John has coached for the last 30 years and has been an IHSA judge for the last 19 years.  He has been at the state final contest as a judge for 17 years, as a panel, technical and Head judge.  In 2018 he was named IHSA Competitive Cheer Official of the Year.  John currently coaches at Lake Central High School.  Overall he has a passion for cheer and educating officials, coaches and athletes. 

Lance Emery boasts over 25 years of experience judging high school cheerleading in the State of Illinois. He has judged the IHSA Competitive Cheerleading State Championship since its inception in 2005. Lance has served on the IHSA Competitive Cheerleading Advisory Committee, IHSA Officials Advisory Committee, Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Associate Board of Directors and now the Competitive Cheer Officials of Illinois Board of Directors. Lance has also coached in Illinois at both the high school and junior high levels. Beyond Illinois, Lance has vast experience judging across the all-star and college levels. He has judged the USASF/IASF Worlds Championship since 2006, and has been a head judge since 2013. Lance continues to judge internationally at Worlds qualifying events in the United States, Canada, Australia, England and New Zealand. Lance also judged the NCA Collegiate National Championships for over 15 years. Lance is a former Purdue University cheerleader and an International Cheerleading Foundation head instructor.  Lance is currently a Chief People Officer for Aon, leading Human Resources for several of their global businesses. Lance resides in Mokena, IL.

Since 2006, Tricia has brought her expertise to both Allstar and High School competitive cheer judging across the U.S. and internationally. She has served as a judge at The USASF Cheerleading Worlds since 2014 and began officiating Illinois High School Competitive Cheer in 2019, becoming a State Cheerleading Official in 2024. Cheerleading has offered her meaningful personal and professional experiences, and she continues to share her passion for the sport—as Secretary of the CCOI for the 2025–2026 season.

Courtney has been an IHSA competitive cheerleading official for 7 years, after coaching recreational, junior high, and high school cheerleading programs prior. She has had the privilege to serve as a sectional official for the last two years. Courtney enjoys the growth and dedication of student athletes in the sport of cheerleading. She was also a State Final Official for the 2024-2025 season!  

Katie is entering year 19 as an IHSA official in competitive cheerleading. She has had the privilege to serve as both a sectional and state final official for the past 13 years.  Katie enjoys watching cheerleading evolve each year and the dedication of our student athletes.  She recently served as the CCOI secretary for the past 3 years and is looking forward to stepping into a new role as a regional representative for the 25/26 season.

Barb brings two decades of cheerleading experience to the organization, starting as a high school coach. For the past three years, she's served as an IHSA official, having the privilege of officiating at sectionals this past year. She's witnessed firsthand the tremendous growth of the sport and continues to be captivated by the incredible passion, dedication, and sheer excitement that athletes and coaches pour into it. Barb is excited to now serve the CCOI as a regional representative.

Lea has been involved in IHSA cheer for 10 years, beginning as a high school coach while maintaining her license as an IHSA official.  She valued the perspective and professional growth that officiating provided during her coaching career and, after stepping away from coaching, has stayed active in the sport as an official.  She has had the privelege of serving as a sectional official for the last 3 years.  She enjoys witnessing the sports incredible athleticism and evolution, seeing teams grow throughout the season, and sharing their excitement when hard work pays off.  She looks forward to serving the CCOI as a Regional Representative.  

Jeff has been an IHSA cheer and dance official for over 15 years.  He has served on the IHSA advisory committee for multiple socre sheet and rubric changes.  Jeff is in his 34th year of coaching HS Cheer.  He has been IHSA Cheer Coach of the Year and was named the 2025 National High School Coach of the Year.  He is excited to continue working with officals as a Region Representative for the 25-26 season.