BOARD MEMBERS

We are proud of our members, and thankful for their involvement in our community. Click on the Board Member Bios below to read a full profile of each.

Drew Gierich

Drew Gierich

Elected April 2019
drew.gierich@d702.org

Renee Kaiser

Renee Kaiser-Secretary

Elected April 2009
renee.kaiser@d702.org

Todd Kilgus

Todd Kilgus

Elected April 2009
todd.kilgus@d702.org

Robert Ropp

Robert Ropp-President

Elected April 2015
robert.ropp@d702.org

Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith-Vice President

Elected April 2019 
kevin.smith@d702.org

Volkan Sumer - Board President

Volkan Sumer

Elected April 2005
volkan.sumer@d702.org

Kevin Ulrich

Kevin Ulrich

ELECTED APRIL 2019

drew.gierich@d702.org

Occupation: Accountant at Caterpillar Inc.
Family: Wife – Rachel, 4 Children – Collins, Cruz, Nora, and Rosie
Education: Associates in Arts and Science from Illinois Central College, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accountancy) from Eastern Illinois University, Certified Management Accountant

"I was blessed to attend Tremont Public Schools K-12 and undoubtedly obtained a top-notch education along with memorable co-curricular experiences. Being a long time resident and aware of the community’s historically strong support for public education, I am honored to represent the district on the board of education. Giving back to the community that has provided so much for me has always been very important to me. We, as a community of stakeholders, need to continue investing in Tremont Schools to ensure that every student is fully prepared for the next stage of their life, whether that be from grade to grade or after graduation."

ELECTED APRIL 2009

renee.kaiser@d702.org

Occupation: Wife, Mom, Registered Nurse- employed part-time at Koch Family Medicine in Morton
Family: Husband: Mark, 4 Children: Lucas, Lance, Morgan, Grace
Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing

“I have a passion for education and providing students with great opportunities.”

ELECTED APRIL 2009

todd.kilgus@d702.org

Occupation: Project Manager/Superintendent for Core Construction Services Inc.
Family: Wife-Rita, Children-Nichole, Janelle, Dustin, AshleyEducation: Graduate of Fairbury-Corpsey High School, Carpenter Apprenticeship Program, certified in the AGC Supervisory Training Program

“I enjoyed the two years I spent working with the school staff on their new building project. That experience gave me the desire to continue being involved with an a part of this great school district.”

ELECTED APRIL 2015

robert.ropp@d702.org

Occupation: Attorney
Family: Married; two children
Education: Associates from ICC, BS from ISU, Visiting Student, University of Illinois School of Law, Juris Doctor, Creighton University School of Law

“I had the opportunity to receive a first class education in our Tremont Schools, and always vowed that if given the opportunity, I would give back in any way I could. I have been given that opportunity by our community and will continue to devote the time needed to create the atmosphere at Tremont that allows our students to thrive.”

ELECTED APRIL 2019

kevin.smith@d702.org

Occupation: Law Enforcement Officer
Family: Wife-Michele, Children-Hunter, Connor, Alexis
Education: Bachelors in Computer Science from Millikin University

“A close-knit community can have a great influence on the students in that community. Tremont Community Schools have a great history of excellence and the support this community gives its schools is second to none. While serving my term as a board member I look forward to working with all members of the community to continue this wonderful relationship and advance the growth of our students.”

ELECTED APRIL 2005

volkan.sumer@d702.org

Occupation: Physician- Family Practice- Pain Management & Osteopathic Manipulation
Family: Married, 3 children
Education: HS - Dunlap, BS-ISU - Major in Biology and Chemistry, ISU - Master in Biochemistry, Midwestern University- Medical School, Residency- Metropolitan Hospital Grand Rapids, MI

“I feel that an excellent education is the foundation for a successful future and that every American should have this opportunity. The Tremont schools provide this foundation and are ranked among the best schools in the state. My desire to serve on the Board of Education is to participate in the wonderful system and to volunteer any time and talent that I have while providing input on policies that continue the tradition of educational excellence provided by District 702.”

ELECTED 2007

kevin.ulrich@d702.org

Occupation: Owns and operates Anthem Insurance Group, Inc with offices in Tremont and Delavan
Family: Married, 4 Children
Education: HS Diploma- Roanoke Benson, Associates Degree ICC, 1991 graduate of University of Illinois- BS in Agriculture Economics

“Communities will only be successful as the people in them that are willing to serve. Our school system has a track record that is matched by few other schools within the State of Illinois and that is a testament to educators, administrators, staff and board members. I feel that I’m at a point in my life where its time to give back to a great community that has become my home and I look forward to the many challenges and opportunities this position will offer.”