Princeton native Nicole Schaefbauer to be first woman to lead IESA By Kevin Chlum hen Nicole Schaefbauer takes over as the executive W director of the Illinois Elemen-
tary School Association on July 1, it won’t be exactly as she imagined it. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the IESA hard with no tournaments being held or spectators allowed at events, cutting off the organization’s main source of revenue. “With everything going on, it’s going to be a different type
of experience than I think I would have had a year ago,” said Schaefbauer, a Princeton native. “We’ll have some difficult times to try to get the ship righted again and get financially secure. That will obviously be our primary focus with the board and all of our advisory committees. We’ll work to try to provide the quality experiences that we have been able to do in the past and also shore up our financial future.
“I’m looking forward to it. It certainly is going to be a challenge, but I’m confident in our direction and the leadership of the board. It’s been very good in the past and I look forward to that same type of relationship going forward as executive director.” Steve Endsley, who will retire as executive director after holding the position since 1996, said he believes Schaefbauer is the See Schaefbauer page 6
Above: Princeton native Nicole Schaefbauer (right) talks with Lanny Slevin at the inaugural NewsTribune Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame banquet in 2019. Schaefbauer was recently tabbed to take over as the executive director of the Illinois Elementary School Association. Schaefbauer, who starts July 1, will be the first woman to hold the position. NEWSTRIBUNE FILE PHOTO
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Woman | November 2020 5
iv woman-1128.indd 5
11/12/20 8:57 AM
