ELDERS - CLASS OF 2028

SANDY BELLATTI
Sandy Bellatti graduated from Illinois College with a BA in Mathematics and a teaching certification. Prior to her retirement, Sandy taught math at Springfield High, planned programs with Illinois Authors at the Illinois State Library and finished her career as the Facilities Manager and assistant to the president of H. D. Smith Wholesale Drug Company. She and her late husband, Robert raised two daughters Beth Allen (husband Tad Allen) and Kristin Hack (husband Matt Hack) at Westminster. Sandy currently serves on the board of the King’s Daughter’s Organization (KDO) and as co-leader of the Grateful Daughters Circle of KDO.She is also president of the David A. Smith House Board which is affiliated with Illinois College in Jacksonville. She sings in the Westminster Choir and previously served as Clerk of Session.
GEORGE BOTANGA 
George Botanga joined Westminster in March of 2019 by Reaffirmation of Faith. George worshipped at a Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, Africa before he moved to the United States in 2009. He lived in Chicago with his older brother, Dr. Chris Botanga, where he earned a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from DeVry University. He works as a Clinical Engineer with BCJ Healthcare at Memorial Hospital. George serves on the Mission and Community Service Committee.

​
NANTHANIEL BROWER
Nathaniel Brower grew up at Westminster and was ordained as a Deacon in 2019. He participated in Youth Mission Trips and then served as an adult leader. Nathaniel earned his Bachelor's Degree in History from Illinois State University and then received his Master's degree in Public Administration from University of Illinois at Springfield. He is currently the Budget Manager for Healthcare  and Family Services for the State of Illinois.
DEB COONTZ
Deb Coontz worked in management at Springfield Clinic for 30 years prior to her retirement in 2016. She is a graduate of Lincoln Land Community College. Deb is currently an active member of PEO and Kings Daughters as well as Westminster's Presbyterian Women. She is the owner of thoroughbred horses and family farms. ​Deb previously served on the Board of Deacons in 2012 and is serving on Stewardship Committee.
CRESS MADDOX, SR.
Cress Maddox has been in business for many years in Springfield. He owns Maintenance Supply Corp and Masco Packaging and Industrial Supply Corp. His family includes Jennifer Wagner, Amanda Maddox-Wenthe, Sarah Graham, Jessica Hemenway and Cress B. Maddox and 16 grandchildren. Cress attended Eureka College and Illinois State University and has served as Past President of America Business Club as well as Goodwill Past President. 
LUCY STAFFORD
Lucy Stafford w​as baptized in WPC, confirmed and has been a lifelong member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Lucy has served as an elder and currently serves on the Support and Endowment Committee. Her husband John joined WPC in 2016 and she also served as an elder. Lucy graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. She also holds a Master’s in accounting from UIS. Since graduating college, Lucy’s professional career focused on the family hardware businesses which, until their recent sale, served multiple communities across central Illinois. With the recent sale of the business, Lucy enjoys spending more time with family, racing her horses cross country, and assisting John in reclaiming the natural prairie grasses and forbs that once dominated central Illinois.  

 
BRAD SWANSON
Brad Swanson and his wife Carolyn have been Westminster members since 1999. They have two children whose families are also active members of Westminster. Brad received his B.A. and M.A. from University of Illinois Springfield. He spent his career as the General Manager for WUIS Public Radio.
​
​   
JESS WEITZEL
​Jess Weitzel works as a community development finance professional supporting affordable housing, small businesses, and community-focused real estate projects. She grew up in Springfield and received a B.A.L.A.S. in Political Science and French Studies from the University of Illinois followed by an M.S. in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Texas. Jess serves on the Springfield Urban League Board of Directors. She married her wife, Kayla, in 2016 and they welcomed their daughter, Ryan, into the world in 2022. Jess served on the Board of Deacons and co-chairs the Refugee Committee.
​
SAM BATTERMAN (YOUTH ELDER)
Sam Batterman is a student at Springfield High School and is active in youth group as well as serving as worship leader. He has participated in three mission trips.