Michael “Mike” Wenz, Linfield’s vice president for finance and administration/CFO, has been elected to the McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. His three-year term began in October 2025.
Wenz’s election strengthens the longstanding relationship between Linfield and the McMinnville business community. The chamber supports local businesses, builds community connections and advocates for regional economic growth. With Wenz on the board, higher education will continue to have a clear voice in conversations that shape the community Linfield calls home.
“Linfield and McMinnville are closely connected, and our success is intertwined with the vitality of this region,” Wenz said. “It is an honor to join the chamber’s board of directors. I look forward to working with these local leaders to support economic development and community partnerships.”
Wenz joined Linfield in 2022 after 13 years at Northeastern Illinois University. There, he held senior leadership roles in budgeting and served as a tenured economics faculty member. Previously, he had a career in finance. Wenz earned a doctorate and master’s degree in economics from the University of Illinois Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Miami University.
At Linfield, Wenz directs the university’s financial operations, long-term planning and administrative services. Through this work, he supports Linfield’s mission to provide a student-centered education and maintain a strong financial foundation.
The McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors includes business and community leaders who guide the organization’s strategic direction and support initiatives that strengthen the local economy.
““Mike’s leadership and financial expertise will be a tremendous asset to our board and to the business community we serve,” said John Olson, president and CEO of the McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce. “His perspective from higher education strengthens an already important partnership between Linfield University and the McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce. I’m grateful for his willingness to serve and excited for the work we’ll accomplish together to support economic vitality and opportunity across our region.”
Linfield University congratulates Wenz on his election and looks forward to continued collaboration with the chamber and the McMinnville community.
