Terri has been employed by the Illinois Department of Corrections since 1994.  She began her career at an entry level and has risen to the rank of Public Service Administrator at the Pinckneyville Correctional Center and the DuQuoin Impact Incarceration Program.  In addition to her normal duties over the Dietary Department, she serves as a member of the Illinois Department of Corrections Religious Practices Advisory Board, and as an internal as well as an external auditor.    

Terri also has experience in the private sector first through farming with her husband of 32 years (Rick) and then later as a successful small business owner when Terri along with Rick and her grandparents built the Bluebell Restaurant in Murphysboro. A successful restaurant frequented by many in the southern Illinois region.  Terri knows firsthand the challenges of meeting payroll, managing a budget and living within ones means.   

Terri has been a bridge between working men and women in her position with the Correctional Center and common sense issues facing the State.  She understands the need to balance union concerns with maintaining security for those who have worked diligently for the State of Illinois while also restoring economic health and prosperity to the state’s budget. She can be a voice of reason because of her many years of experience in both the public and private sectors.

In addition Terri is a much sought after public speaker.  She has been a seminar speaker at several Christian Colleges, as well as a featured speaker regarding women’s issues at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.  For the past two years, she has been an invited speaker at the SIU Carbondale School of Law speaking to those students participating in the Women in Leadership Program.  Most recently, Terri was asked to speak as the guest presenter to the Carbondale League of Women Voters.  She has been a guest multiple times at local radio stations on a variety of political topics.    

Terri’s political experience includes serving as a Precinct Committee Woman since 2006. At present she is Second Vice Chair of the Jackson County Republican Central Committee, and Vice President of the Jackson County Republican Women’s Club.  She was a delegate to the Illinois Republican Conventions in 2008 and again in 2012. At the 2008 Illinois Republican Convention Terri was selected as a Presidential Elector, and at the 2012 Convention she served on the committee to appoint at large delegates to the National Convention.   

In 2009, Terri was accepted as a Fellow and then graduated from the Illinois Lincoln Excellence in Public Service Series.  She was appointed to the Board of Governors for that organization in 2010 and was elected President in 2011.  She has been a leader in helping to develop better communications between coalitions and the Illinois Republican Party, serving first as the Chair of Woman’s Coalitions and then later as the Coordinator of Coalitions for the Illinois GOP.  

Terri resides in Murphysboro with her husband Rick. They have one son Tyler and one daughter Tara and son-in law Clint Chamness. Terri and Rick are also the proud grandparents of two granddaughters.