Heart Elects New Board of Directors

The Heart Theatre, Inc. Elects New Board of Directors

Effingham, IL – [May 15, 2025] – The Heart Theatre, Inc., the nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring and reopening the iconic Heart Theatre in downtown Effingham, held its annual board elections last week, welcoming a slate of new community leaders to help steer the organization into its next exciting chapter.

Joining current board members Nicole Wear-Maloney, Larry Johnson, and Amy Van Bergen are eight newly elected members:

• Chase Cooley• Laura Polarek Dider• Monique Hortenstine• Marlyn Koester• Carrie Rodman• Sara Ruding• Kenneth Thies• Brett Ward

“We are thrilled to welcome such a talented and passionate group of individuals to the board,” said Amy Van Bergen, president of The Heart Theatre, Inc. “Each brings a unique perspective and deep commitment to revitalizing this historic space for the benefit of our community.”

The board also announced the election of new officers. Brett Ward was named vice president, joining returning officers Van Bergen (president), Larry Johnson (treasurer), and Nicole Wear-Maloney (secretary).

The newly expanded board convened for the first time last week and will gather again in June for a retreat focused on reviewing the theatre’s restoration plan and developing a timeline for future fundraising efforts.

In other business, the board formally accepted the resignation of Desha Wear, MD, who is stepping down to focus on her family and other community commitments. “Desha’s early work and dedication were instrumental in getting The Heart Theatre, Inc. off the ground,” Van Bergen said. “We are deeply grateful for her service and wish her all the best.”

Looking ahead, the board is excited to continue building community engagement through The Heart’s second annual free outdoor movie night, a two-evening event scheduled for June 20 and 21 on the Old Courthouse lawn in downtown Effingham.

Friday night’s feature, The Little Rascals, is hosted in partnership with the Downtown Effingham Business Group, a committee of the Effingham County Chamber. Saturday night’s movie, Herbie Fully Loaded, will be shown with support from Mid America Motorworks. Both nights promise family-friendly fun under the stars in the heart of downtown.

“This event is one of the ways we can give back to the community while keeping the spirit of the Heart Theatre alive,” said vice president Brett Ward. “It’s a celebration of what’s to come—and everyone is invited.”

For more information about The Heart Theatre, Inc., please visit www.thehearttheatre.org or contact info@thehearttheatre.org.