The Aurora Chamber of Commerce recently recognized Katie Trook as the 2025 Person of the Year! This award honors an individual whose leadership and service have made a lasting, positive impact on our community. This award celebrates those who demonstrate integrity, initiative, and a commitment to making Aurora a better place to live, work, and thrive.

Many of you have shared meaningful moments with Katie — maybe you’ve been in a small group together, served alongside one another, or she’s offered you support during a challenging season. She has a way of showing up for people, and that’s just part of what makes this recognition so well-deserved. We’re excited to celebrate Katie and share more about why she’s receiving this award.

Katie Trook’s heart for service and creative leadership has made a lasting impact on the Aurora community. With a background in business management and an MFA in Writing, Katie made a mid-life career shift into ministry and is now pursuing a Master of Divinity on a full scholarship. Recently commissioned as Associate Pastor at our church, she previously served as Youth Director, leading Vacation Bible School and Youth Group while nurturing a spirit of inclusion and service.

Beyond the church, Katie has strengthened Aurora through extensive civic and nonprofit work, serving on the City of Aurora Recreation Advisory Committee, as Grants and Scholarship Chair for the Aurora Schools Foundation, and on the Aurora Historical Society Board for nine years. She also volunteers at The Haven Home women’s shelter in Cleveland, and in Aurora Schools where she volunteers in the classrooms of her four active sons.

Please join us in congratulating Katie!