LEADERSHIP
Dennis Wilmsmeyer
Chairman
Dennis Wilmsmeyer was appointed Executive Director on July 1, 2010, prior to which he served 11 years with the Port District, six as General Manager. With over 30 years of experience, Dennis brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table in the areas of transportation, planning, and economic development.
His responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations, developing the Port’s 1,200-acre industrial park and business campus, redeveloping a former military logistics center, marketing the many benefits of river, rail, and road transportation, the Port and its numerous tenants, and attracting new tenants to the property.
He credits the enormous success of the Port’s growth and development to a dedicated team of 40 employees and 6 board members all working toward a common goal of bringing business to southwestern Illinois.
Erik Varela
Vice-Chairman
Erik Varela has served as the Executive Director of the Illinois International Port District since September 2021.
Prior to being named Executive Director, Mr. Varela most recently served as Senior Director of Public Affairs for Union Pacific Railroad. In that role he was responsible for leading all legislative, governmental and community relations activities in Illinois and Wisconsin on behalf of Union Pacific. During his time with Union Pacific, Erik served as Chairman of the Illinois Railroad Association and on several boards and committees, including the Illinois Freight Advisory Council, CMAP Freight Committee, Cook County Economic Development Advisory Council, Will County CED, Metro Milwaukee Association of Commerce, and others.
Prior to Union Pacific, Erik worked for fifteen years at various levels of local government, was a small business owner and restaurant manager. A graduate of Michigan State University and DePaul Law School, he began his government service as an attorney with the Law Offices of the Cook County Public Defender where he drafted and argued appeals and post-conviction petitions on behalf of his clients. Shortly thereafter, he continued his work as a public servant as an attorney and government affairs professional with the Chicago Park District and the Forest Preserves of Cook County. In this capacity Erik represented these agencies before the Chicago City Council, the Cook County Board and the Illinois General Assembly. Additionally, his work involved senior management responsibilities; real estate contract negotiations and drafting; litigation and trial work; as well as serving as FOIA Officer among other duties.
These years of government and legal service culminated into his work as Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s Special Assistant for Government and Legislative Affairs. In this role, Erik was responsible for protecting and advancing the President’s legislative agenda; ensuring passage of the County’s Budget; managing the Cook County Board Agenda; leading the County’s various legislative liaisons and serving as the President’s primary liaison to the Cook County Board of Commissioners, various county and municipal elected officials and entities.
Born and raised in Chicago, he currently resides in the Logan Square neighborhood with his family.
Ed Weilbacher
Secretary
Ed Weilbacher is the General Manager for the Kaskaskia Regional Port District since 2011. The Port District encompasses Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair County in Illinois only 30 miles south St. Louis. The Port has 5 port locations – 4 on the Kaskaskia and 1 on the Mississippi. Kaskaskia Regional Port District is the 9th largest inland port and the 71st largest port in the country.
Ed has a BS in Agronomy from Western Illinois University and has worked throughout the State of Illinois with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for 36 years. For the last 20 years with USDA he was the Coordinator assisting the regional not-for-profit now called HeartLands Conservancy.
Ed has been involved with the Kaskaskia River and its watershed for over 30 years and works closely with the local state and federal agencies to improve the river and add to the quality of life of the region. Ed is the immediate past President of the Kaskaskia Watershed Association. He is also a member of the Lower Kaskaskia Stakeholders.
The Kaskaskia Regional Port District is a Unit of Government established by the State Legislature in 1965. The District covers all of Monroe and Randolph Counties and the southeast half of St. Clair County. It is governed by a 15 member board appointed by the Governor.
Additional info:
Ed and his wife Kathi have two grown children. The own and operate the Senator Rickert Residence Bed and Breakfast in Waterloo where they also reside.
Bill Stahlman
Treasurer
Illinois Ports Association
Illinois leads the nation in production of soybeans, an important protein source for animals and humans around the world. ISA believes that by working together, we can solve our greatest challenges and positively impact our future. As an organization committed to leading collaborative efforts that bring innovative solutions, this website and the aerial drone footage was made possible from a grant by the Illinois Soybean Association.
contact information
1635 West First Street
Granite City, Illinois 62040