Our Advisory Council is made up of volunteers from the community who come together to better the Southern Illinois community. We are thankful for each of them and welcome additional individuals who are interested in serving in this capacity.

Local Leadership

Colette Caplinger, Divisional Director of Service Extension Thrift Stores

Darla Harms, Associate Director of Service Extension for Southern Illinois

Advisory Council Members 

Pastor Christopher Swims
Pastor of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, Carbondale, IL

TJ Cowan Jr.
Business Owner/Entrepreneur, Coldblooded Coffee and Coldblooded BBQ

Kerry Martin
Retired Hall of Fame High School Football Coach; Motivational Speaker 

Jennifer Mick
Bank Manager, Legence Bank; Board Member of Marion Connects

Amy Oxford
Assistant to Sen. Fowler; Director of Heaven's Kitchen; Director of the Fowler/Bonan Foundation, Harrisburg, IL

April 2026 Advisory Council installation.