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.
Mitch McClellan
Jennifer Jacobsen
OwnerBoard MemberJennifer Jacobsenis the owner ofVienna Town Square Mall, an antique store, andJacobsen & Associates LLC, a residential rental business. Prior to owning her own businesses,Jennifer enjoyed asuccessful 20+ year career in the casino industry. Sheholds abachelor’s degree from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, and has further enhanced her expertise by earning aSix Sigma Black Belt Certificate from St. Charles Community College inCottleville, Missouri. Passionate about supporting her local community, Jennifer is dedicated tohelping Johnson County residents and businesses thrive. Whether through her business ventures, leadership roles, or community involvement, she continues to make a lasting impact by promoting economic growth and fostering opportunities for success.
Byram Fager
CEOAdministrative Agent Representative Committees: Investor Recruitment & CareByram Fager has been the CEO of The Southern Illinois Community foundation since 2018, having previously served on the foundation board in different capacities since 2009. Byram brings experience having served on other boards and fundraising committees both in Illinois and while living in Ohio for 12 years. Byram was born in Murphysboro, IL, and currently resides in Metropolis, IL.
Russ Kreuter
Tina Penrod
retiredVice Chair Committees: Facilitator Review / Hire, Investor Recruitment & Care, MentoringI attended Shawnee Community College immediately following graduation from Vienna High School in the 70's As a 50 year old adult, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Mid-Continent University & a Master of Science degree in Organizational Communication from Murray State University. I have 40 years experience in the direct sales industry, 22 years experience coaching at the junior high and high school level, 8 years experience as a public relations representative for a local university, and 4 years experience teaching at the college level. I retired in 2014. I have been married to Steve Penrod for almost 46 years. He is also retired but now serves as the mayor for the City of Vienna. We have two daughters, two sons in law, six grandchildren, one grandchild in law and one newborn great grandson. I have lived in Johnson County all of my life. I love southern Illinois!
Tricia Overturf
VP of Marketing & CommunicationsBoard Chair Committees: MediaTeale Betts
Reagan Johnson
Director of Community SchoolingBoard Member Committees: School CoordinatorJohn Runge
Connor Johnson
Certified School Social WorkerBoard Member Committees: School CoordinatorConnor Johnson is a Certified School Social Worker at Goreville CUSD #1 where he provides social work services to primarily junior high and high school students. He counts it as a "blessing" to serve at his alma mater as a social worker.Prior to working at Goreville Schools, Connor worked for four years at Arrowleaf as a Community Advocate predominantly in Johnson County. Connor studied at Shawnee Community College where he received an Associate of Arts degree. He later studied at Southern Illinois University Carbondale where he obtained his Bachelor's (BSW) and Master’s (MSW) degrees in Social Work. Connor is recognized in Illinois as aLicensed Social Worker (LSW) and aCertified School Social Worker (CSSW).It is his personal mission to see students accomplish their goals and offer them ample support so that they can be successful.
Susan Odum