September 28, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce Announces Leadership Transition Longtime President & CEO Debbie Arell-Martinez to retire at year-end; Jessica Lotz named successor
O’FALLON, IL – The O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced that President & CEO Debbie Arell-Martinez will retire December 31, 2026, after nearly 20 years of leading the organization. Jessica Lotz has been selected by the Chamber’s Board of Directors to succeed Arell-Martinez as President & CEO beginning January 1, 2027.
Arell-Martinez has served as President & CEO since April 2007, when the organization was still the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and had 349 members. During her tenure, membership grew to approximately 580, the O’Fallon and Shiloh chambers merged, programming and opportunities for members have expanded, and the O’Fallon Downtown District became a Chamber committee.
“When I came to the Chamber nearly 20 years ago, I could never have imagined all the places this job would take me or the incredible people I would meet along the way,” said Arell-Martinez. “I am incredibly proud of what we have built, but what makes me feel best about retiring is knowing the Chamber is in good hands. Jessica understands our mission and has the leadership skills to take the organization forward.”
Lotz has a long history with the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce, having served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and as Board President. She later returned to the Chamber to oversee Lead In, its leadership development program, a role she has held for nearly 10 years. More recently, she has taken on additional responsibilities within Chamber operations as she prepares to assume the President & CEO position.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization that means so much to our business community,” said Lotz. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Debbie for years, and I have tremendous respect and appreciation for the leadership, relationships and legacy she has built during her 20 years with the Chamber. I’m honored to follow her in this role and excited about what’s ahead as we build on that strong foundation and continue finding opportunities for the Chamber and businesses we serve.”
The transition is the result of a deliberate succession-planning process led by the Chamber’s Executive Board and Board of Directors. Arell-Martinez will remain President & CEO through December 31 and will work closely with Lotz throughout the remainder of the year to ensure a smooth transition.
“Debbie has had an incredible impact on the Chamber and on our business community over the past 20 years,” said Kevin Welch, Chair of the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “The organization is stronger because of her leadership, and the Board has been very intentional about planning for this transition. We are confident in Jessica and look forward to supporting her as she steps into the President & CEO role and begins putting her own mark on the Chamber.”
For Arell-Martinez, the upcoming months will be an opportunity to finish her final year while helping prepare Lotz and the organization for 2027.
“I’m not quite done yet,” Arell-Martinez said. “We still have a few months of work ahead of us, and I plan to enjoy them. But I’m also excited to see Jessica make this role her own. The Chamber has always been about its members and the community we serve, and I know that will continue.”
Lotz will officially assume the role of President & CEO on January 1, 2027.
About the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce
The O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization dedicated to supporting businesses, building connections and strengthening the communities it serves. Through advocacy, professional development, networking, events and community partnerships, the Chamber works to create opportunities for its members and promote a strong local business environment.
