities for each Illinois Route 66 community by preserving, protecting and promoting Illinois Route 66.
