High school is a crucial step in preparing for the future. The CICEO program is an excellent vehicle for students to explore and develop potential areas of interest in terms of career paths. I am so grateful for what CICEO is able to provide for our area high school students. What an invaluable experience that will directly impact their future success. I'm honored to be part of an organization that creates these opportunities for area students!

I became interested in the CEO program when we moved back to the Decatur area because, while there are several large employers in the area, small businesses and farms are the lifeblood of central Illinois. Young people don’t always want to move away from rural areas, but must follow the opportunities. The CEO program helps them to develop the skills that allow them to create their own economic opportunities in the communities where they live.

Katherine is originally from a farm in Kentucky. After graduating with a degree in Economics from the University of Kentucky, she made her way to central Illinois in 2006 to work as a commodities trader for ADM. Since leaving ADM, she has lived in Ohio, southern Illinois and most recently Bucharest, Romania. Katherine and her family returned from Europe and settled outside Warrensburg. Her two children attend Warrensbug-Latham Elementary.

"I wanted to get involved with the CEO as it is an opportunity to offer a unique school and work experience for high school students. CICEO provides students with vision for their post-secondary goals and assists them in gaining significant insight into the world of work and business. It provides strong connections and partnerships with community businesses and organizations for future success. Overall, it is a truly authentic learning experience for all involved."

Mrs. Cheryl Warner is beginning her first year as Superintendent with Warrensburg-Latham CUSD #11 in 2020-2021. This is her 25th year in education. She previously served as a Principal in the Mt. Zion CUSD #3 for over ten years at Mt. Zion High School and McGaughey Elementary. Prior to that she was a Special Education Administrator servicing K-12 students in various Decatur schools through the Macon Piatt Special Education Cooperative. Prior to that she was an Assistant Professor at Eastern Illinois University in the Department of Secondary Education and Foundations. Her first teaching position was as a Special Education Teacher at Mattoon High School. Mrs. Warner was recently recognized as the School Administrator of the Year through the Illinois School Counselor Association. She earned her Superintendent license, Master's and Bachelor's Degrees as well as her Reading Specialist from Eastern Illinois University. Her educational areas of expertise include working with at-risk students, curriculum and assessment development, differentiated instruction, and developing tiers of intervention and enrichment for students. Mrs. Warner is married and she and her husband have two daughters.

I saw the tremendous value that the CEO program could bring to the students in our rural communities. CEO fills an important gap in the career education program provided for our high schoolers by teaching how to run a successful business. Students learn from the existing businesses in our towns, become aware of the resources available, and are encouraged to consider how they can start their own businesses and make meaningful contributions to their own communities. The program not only benefits the student, but can also serve as an economic driver in our little towns. I am excited to see the long-term impacts of CEO in our area!

Susan Wilson retired in 2020 after 20 years with Blue Ridge School District, 10 years as elementary principal and 10 years as superintendent. She began her career in 1987 as a school psychologist for Unit Seven Schools in rural Champaign County, and psychologist and assistant principal in suburban Lombard/Villa Park, before returning to Central Illinois in 2000. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Olivet Nazarene University, Master's Degree and Education Specialist Degree from Eastern Illinois University, and Doctor of Education from Aurora University. Administrative certification for the principalship was completed through the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Susan has been happily married to David Wilson since 1990 and they are the parents of two adult daughters, Lane and Emily.

David was one of the first people to hear the initial Midland Institute presentation back in 2016. Right away, David was intrigued by the program and what it could do to educate future business leaders. David walked the path that many others high school students had – moved away after college for a bigger city and more opportunity. “I wish this program would have been around my senior year of high school,” David said. “You’re teaching young people business practices and giving them tremendous hands-on experience while allowing them to network with some great business leaders in an area they already know. Such a great opportunity!”

David is currently the Youth/Adult Sports & Camp Osage Program Director at Clinton Community YMCA. He is also board president of DeWitt County Development Council. In his current role with the YMCA, David works to teach local youth the value of teamwork in sports. He also supervises a Camp Osage summer camp counselor staff comprised of several area high school students. He is a graduate of Western Illinois University and a native of Clinton. He currently lives in Wapella, with his wife,Rachel and daughter, Hannah.

Bart got involved with CEO to see young students get an early start to the business/corporate world with the idea of retaining these same young students in the various cities/communities that they grew up in as a student. He said "There is a lot of great opportunity for young students in the Central Illinois market and I want all of them to realize that opportunity. When we are successful, all of the communities around Central Illinois will win and prosper from the home grown talent."

Bart Rose is the Central Illinois Market Executive for Regions Bank. In his current role, Bart works with middle market commercial clients to achieve their financial goals. He is a Graduate of Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois and currently resides in Forsyth, Illinois with his wife Shannon and their 3 children.

"This is a great opportunity for students to develop their entrepreneurial spirit while learning about their local communities’ businesses. Truly a win/win for the students and our communities."

Angi Carter, is a Vice President of Lending for Farm Credit IL servicing Moultrie, Macon and DeWitt counties. She manages a $90 Mil + portfolio of farmers and agricultural investors.

She is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and resides in rural DeWitt with her husband, Jud and 2 children. She has lived the majority of her life in DeWitt county.

Being part of the CICEO program is very exciting, and I believe it will open new corridors to the future students within the area. I am looking forward to serving and meeting you as we go through this journey together.

I have been with the City of Clinton since 1977, I’m a native to Clinton and have been married to my wife Debbie 38 years. We have two grown children both of which graduated from Clinton Community Unit School District #15.

Ryan Aupperle is an owner, farm manager and real estate broker at Heartland Ag Group, Ltd. Heartland manages farmland for absentee landowners and provides real estate brokerage, appraisal and consulting services. Ryan is a graduate of the University of Illinois and resides outside of Maroa with his wife, Rachel and two kids. CEO is a unique opportunity to give back to the community and expose students to a wide variety of businesses in our area.

Curt Nettles is in his fourth year as the superintendent of Clinton CUSD 15. He previously has served as a superintendent and principal in three other districts, while beginning his educational career as a teacher and coach. He earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree at Eastern Illinois as well as his superintendent’s designation from Illinois State University. Curt lives with his wife and family in rural Dewitt County. He believes the CEO program will offer great opportunities for students that have that creative and entrepreneurial edge.