Board Members

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

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.

Brian Croft

Director - Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center
Board Chair

My history with CEO goes back a long time. Craig Lindvaul was my teacher and mentor and his ... Learn More

Katie Hickam

Owner
Vice Chair

Nicole Gray

Account Manager
Treasurer

Nicole Gray is an Account Manager at Arthur Agency. She is a 3rd generation Saluki alum, where she ... Learn More

Roni Croxell

Communications Coordinator
Secretary

Roni LeForge is the Communications Coordinator for the Egyptian Electric Cooperative. As a native ... Learn More

Nathan Colombo

Founder
Board Member

Matt Duffy

Financial Representative
Board Member

Married with 3 beautiful children. Lives in Murphysboro for 16 years. Graduated from SIUC in 2000 ... Learn More

Sherrica Hunt

Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and inclusion
Board Member

Michael Jessup

Small Business Advisor
Board Member

Michael works for the SBDC at SIU Carbondale helping small businesses get started and getting on ... Learn More

William Lo

Executive Director
Board Member

William Lo was raised in Carbondale, and grew up working in his parent’s restaurant where he ... Learn More

Emily Spann

Deputy Director SIUC Student Center
Board Member

Emily Spann is the Deputy Directo at the SIUC Student Cetner. She’s involved in the Southern ... Learn More

Ken Stoner

Manager of Workforce Education
Board Member

Jennifer Wilson

Principal
Board Member

Byram Fager

CEO
Administrative Agent Representative

Byram Fager has been the CEO of The Southern Illinois Community foundation since 2018, having ... Learn More