Meet the Board
Paul Hofmann - Chair
Paul Hofmann -
Chair
I have been a member of Winnebago GOP for years as a Precinct Committeeman. I became more engaged in 2020 when I ran for ran for Illinois Senate District 34. I lost that race but went on to be elected as a Harlem Township Trustee in 2021. I was elected chairman of Winnebago GOP during the County Convention in July of 2022. It is a privilege to work with so many energized Precinct Committeepersons and volunteers to make a positive impact in Winnebago County.
Kathy Easton - Vice Chair
I am a wife, mother, and grandmother and a conservative Republican. After the 2020 election, I knew I couldn't sit back and do nothing. So I decided to run for Precinct Committeeman and won! I now serve on several committees and truly love working with the volunteers to make a difference here in Winnebago County. I especially enjoy chairing the Lincoln Day Dinner. The Republican Party has a lot to offer, and I'm grateful to be a part of this organization.
Keaston@WinnebagoGOP.com
Patti Abate - Treasurer
I have lived in Winnebago County for 13 years with my husband who is lifetime resident of Rockford. We have 6 children, 20 Grandchildren and 3 Great-Grandchildren. I got started with the GOP back in 2021, campaigning for Darren Bailey. Stopping at so many homes with wrong residents living there, I became involved in Election Integrity Voter Roll Maintenance. Today, I am working with the State, focusing on Winnebago County. I received my Assoc Degree in Accounting in 1986 and have been working with Quickbooks for over 30 years.To this day, I’m still working part time in accounting for a small business.
Treasurer@WinnebagoGOP.com
Penny Fox -Secretary
Penny Fox -
Secretary
I have lived my entire life here in Rockford. I grew up with Republican parents, but I became a life-time convert to conservatism myself when I wrote a 20-page research paper on Ronald Reagan my senior year in high school and was swept away by his incredible ability to communicate the conservative message of smaller more accountable government, individual freedom, and personal responsibility. His statement that "either you will control your government, or government will control you" is truer than ever.
Secretary@WinnebagoGOP.com
Responsibilities and Duties of Office
- Presides over all meetings relating to Winnebago GOP (including the County Convention and meetings of the Executive Committee.
- Serves as an ex-officio member on all committees.
- Represents Winnebago GOP throughout the state and nation.
- Appoints Committees when necessary.
- Calls special meetings if needed.
- Vets and appoints Precinct Committeepersons to unfilled positions.
- Presides over all meetings if Chair is absence.
- Conducts all duties delegated to them by the Chair.
- Responsible for the collection and deposting of financial resources.
- Maintain proper financial records, and pay all expenses for Winnebago GOP.
- Ensures the safe and secure transfer of resources.
- Keeps records of all meetings and attendance.
- Maintains files of official reports of the officers and committees.
- Issue notices of special meetings.
- In charge of correspondence.
The Executive Committee
The Executive Committee of Winnebago GOP consists of four elected officers - Chairman, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and 24 area Captains and up to four additional members or officers appointed by the Chairman with the advice in consent of the Executive Committee to serve at the pleasure of the Chairman.
Our volunteer base varies from election help, to event planning, and administrative support.
