AFFI Staff

Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois

Office Manager Sue Smith

Sue Smith lives in Franklin with her husband, Rick, and daughter, Sharon. Sue was hired in 2006 and is our Office Manager. Sue’s primary duty is bookkeeping. Sue was hired by AFFI President Emeritus Dave Foreman and during the two weeks before she actually started the job, Dave left to be the Illinois State Fire Marshal, so she never got to work with him.

Sue also serves as Chairman of the Comptrollers Merit Commission and Treasurer for the Village of Franklin.

Call the office anytime 217-522-8180 or email Sue directly at [email protected]

Office Secretary Mychelle Harbauer

You can contact Mychelle at: [email protected]

Executive Director of Infomation and Technology Matt Campbell

Matt began his fire service career with the Northwest Homer Fire Protection District in 1999 and has been a member of the Downers Grove Fire Department since 2005. Matt currently holds the rank of Lieutenant with the Downers Grove Fire Department and is a proud and active member of Downers Grove Local 3234. Matt joined the AFFI in May of 2020 and his responsibilities include assisting the Chief Technical Officer with all items related to collective bargaining exhibits and database research.

You can contact Matt at: [email protected]

Director of Communications Matt Hill

Matt began his fire service career as a volunteer in 2003 and has served on the Normal Fire Department since 2008. He currently holds the rank of Lieutenant and prides himself on the values of courage, dedication, and pride.

He immediately found a role in his Union after joining IAFF Local 2442; since serving in various roles on the Executive Board; including 4 years as Local President. He still currently serves as Treasurer.

Matt joined the AFFI Director Staff in 2022. He has also served as Chairman of the Labor History Committee since 2019, and participates in various training roles throughout the AFFI and the fire service. He attended the IAFF Communications Training Academy in Baltimore, MD in 2023.

Email: [email protected]

Director of Health, Safety & Education Drew Hansen

You can contact Drew at: [email protected]

Director of Governmental Affairs Tim Hunter

Tim joined the AFFI in May 2020 as a Staff Representative and moved into his current position in July of 2020. Tim works in conjunction with the President and Legislative Committee on legislation and coordinates the AFFI Political Education Program. Tim has been a member of the Joliet Fire Department since 2001 and is going on his 10^th year as Joliet Firefighters Local 44 President. Tim was a founding member of the Joliet Firefighters PAC and has been very politically active his entire career.

You can contact Tim at: [email protected]

Data Analyst Tony Peloso

Tony Peloso was hired by the AFFI in 2020. Tony has served the Village of Bolingbrook as a member of the Fire Department since 2002. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration. Tony has held the position of Secretary-Treasurer for Bolingbrook Fire Fighters Local 3005 since 2011.

You can contact Tony at: [email protected]

Data Analyst Dan Klendworth

Dan Klendworth was hired by the AFFI in 2020. Dan has served the City of Jacksonville as a member of the Fire Department since 2009. He currently serves as a Lieutenant. He holds a Masters Degree in Public Safety Management and a Bachelors in Business Administration. Klendworth has held the position of President for Jacksonville Fire Fighters Local 637 since 2011. He serves on the 2% board as treasurer and is an elected member of Jacksonville’s Pension Board.

He recently started on as an Instructor at The Illinois Fire Service Institute. Dan enjoys helping his fellow brothers and sisters within the AFFI with numerous Data and Bargaining issues. He relishes the opportunity to work for a Union that has all of its staff and administration literally work the positions for which we strive to improve through collective bargaining.

You can contact Dan at: [email protected]

Data Analyst Mark Kolar

Mark Kolar has been a member of Waukegan Firefighters IAFF 473 since 2006. He served as an elected officer of L473 from 2009-2020 with the last 8 years as president. Since 2017, Kolar has been the Assistant to the AFFI 5^thDistrict Vice President and has also served on the AFFI’s Consolidation Committee since 2012. Prior to joining the fire service in 2006, Mark obtained a Masters Degree in Public Administration/City Management from Northern Illinois University and worked over six years in governmental administration at both the municipal and county level.

You can contact Mark at: [email protected]