State Representative Jeff Keicher nominated Melissa Amedeo, Executive Director of the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation, for recognition at the 2026 Women to Watch Conference in Springfield, according to an April 24 announcement. The event was hosted by the Illinois House Republican Caucus and brought together women leaders from across Illinois for a day focused on recognition and leadership development.
The conference aims to highlight the contributions of women in various fields and provide opportunities for networking and professional growth. Amedeo was recognized alongside other nominees from DeKalb County.
“It was my honor to nominate Melissa for this year’s Women to Watch Conference,” said Keicher. “She has demonstrated incredible leadership and dedication to foster economic growth and business development that has helped position DeKalb County to attract top talent and opportunities to the region. Melissa, thank you for the work you have done and continue to do to serve the residents of DeKalb County and the 70th House District.”
Amedeo has over three decades of experience in integrated marketing, business development, and strategy, having worked with major companies such as Kellogg, Del Monte, and Butterball. She played a key role in developing DCEDC’s Opportunity Unbound Branding Plan with input from local stakeholders.
“I want to thank Rep. Keicher for nominating me for this year’s Women to Watch Conference,” said Amedeo. “It was an insightful conference, and I appreciated the opportunity to meet and network with women leaders from across Illinois.” The event included activities at the State Capitol Complex, a networking lunch, a panel discussion featuring Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie and Iowa Lieutenant Governor Chris Gearhart Cournoyer, legislative sessions at the Capitol, as well as social events.
Keicher is a Republican who was elected in 2018 as representative of Illinois’ 70th House District after Robert W. Pritchard according to Ballotpedia.
As more women are recognized through events like this conference, organizers say they hope it will encourage continued participation by female leaders across sectors.
