Meet the Governing and Advisory Board Members

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Meet SVHA Board Member Mary Ann Genster Cernovich!

Mary Ann Genster Cernovich is a lifelong resident of Sheffield, Illinois, where she has dedicated herself to her family, community, and various professional endeavors.

Mary Ann’s love for Sheffield’s history and architecture is perhaps most prominently displayed through her work with the Village Hall. Approximately 20 years ago, she became fascinated with Sheffield’s old Village Hall, a building rich in architectural and historical significance.

Alarmed by its deterioration, Mary Ann spearheaded efforts to have the building placed on the National Register of Historic Places, a goal achieved in 2013 after three years of dedicated research and advocacy. 

 Recognizing the need for more concerted efforts, Mary Ann, along with a few other passionate residents, rejuvenated the campaign to restore the building.  

Meet SVHA Board Member Skip Moore! 

 The Village Hall holds vivid memories for Skip, serving as a base for his 4-H Club and Cub Scout meetings. Passionate about restoring the Hall, Skip values its iconic architecture and historic status.

He believes the Hall can again be a community focal point, complementing Sheffield’s historic assets like the Old Danish Church, Carnegie Library, Historic Main Street, and the town’s parks.

 Meet SVHA Board Member Patti Watts!

My connection to the Village Hall is both personal and rooted in this community spirit. I have fond memories of my Bluebird troop meeting there, with my mom as one of the leaders. 

The Village Hall is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a piece of our shared history. Its beautiful architecture stands as a testament to our town’s rich past, and I believe it has the potential to become a vibrant center for gatherings, education, and community events once again.

This Hall can uplift and inspire us all, just as Sheffield has always done for me.

Meet SVHA Board Member Connie (Sullivan) Hahne!

Connie Hahne, a lifelong resident of Sheffield, Illinois, began her education at Sheffield Grade School and graduated from Western High School. 

 She believes Sheffield thrives — and the Village Hall Alliance will succeed — due to the countless individuals who’ve quietly dedicated their time, talents, and resources through the decades to ensure the community’s future. 

Meet SVHA Board Member Sheila Yepsen!

Sheila Yepsen has lived in Sheffield, Illinois, since she was six years old. She cherishes her memories of growing up in this small town and is committed to its prosperity. 

Her passion for community involvement has kept her active in local government, events, and improvement campaigns.

Sheila now brings her expertise to the SVHA Board. Her goal is to see Sheffield thrive, with the renovation of the Village Hall being a significant step toward preserving the town’s history and enhancing its community spirit.

 Meet SVHA Board Member Caseelynn Shimmin!

Caseelynn Shimmin is an Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor at Bureau Valley Junior High and High School. Raised on a beef cattle farm in Virginia, Illinois, Caseelynn’s passion for agriculture began early through active involvement in 4-H and FFA. 

Meet SVHA Board Member John Phillips! 

John Phillips grew up in Sheffield and attended Western High School. After graduating from Illinois State University with a degree in Computer Science, John moved to Dallas, TX remaining in Texas for 25 years. He returned to Illlinois in 2006 to be closer to family, and now resides in Chattanooga, TN.

John's passion for the Hall stems from his involvement in Boy Scout Troop 52 that met at the Hall. John earned his Eagle Scout there in 1976.

John is a member of the SVHA because he strongly believes that the Hall is the most significant piece of Sheffield's history and he doesn't want to see it follow the same fates as the Sheffield and Buda schools.

Meet SVHA Board Member Curt Cunningham! 

(bio coming soon)

Meet SVHA Advisory Board Member Trent DeVenney! 

Trent DeVenney, a Sheffield, Illinois native, recently graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Agricultural and Consumer Economics. At university, he delved into global economic issues related to food, agriculture, development, and sustainability. This summer, he plans to move to Singapore. Meanwhile, he is actively contributing to the Sheffield Village Hall Alliance project.

Trent’s dedication to his hometown is evident in his commitment to making Sheffield a welcoming and livable community for future generations. His involvement with the SVHA stems from a desire to create a positive third space that the community needs. Through this project, he aims to enhance community engagement and ensure a vibrant future for Sheffield.