Kate has deep roots in Central Illinois and is a fifth generation native of Peoria County. After graduating from Peoria High School, Kate attended DePauw University in Greencastle, IN majoring in Political Science.
Having been around government service since the age of five, when her father first ran for the Peoria City Council, eventually serving as Mayor of Peoria, Kate began her career in Washington, DC working on Capitol Hill. She kept her connection to Central Illinois by serving as a Congressional Aide for U.S. Representative Ed Madigan from Lincoln, and U.S. Representative Tom Ewing from Pontiac.
Missing the wonderful prairie sunsets, Kate returned to Central Illinois after seven years in Washington. Wanting to give back to the community that helped raise her, Kate went to work at Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences in 1997. Now in her 22nd year at the museum, Kate is VP of Administration & COO.
Kate is married to Bill, a Manager at the Morton Culvers by day, and Lincoln College adjunct professor by night. When not working, Kate and Bill enjoy spending time with their 12 nieces and nephews, 12 great nieces and nephews, watching C-SPAN, hanging out with 4 feline kids, riding roller coasters, and of course, visiting museums!