The Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry will honor Cathy Jordan with induction into the Civic Hall of Fame as a 2025 Inductee during its 107th Annual Awards Gala on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Three Oaks Ballroom at The Drake Oak Brook, Autograph Collection.
The Annual Awards Gala is a signature Chamber event that celebrates individuals whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact on Elmhurst. The Civic Hall of Fame recognizes community members whose long-standing commitment has helped shape the city’s civic, educational, cultural, and social fabric.
Jordan’s decades of service reflect a lifelong dedication to improving quality of life in Elmhurst through education, advocacy, and collaboration. After moving to Elmhurst in 1972, she became deeply involved in public service and volunteer leadership, devoting her time and expertise to initiatives that strengthened schools, supported seniors, preserved local history, and fostered community connection.
Jordan served for more than 12 years on the District 205 School Board, including three years as president. During her tenure, she championed community engagement in education and played a critical role in advancing referendums that funded the rebuilding and renovation of York High School, the addition of classrooms and multi-purpose spaces, and investments in staffing and technology. Her leadership extended beyond Elmhurst through service as Vice President of the DuPage Illinois School Board Association and involvement with the DuPage Intermediate Educational Cooperative.
Her early commitment to education also included extensive PTA leadership, serving as PTA President for Lincoln School and twice for Bryan Middle School, as PTA Council President, and as Membership Director at the DuPage regional level. She also served for 10 years on the Elmhurst YMCA Board of Directors.
Following her service on the Board of Education, Jordan became a driving force for senior advocacy in Elmhurst. She has served for more than 17 years as Chair of the Elmhurst Senior Commission, leading initiatives focused on transportation access, housing, education, and collaboration among senior service providers. Her work includes organizing annual collaboration meetings with more than 50 organizations, directing the creation of the Senior Pocket Pal resource guide, coordinating educational Community Conversations aired on Elmhurst TV, advocating for senior transportation services now provided through Ride DuPage, and supporting the development of the Mary Kies Adult Center.
Jordan has also played a central role in preserving Elmhurst’s history and cultural heritage. She has served on the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation Board since its inception in 2007, including terms as President and Vice President. Her leadership has supported the Elmhurst History Museum through major fundraising initiatives, donor recognition efforts, long-range planning, and events such as the Craft Beer Fest, Jazz Brunch, and campaigns to restore the Churchville Schoolhouse.
In addition to her volunteer leadership, Jordan built a professional career in Elmhurst, including roles at Suburban Bank and Trust and the Keebler Company. After retiring from Keebler, she continued her service through the DuPage Senior Citizens Council and Meals on Wheels, where she managed more than 1,000 volunteers and coordinated services across DuPage and Kane counties. She retired in 2020 to become the full-time caregiver for her husband, Phil Jordan.
Jordan’s service has been recognized through numerous honors, including the Elmhurst Jaycees’ Distinguished Service Award and the Darrell Whistler Special Service Recognition Award.
“Cathy’s impact on Elmhurst is extraordinary,” said Jennifer Veremis, President and CEO of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “Her leadership has shaped generations of students, strengthened support systems for seniors, and preserved the history and character of our community. She is the definition of a Civic Hall of Fame Inductee.”
The Awards Gala program will include a Pre-Awards Social beginning at 5 p.m., followed by the Awards Ceremony at 6 p.m. and a post-awards celebration with dinner fare and a cash bar.
Tickets for the 107th Annual Awards Gala are available to Chamber members at $110 per person, $200 per couple, $760 for a table of eight, and $900 for a table of ten. Non-member tickets are available for $135 per person. Advance registration is required, and RSVPs must be received by Friday, March 3, 2026. Guests may register online at www.elmhurstchamber.org/awards-gala-2026 or by calling the Chamber office at 630-834-6060.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations interested in supporting the Chamber’s mission while gaining visibility among Elmhurst’s business and civic leaders. Sponsorship packages offer brand recognition before, during, and after the event.
About the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Established in 1918, the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit business organization dedicated to promoting an environment that creates success for local businesses and the community. Through advocacy, connection, and programs supporting economic and civic vitality, the Chamber serves hundreds of businesses, nonprofits, and individuals throughout Elmhurst and the surrounding region.
For more information, visit elmhurstchamber.org or contact Jennifer Veremis at jenniferv@elmhurstchamber.org.