MACOMB, IL – 'An honor and a responsibility I take to heart.'
That was the first answer provided when asked what it means to be the Western Illinois Regional Council's (WIRC) new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Stacy Nimmo, who began her new gig with WIRC in early March, didn't hesitate to answer. The Community News Brief talked to Nimmo about her role leading the region's Community Action Agency that provides services and programs to over 500 people of all ages each month.
What does it mean to you to be the new WIRC director?
Being named the CEO of WIRC is both an honor and a responsibility I take to heart. I officially began in early March, and every day since has only deepened my appreciation for the work our team does to support individuals and families across the region.
What were you doing before you accepted this role?
Before joining WIRC, I served as executive director of IgniteMN, an economic and community development nonprofit with a footprint of 11 counties in SE Minnesota. Our organization led a regional collaboration that supported entrepreneurs, broadband access, and workforce development. My career has always centered around building stronger, more resilient communities, so this role feels like a natural next chapter.
What experiences do you bring to this role that will make the office effective?
My background in organizational leadership, nonprofit leadership and economic development gave me a strong foundation, but it's really been the hands-on experience that has prepared me the most. I've led teams through growth and change, built partnerships across sectors and worked closely with both rural and underrepresented communities.
I also bring lived experience with community action, which gives me a deep appreciation for the life-changing impact these services can have. That perspective, combined with a collaborative mindset and a commitment to making our programs more accessible and effective, helps guide my work every day.
What are your goals/ plans for WIRC?
WIRC is uniquely positioned in our region. We're not only a Community Action Agency, helping individuals and families navigate times of crisis, but we're also the federally-recognized lead agency for the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). That means we play a critical role in shaping long-term regional strategies to strengthen our economy, workforce and quality of life.
Because of this dual role, we have a powerful opportunity to help people meet immediate needs and build a more secure and promising future—through access to financial empowerment programs, skills training, and initiatives that help make our communities places where people want to live, grow, and raise their families.
First big project/plan you'd like to undertake?
My first major project is to host a series of community listening sessions to hear directly from residents about what's working, what's missing and what they need most. From there, I want to foster collaborative partnerships that build a 'density of resources' —bringing together organizations, programs and community leaders to address needs in a more connected and effective way. This work will help ensure we’re not just delivering services, but building systems that support longterm success for everyone in our region.
What makes for a vibrant social services organization, and how can/does WIRC achieve that?
A vibrant social services organization begins with a healthy internal culture.
Before we can build trust in the community, we have to build it within our own walls. That means creating an environment where our staff, volunteers, and partners feel safe, valued, and supported.
When people feel psychologically safe—able to speak up, share ideas and take risks without fear—they can do their best work and build deeper connections with one another and with the mission.
At WIRC, we're intentional about fostering that kind of culture through trust, open communication, and a shared sense of purpose. We show up with empathy and authenticity, and we’re not afraid to acknowledge challenges and work through them together. That internal strength is what allows us to serve our community in a meaningful way. Our goal is to be a place where everyone—regardless of their background or circumstances— feels like they belong, like they matter, and like they have a part in creating a better future.
What would you like to see happen with the WIRC within the next year? Five years?
Over the next year, I want to lay a strong foundation by listening to our community— through listening sessions, one-on-one conversations, and intentional outreach—so we truly understand the needs, gaps, and hopes of the people we assist. I also want to begin building stronger partnerships across the region, aligning our programs with others doing great work, and increasing access to services like financial education, workforce training and housing support.
In five years, I envision WIRC as a model for how a social services agency can both respond to urgent needs and drive long-term community development. I'd like to see a more connected regional network of partners working together to address root causes, not just symptoms. I want WIRC to be known not just as a place to turn to in crisis, but as a trusted hub for opportunity— where families and individuals can access the tools, resources and support they need to build the kind of life they want in a place they’re proud to call home.
What's the most exciting part of your job? Most challenging?
The most exciting part is the opportunity to work alongside passionate people who care deeply about our community. I love connecting the dots between programs, people, and partnerships. The most challenging part is balancing immediate needs with long-term strategy— it's a constant dance, but a rewarding one.
A fun fact or two about you that people might be surprised to know?
My husband, George Miller, has deep family roots in this region. His family (the Miner and Dilworth families) were among the first to settle in the area in the mid-1700s. His mother, Marian Miner, was born and raised in Table Grove and graduated from Knox College, as did his uncle, Lt. Col. Bill Miner, and his aunt, Dr. Ruth Miner. George remembers visiting his family here as a child, so in many ways, this move has felt like a homecoming for us. It has been really special to reconnect with that legacy and build our own story here. George would love to connect with anyone from the Miner or Dilworth families— so if that's you, please reach out!
Hometown (where you were raised), college attended, etc.
I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I earned my degree from Bethel University in Saint Paul. While Macomb is a new home for us, it already feels deeply familiar—and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve a region that holds so much meaning for my family and aligns with my passion for community-focused work.
Final thoughts?
I'm incredibly honored to step into this role and be part of the WIRC-CAA team. I believe that real change happens when we work together—listening, learning, and building solutions that reflect the strengths and needs of the people we serve. I’m excited about the future we can create together, and I look forward to connecting with more community members as we move this important work forward.
