IRTA Past President Steve Polep, of Cary, IL passed away on August 10, 2022.  Steve was a state IRTA member since 1994. 

During the past 28 years, Steve served in several capacities including: McHenry RTA Unit President, the first unit website coordinator, IRTA Region 2 Director, Area 2 Representative, State Member Benefits Committee Chairperson, IRTA Vice President, President, and Past President.  

As State Member Benefits Committee Chairperson, Steve played an instrumental role in expanding the menu list of benefits available to IRTA members.  When Steve served as IRTA President (2008-2009), he realized the many challenges that IRTA faced.  Membership and communication were two of his main priorities.  During Steve’s term as president, the following concepts were developed:  VoterVOICE, an IRTA website redesign, Board of Director dinners, and the PAC candidate endorsement procedures.  VoterVOICE was initially used to combat the calling of a State Constitutional Convention and is still used today to inform members and contact legislators.  The Board of Director dinners enabled the members of the Board to socialize and familiarize themselves with local unit and association issues. The PAC candidate endorsement procedures were developed and are still being used today. 

Steve’s drive, helpfulness, generosity with his time, sense of humor, and passion to help others will be greatly missed!  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Please keep Steve’s family in your prayers.

The McHenry County RTA has established The Stephen Polep Memorial Scholarship.  Memorial donations may be sent to MCRTA, P.O. Box 1776, Crystal Lake, IL  60039.  Please indicate on the memo line of your check: Polep Scholarship.  Thank you.