Heartland Community College District 540 Board of Trustees

Term ends: 2027

Email: Rebecca.Ropp@heartland.edu
Social Media: LinkedIn 

Becky graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Communications. She earned her MBA with an emphasis in Marketing from Illinois State University. Becky started her career at GROWMARK first as an intern in the Corporate Communications area then full time in the Marketing Communications area as an Advertising Coordinator. She has served many roles for the company since and was named the Director Director of Compliance and Employee Relations in 2022.

In her personal life, Becky is in partnership with her husband Ken, their daughter Leah, and her in-laws Ray and Carol Ropp in their dairy farm and cheese manufacturing and marketing LLC named Ropp Jersey Cheese. She has served on the HCC Board since being appointed in 2014. Becky completed 4 hours of Leadership Training in 2021.

Term ends: 2031

Email: Janet.Hood@heartland.edu 

Janet Hood has been a Heartland Community College (HCC) Board of Trustees member since her appointment in 2017. She won elections in 2019 and 2025. In 2020, Janet was elected Vice Chair of the Board. Since 2017, she has also been a member of the Finance Committee and was appointed chair in 2020.

Her leadership experience extends to her previous role as President of the HCC Alumni Association. Beyond HCC, Janet has contributed to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association in various capacities, including serving as East Central Region Chair, chairing the Government Relations and Public Policy Committee, and Treasurer.

 As a long-standing resident of Normal, Janet has dedicated her career to several healthcare and human service organizations across central Illinois. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from Heartland Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Eureka College in Eureka, IL, and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, IN. Furthermore, she is recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives.

In addition to her responsibilities at Heartland Community College, Janet remains actively engaged in her community through her service on the Eureka College Alumni Board of Directors and participation on various local boards and committees.

Term ends: 2029

Email: Mary.Campbell@heartland.edu

Mary Campbell was elected to the HCC Board of Trustees in 2017.  She completed 4 hours of Leadership Training in 2017, 2019 and 2021.  Mary was a faculty member at Illinois State University School of Social Work from 1980-2010. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Ohio University and Masters in Social Work from Ohio State. 

Mary’s current community involvement includes:  Co-Director of Dreams Are Possible (2019-), LAMU Kenya Health Care Board (2013-), Multi- Cultural Leadership Project (Volunteer/Mentor/ Team Liaison) (2014-), Certified Master Naturalist through U of I Extension (2011-), and Center of Hope Food Pantry Volunteer (2014-).

Mary has received numerous community and university awards including:  WJBC Spirit of McLean County, Outstanding Community Service Award , MCLP Volunteer Service Award, McLean County Bar Association, Service Award, Town of Normal Dr. Martin Luther King Award, YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, Citizen Advocate of the Year, Mental Health Association, McLean County, Outstanding University Teacher, Outstanding College of Arts and Science Teacher, Social Worker of the Year, State of Illinois, and Outstanding University Service Award for Faculty.

Term ends: 2027

Email: Josh.Crockett@heartland.edu

Mr. Crockett was elected in 2021. 

Term ends: 2031

Email: laurie.bergner@heartland.edu

Laurie Bergner was elected to the Heartland Community College Board of Trustees in 2025. A longtime resident of Bloomington/Normal, she is a clinical psychologist in private practice, specializing in marital counseling. She has written numerous professionals papers and given many professional presentations to the community and to professional organizations. Laurie has been involved in many community organizations, beginning with the Hoose School PTO and a member and president of Unit 5 Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) in 1989 and Moses Montefiore Temple Board President (2000). Her current community involvements include: member and past board president of the League of Women Voters, where she heads their public education program; member and past president of the board of the Immigration Project; and president of KodaRoamers, the local camera club. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado, and her Masters and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado. Laurie has traveled extensively around the United States and to many other countries, where she studies their culture.

Laurie has received numerous community awards, including LWV Leaguer of the Year (2005 and 2008); YWCA Women of Distinction in the Professions (2006); LWV Special Project award (2009 and 2011); State of Illinois League of Women Voters Carrie Chapman Catt Award (2011);  McLean County Bar Association Citizen Service Award (2016).

Laurie is married to ISU Professor Ray Bergner. They have two children and four granddaughters who all live in Washington DC.

Term ends: 2027

Email: Angell.Howard@heartland.edu

Angell Howard is an award-winning higher education leader, organizational development
consultant, and proud alumna of Heartland Community College. She is a two-time graduate of
Illinois State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in
social work. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Higher Education Administration,
continuing her commitment to equity, access, and institutional transformation.

With over 15 years of experience in student and staff development, Angell has dedicated her
career to cultivating inclusive learning environments and building organizational capacity for
growth. In her current role as Associate Director for Professional Development and Staff
Recognition at Illinois State University, she leads strategic initiatives that enhance employee
engagement, equity, and leadership development across 14 departments.

Angell is also the founder of Necessary Change Consulting, where she partners with institutions
and organizations to design equity-centered leadership strategies, facilitate transformative
retreats, and guide teams through cultural and structural change. Her areas of expertise include
executive coaching, organizational assessment, strategic planning, and equity-minded practice.
A committed educator, Angell teaches and facilitates courses and workshops on diversity,
leadership, and social justice. She is a frequent speaker on topics related to belonging,
organizational wellness, and purpose-driven leadership. Her work has earned numerous
accolades, including the David A. Strand Diversity Achievement Award and multiple STAR
Awards for innovation and assessment.

Guided by integrity, intentionality, and purpose, Angell continues to serve through mentorship,
volunteerism, and committee service, advancing the belief that education should be both
liberating and transformative

Term ends: 2031

Email: Thomas.Whitt@heartland.edu

Thomas Whitt was elected to the Board in 2019. He completed 4 hours of Leadership Training in 2019 and 2021. He is a graduate of Michigan State University with a BA in Political Science and also earned an Associate's Degree in Radiologic Technology from Lake Michigan College (Benton Harbor, MI.) Residing in Bloomington with his wife, Rachel and daughter Ramona, Thomas is a CT Technologist at OSF St. Joseph Hospital.

Term ends: 2026

Email:  Aemun.Lopeyok@heartland.edu 

 Aemun Lopeyok is an international student from
Kenya majoring in Computer Science. With a passion
for both technology and community engagement,
Aemun has served as Executive Director of the
Heartland Activities Committee and as President of the Student Government Association.
His involvement in student leadership at Heartland
over the past two years has given him a better
understanding of the college's mission and
operations. As a Student Trustee, he is committed to
continuing the momentum behind existing SGA goals
and strengthening the relationship between students
and the Board of Trustees.