Mary Burress

Mary, a native of Missouri, has been a Illinois resident since 1975.   Raising her family in Pekin she started her career in local government in 1984 as a clerk at Tazewell County Treasurer’s Office, one of the largest downstate counties in Illinois.  Working her way up from clerk, Chief Deputy Treasurer to in 2010 she was elected Tazewell County Treasurer serving until retiring December 2022.  Also holding the position as Chief Investment Officer for Tazewell County.

In May 2023, Mary was elected Mayor of the City of Pekin.  A position she currently still holds.

Mary attended Illinois Central College and has serves on many committees within Tazewell County.  Presently she is a Pekin Rotary Member, past board member of the Salvation Army of Pekin, served as Treasurer of the Altrusa Club and the past President of the American Businesswomen’s Association of Pekin.  Mary also served as an elected Trustee for Cincinnati Township.  Past member of the Illinois Treasurer’s Association and a current member of the Illinois Mayor’s Association.

With the passing of her husband, she and her family reside in Pekin Illinois.

Mike Hinchman

Mike Hinchman, a former Caterpillar facility, design engineer and Illinois Central College, adjunct physics instructor, began ballroom and Latin dancing during the disco era under of the direction of Don Caldwell of the HUB Edelstein ballroom and Peoria’s Arthur Murray dance Studio. This is Mike’s ninth year as a dance coach / instructor for Casablanca!??? (He put a question mark there because he can’t believe it).  He said, “It’s been a lot of fun over the years and this time is no exception.  My partner, Mary Burress, is showcasing her first time ever to ballroom dance. We plan to show you some cool dance variations of Night club two step and Latin hustle with a short segment of west coast swing. Mary has worked very hard. Believe me - she’s earned her license to ki**, uh…dance. We hope you enjoy it.”