BOARD MEMBERS

Ensuring CEO’s long-term growth and impact in the community.

Our board of local volunteers manages the core functions that keep CEO strong.

Active Board Members

The Community Leaders Behind CEO

View our board members

WHAT CEO BOARD MEMBERS DO

Board members are active, engaged community leaders who volunteer their time and expertise to the operational oversight of our local CEO Program.

Facilitator Support: Board members provide ongoing support to the CEO Facilitator.

Event Planning: Board members plan and execute key CEO events, including investor and mentor socials, and the student trade show.

Student Recruitment & Selection: Board members organize recruitment efforts, engage with local schools, and oversee the selection of CEO students.

Mentorship Coordination: Board members recruit mentors, manage mentor-student pairings, and ensure mentor program success.

School Liaison: Board members maintain communication with school administrators to coordinate student participation and scheduling.

Investor Recruitment & Care: Board members recruit and maintain relationships with local investors, ensuring the program's financial sustainability.

Who is a board member?

Meet the local leaders who make up our CEO Board.

Kraig Ritter

Partner
Board Chair

Kim Ekena

Retired
Vice Chair

Angi Carter

Vice President Lending
Treasurer
Angi Carter, is a Vice President of Lending for Farm Credit IL servicing Moultrie, Macon and DeWitt ... Learn More

Kevin Maxwell

Founder
Secretary

Ryan Aupperle

Farm Manager
Board Member
Ryan Aupperle is an owner, farm manager and real estate broker at Heartland Ag Group, Ltd. ... Learn More

Katherine Brodbeck

Owner
Board Member
Katherine is originally from a farm in Kentucky. After graduating with a degree in Economics from ... Learn More

Curt Nettles

Retired Superintendent
Board Member
Curt Nettles is in his fourth year as the superintendent of Clinton CUSD 15. He previously has ... Learn More

John Oakley

Retired Director
Board Member

Hillary Stanifer

Superintendent
Board Member
Dr. Stanifer currently serves as the Superintendent of Blue Ridge CUSD#18. She has previously ... Learn More

Brian Waddell

Director of Procurement
Board Member
Brian Waddell is Director of Sales & Procurement for the HarBrand Company, which includes ... Learn More

Cheryl Warner

Superintendent
Board Member
Mrs. Cheryl Warner is beginning her first year as Superintendent with Warrensburg-Latham CUSD #11 ... Learn More

Karol Wilson

Human Resources / Education Development Specialist
Board Member