Aurora, IL – During the meeting of our Board of Directors in April, the Aurora Regional Fire Museum appointed four Board Members to serve a three-year term on the Board. The Board of Directors is the governing body for the Aurora Regional Fire Museum and consists of up to 15 members of our region.

- Annah Schmidt: Annah is a freelancer in the hospitality, marketing and nonprofit sectors. She brings nearly a decade of experience from the Morton Arboretum where she worked in development and membership programs.

- Bernie Laskowski: Bernie is the owner behind Craft Urban in Geneva and Aurora. Bernie brings a ‘think outside of the box” business perspective and collaborative mindset to the Board.

- Eric Essex: Eric is a Financial Advisor with Wela Financial in Yorkville. Eric was reelected to a second term on the Board and currently serves as Treasurer.

- Karen Yaggie: Karen is the Residential Marketing Manager with DeNova Detect. Karen was reelected to a second term on the Board and currently serves as President of the Board.

Additionally, the Board of Directors elected a new slate of officers to serve a one-year term:

- President: Karen Yaggie, Residential Marketing Manager – DeNova Detect

- Vice President: Nick Cadena, Firefighter/Paramedic – Aurora Fire Department

- Treasurer: Eric Essex, Financial Advisor – Wela Financial

- Secretary: Tracy Duran, Account Admin – Vaxcel International Co.

“It is with sincere pleasure, I welcome our new board members. Each one brings unique talents, rich experiences, and special skills to our Board. Together with our existing board members, we will continue to preserve the history of heroes in the fire service profession, and the mission of the Museum. I look forward to facilitating the smooth operation of the board, as we work together to achieve the goals set forth in our strategic plan,” said Karen Yaggie, Board President.

With the appointment of new members to its Board, the Fire Museum extends its sincere appreciation to outgoing members Cayla Wagner and James Cardis for their years of dedicated service and leadership to the museum.

The Aurora Regional Fire Museum preserves the history of the Aurora Fire Department and fire service in our region through our collections and exhibits while educating visitors about fire safety and prevention. From humble beginnings to the museum visitors know and love today, the Fire Museum welcomes thousands of visitors annually for tours, programs, and events.

For more information about these changes or the Museum, contact Brian Failing, Executive Director, at 630-256-4140 or [email protected].