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.
PDHofmann2020@gmail.com
Jan Klaas - Vice Chair
I have been married to Craig Klaas for 46 years. We have 3 children and 11 grandchildren. I became active in local and state politics to protect our rights to homeschool. I have been a PC (Precinct Committeeperson) in my neighborhood for 25 years. I've also served as secretary, vice-chair, and chairman of the WCRCC (Winnebago GOP) at various times. I am a trustee in Cherry Valley Township and continue to serve in that position.
jklass5@aol.com
Kathy Easton - 2nd 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 Committee Chairman 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 and the Century Club. The Republican Party has a lot to offer, and I'm grateful to be a part of this organization.
arrangedbykathy@gmail.com
Lowell Ingram - Treasurer
I have lived in Winnebago County for the past 40 years, and my political involvement started 30 years ago with Young Republicans and Congressman Don Manzullo's campaign. For the past 25 years, I have been involved in campaign finance management and reporting. My wife and I have an older son in college, and a younger son in high school. During high school and summer baseball seasons, I tend to step back a bit from political activities.
ingramlowell@gmail.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.
pennyfox80@gmail.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, Secretory, 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.
