John Keigher has impacted KCC & beyond

Following a career defined by executive leadership, entrepreneurial success, and unwavering commitment to servant leadership, John Keigher has been named the 2026 John M. Fulton Distinguished Alumni Award recipient by the KCC Foundation.

A graduate of KCC with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems, Keigher’s career has been in transportation, manufacturing, financial services, and consumer products.

Keigher served as director and partner of Midwest Transit Equipment, Inc., then as CEO of Urban Farmer. Keigher remains active as a fractional executive, strategic advisor, and consultant to emerging and growth-stage companies.

“Across every aspect of his career and service, John exemplifies the values of leadership, innovation, integrity, and lifelong commitment to education,” said Nancy Schunke, director of alumni engagement at KCC. “His impact on Kankakee County and the surrounding region has been significant and enduring, making him a truly deserving recipient of this honor.”

Keigher currently serves in numerous leadership roles, including:

• Village trustee and finance chairman, Village of Roanoke, Illinois
• Board member and governance committee chair, KCC Foundation Board
• Board member, Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship
• Board chair, Kankakee County CEO Program; he helped establish in Kankakee County
• Founding board member, Heart of Illinois CEO
• Board member, Roanoke-Benson Hope Center

Among many other civic and nonprofit leadership roles, Keigher has also served as president of the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce and was a longtime board member of United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties.

Keigher has mentored and developed future business leaders through the CEO Program, which connects students to real-world business experiences, mentorship, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

“John’s impact extends far beyond his professional achievements,” said Dr. Kay Green, Chair of the KCC Foundation Board. “He leads with humility, invests deeply in others, and consistently uses his talents and resources to strengthen our community. His service to the Foundation and commitment to student success reflect the very best of what this award represents.”

John and his wife, Shanon, are proud supporters and donors to the KCC Foundation.

“John Keigher represents the very best of Kankakee Community College,” said Dr. Michael Boyd, KCC’s President. “From his beginnings as a student in our Computer Information Systems program to his success as a CEO, entrepreneur, and respected community leader, John has remained committed to lifting others and creating opportunity. His leadership has left a lasting mark on this region.”

About Kankakee Community College

Kankakee Community College serves more than 3,500 students each year with award-winning, accredited programs that lead to associate degrees, certificates, and transfer opportunities to four-year universities. With guidance from local business and industry, KCC’s career programs prepare students for today’s workforce. The college also offers continuing education, certification training, job fairs, literacy, ESL, and GED preparation. With over 56 areas of study, KCC is the region’s trusted choice for affordable education and career advancement.