EDWARDSVILLE, ILL., Sept. 16, 2008... The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois today announced that Executive Director Patrick McKeehan has been appointed to the board of Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT).  McKeehan will serve as a board member for a three-year term. 

"CMT leads advocacy efforts to expand light rail as a critical component of an integrated, affordable and convenient public transportation system, which is vital for the continued growth and development of our region," commented Patrick McKeehan.  "I am pleased to serve the organization in this capacity and look forward to working to strengthen our region's public transit system in the coming years."

Other newly appointed board members include: Patrice Gillespie Smith, Partnership for Downtown St. Louis, John Gerst, Big Boy's Steel Erection, Inc., Edward Fleming, Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 788 and Leonard Toenjes, AGC of St. Louis.

The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois is a member-based, economic development corporation representing Madison and St. Clair counties. For more than 25 years, The Council has worked to attract/retain jobs and stimulate capital investment through its coalition of leaders in business, industry, labor, education and government. These effective partnerships serve as a driving force behind successful economic development efforts in Southwestern Illinois and the metropolitan area. 

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