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.

Brent Oberlink
PresidentBoard ChairBrent grew up in Brownstown, IL and then pursued a degree in business management from Greenville ... Learn More

Brent Oberlink
PresidentBoard Chair Committees: Facilitator Review / Hire, MentoringBrent grew up in Brownstown, IL and then pursued a degree in business management from Greenville University. He and his wife (Aney) live in Edwardsville, IL. They own two businesses; Lanracorp in Brownstown, IL and Dapper Gents in St. Louis, MO. Lanracorp was founded in 2007 and is a nationwide pipeline services contractor that employs approximately 60-70 personnel. Dapper Gents was founded in 2014 and is an upscale men's grooming lounge and clothing store. "I love entrepreneurship, helping others achieve their goals, and fitness. I'm a member of the Arete Syndicate which is an entrepreneurshipgroup that focuses on helping each other scale your business and pushes members to do good in their communities by giving back and encouraging other entrepreneurs. There is so much value and mentoring and coaching especiallyin the business world. It's the collaboration of ideas, building better, doing better, and competition that helps drive our country and entrepreneurshipto new levels."

Jennifer Garrison
SuperintendentVice ChairDr. Jennifer Garrison is the Superintendent of Vandalia Community Unit School District #203. She is ... Learn More

Jennifer Garrison
SuperintendentVice ChairDr. Jennifer Garrison is the Superintendent of Vandalia Community Unit School District #203. She is a 1995 graduate of Vandalia Schools and has come home to proudly serve and represent her community. This is Dr. Garrison’s fourteenth year as a Superintendent in Illinois. Her professional organizations include: Board Member for Fayette County CEO,VandaliaRotary, Greater Fayette County Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools President-Elect, and member of the IllinoisAssociation of School Administrators. Dr. Garrisonserved as a Principal for Ramsey C.U.S.D. #204 and was an elementary teacher for Highland C.U.S.D. #5 where she also achieved her National Board Certification. Jennifer served nine years in the IL Army National Guard and achieved the rank of Sergeant.

Doug Knebel
Senior Commercial Relationship ManagerTreasurerDoug Knebel grew up in Fayette County and graduated from Mulberry Grove High School. He ... Learn More

Doug Knebel
Senior Commercial Relationship ManagerTreasurer Committees: Investor Recruitment & CareDoug Knebel grew up in Fayette County and graduated from Mulberry Grove High School. He received an Associate in Arts degree from Kaskaskia College in 1989 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Greenville University in 1991. He passed the CPA exam in 1992. After spending 13 years in Public Accounting and Government Finance, he has spent the past 18 years in banking. He has worked for Midland States Bank since 2009 where he is currently a Senior Commercial Relationship Manager with a focus on commercial real estate. Doug enjoys volunteering and serving on various boards including CEO, the Vandalia Rotary Club, Greater Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, SAFE, Fayette County E911, Fayette County YMCA and the Fayette County Cancer Fund. He was also elected to the Fayette County Board in 2020. Doug resides in Vandalia with his wife, Theresa (Walker) and has 3 sons: Will, Samuel and Haydn.
Sally Emerick
Human Resources Coordinator/Trust Administrator OfficerSecretaryI have been a lifelong resident of Fayette County. My husband & I have two boys and enjoy being ... Learn More
Sally Emerick
Human Resources Coordinator/Trust Administrator OfficerSecretary Committees: Investor Recruitment & CareI have been a lifelong resident of Fayette County. My husband & I have two boys and enjoy being active members of our community. I have many years in hospitality management and transitioned to a new career in Trust Services at The FNB Community Bank. We have a unique department providing trust, estate, foundation, and investment services. I have thoroughly enjoyed each year I have spent with the CEO program and getting an up-close view of these amazing students.

Macy Behl
Juvenile Division SecretaryBoard MemberMacy Cripe, 2019 CEO Alumni, now serves on the Fayette County CEO Board.Through the connections she ... Learn More

Macy Behl
Juvenile Division SecretaryBoard Member Committees: Event Coordinator, AlumniMacy Cripe, 2019 CEO Alumni, now serves on the Fayette County CEO Board.Through the connections she made in the program, Macy was offered an internship at a local warehouse, and, later, a board member connected her to a job opening at the County Clerk’s Office. Macy now works at State's Attorney's Office as the Juvenile Disvision Secretary.

Patrick Click
-Agency PrincipalBoard MemberPatrick Click, Fayette County CEO Board Patrick “Pat” Click, is originally from ... Learn More

Patrick Click
-Agency PrincipalBoard Member Committees: MentoringPatrick Click, Fayette County CEO Board Patrick “Pat” Click, is originally from Florissant, Missouri. He is a graduate of Greenville College with a B.S. in business management. He resides in rural Fayette County with his wife Angela and has six children and a one daughter-in-law. Pat is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys boating with his family in the summer. He enjoys all sports, both as a spectator and a coach. Pat has held elected offices as a City Alderman of Vandalia and a school board member. Pat is currently President of Workforce Innovation area #23, which serves the 14 counties of Southeastern Illinois, he is Vice President of the Greater Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, and a board member of S.A.F.E which serves 11 counties in South Central Illinois. Pat is a continual volunteer in Rotary Club, and Community activities. He is a partner in the insurance agency McKellar, Robertson, McCarty, and Click Insurance with offices in Vandalia and St. Elmo and co-owns the Dairy Dee in Ramsey, Illinois with his wife

Sean Hannagan
PrincipalBoard MemberSean Hannagan, an experienced school administrator, has served as the principal of St. Elmo ... Learn More

Sean Hannagan
PrincipalBoard MemberSean Hannagan, an experienced school administrator, has served as the principal of St. Elmo Elementary School for the past 19 years. While Sean brings an array of knowledge from the educator perspective, he is also a parent to one of our CEO alumni. Sean offers a unique perspective to the board, having witnessed firsthand the profound impact that the CEO program had on his child's growth. His invaluable insights make him a great addition to the board!

Andrea Meadows
Rehab Office AssistantBoard Member
Andrea Meadows
Rehab Office AssistantBoard Member Committees: Event Coordinator
Danny "Bo" Melton
EducatorBoard MemberI graduated from Greenville HS in 1994, before getting my BS in Social Studies Education at SIUE ... Learn More

Danny "Bo" Melton
EducatorBoard MemberI graduated from Greenville HS in 1994, before getting my BS in Social Studies Education at SIUE, then Greenville University. I currently reside in Greenville with my son Trey. I just started my 20th year at St. Elmo mainly as the junior high social studies teacher. I also was an assistant baseball coach for 15 years. I've seent the amazing growth our St. Elmo girls have accomplished through the CEO program over the years and am excited to be a part of it!!

Sandy Michel
Managing BrokerBoard MemberSandy has been in real estate for 32 years. She has owned and operated her own agency for over 25 ... Learn More

Sandy Michel
Managing BrokerBoard Member Committees: Event Coordinator, Investor Recruitment & CareSandy has been in real estate for 32 years. She has owned and operated her own agency for over 25 years and sold it 7 years ago and works for REMAX Alliance. Sandy has been active in many community activities over the years such as the YMCA as president and board member, Chamber of Commerce as president and current board member, previous member of the Economic Development Commission, past chair of the Greater Gateway Association of Realtors and she serves on numerous Illinois Realtor committees. Community is very important to her and she is very excited about this program and how it will affect the youth who participate in it.

Annette Moore
PrincipalBoard MemberAnnette Moore serves as Principal of St. Elmo Elementary School, bringing extensive expertise in ... Learn More

Annette Moore
PrincipalBoard MemberAnnette Moore serves as Principal of St. Elmo Elementary School, bringing extensive expertise in education, instructional leadership, and school administration. Her comprehensive background in teaching, mentoring, and management strengthens her ability to effectively support the school's educational environment, student body, and staff. A dedicated advocate for educational equity, Moore is committed to providing students with strong academic foundations for future success. She maintains her commitment to professional growth through ongoing coursework and development, ensuring her leadership approaches reflect current best practices in education. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and dual Master's degrees in Education and Educational Leadership. Moore recognizes the vital importance of strong educational programs like CEO. And the value that CEO adds to the community and surrounding areas.