Growth Association names Keller as interim president

The RiverBend Growth Association has named John Keller as interim president replacing Monica Bristow, who is resigning to run for the 111th District seat in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Growth Association Chairman August Wuellner annnounced the appointment.

“John has the qualifications to step into the position. He has been on the RBGA Board since 2012 and served as its chairman in 2014. We are in good hands and will continue to move forward,” he said.

Keller was most recently regional president of Carrollton Bank in Alton for 20 years before his retirement in 2016. He has also served in leadership roles in Pride, Inc., Marquette Catholic High School, Kreative Kids (Alton Daycare), East End Improvement Association, Alton/Godfrey Rotary, Alton Halloween Parade, and the OSF Saint Anthony’s Foundation Board.

Keller earned his B.A. in Business Administration from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. He is a lifelong resident of the River Bend area. He and his wife Cathy live in Godfrey. They are the parents of Dr. JR Keller and Elizabeth Keller Dunn.

A search committee to replace Bristow has been formed.

 “We are thankful for Monica and her 14 years of service to the River Bend. This is a wonderful opportunity for her, and we wish her well.” Wuellner said.

Bristow is seeking the seat to be vacated next year by state Rep. Dan Beiser, D-Alton, who is retiring.

— The Illinois Business Journal