Frank Millard & Company; Director Business Development: Experienced Director Business Development with a strong business acumen background who has successfully collaborated with companies from around the world, who has a demonstrated history of working in the utility, mechanical/electrical, and industrial construction/engineering industry. Skilled in Negotiations, Operations Leadership. Electric & Gas Utility Operations, Water Remediation Solutions using unique technologies such as Hydrodynamic & Ultrasonic Cavitation, and Project Safety. Known as a trusting professional who takes great pride in providing successful solutions to customers challenges, efficiently, effectively and within budget. Board of Directors: Lee County Economic Development Group Des Moines County CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) Board

Aaron Jensen is the Dean of Career and Technical Edcuation at Souteastern Community College. His work focuses on strenthening career and technical education in Southeast Iowa, program alingment and development, and broadening tecnical training opportunities both traditional and non traditional students. Prior to joining SCC he held both administrative and teaching roles in higher education in Wyoming where he focused on teacher education and faculty development. Aaron holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction: Science Education from the University of Wyoming. He has led program development and expansion in education, criminal justice, pshychology, social sciences, general education studies, and nuclear energy. He is passionate about making edcuation useful in life and preparing people to be the best they can in their chosen fields. He has served on several boards and numerous committes including the STate of Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board and the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Outside of work, he enjoys singing, acting, hiking, gaming and gardening.

I have been with Afinitas for 35+ years in roles of engineering and technical service. I run point on field support efforts to our customers' major projects as well as managing resources for aftermarket service and the service team. I also serve our community on the Mediapolis School Board of Directors. My wife and I have been local our entire lives and have four adult children. My passion to connect families and students to great opportunities drives many things we do. CEO is a great program for high school students to learn and to connect their future with the Des Moines County community.

Michael Yost serves as the Board Chair for the Des Moines County CEO Program and is deeply committed to developing the next generation of local leaders and entrepreneurs. Professionally, Michael is the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Great River Health, where he oversees workforce strategy, leadership development, culture, and organizational effectiveness for the regional health system serving more than 2,900 employees. Michael’s career has centered on building strong teams, developing leaders, and helping organizations navigate change with clarity and purpose. His experience spans talent development, employee engagement, executive leadership, and community partnerships. Michael is personally invested in the CEO Program because he believes early exposure to real world business, leadership, and accountability can be life changing for students and transformative for communities. He is passionate about connecting students with local businesses, mentors, and opportunities that help them see a future for themselves right here in Des Moines County. He and his wife, Chelsea, live in the area with their children and are actively involved in their church and community.

Alaina Imhoff serves as the Work Based Learning Coordinator and one of the Agricultural Education and FFA advisors at Mediapolis Community School District. She is also the Treasurer for Iowa Association of Agricultural Educators, Des Moines County Fairboard Director, Ag Ed Representative on the Regional Planning Partnership 16, and part of the Mediapolis Staff Lighthouse team. Alaina is passionate about developing students potential as future leaders, providing industry connections, and entrepreneurship experiences.

Andrea Walz Hartman is a native of Burlington, IA. Professionally, she has worked for MidWestOne Bank for 20 years. As a the Vice President, Retail Market Manager for the Burlington and Fort Madison offices, Andrea leads the retail departments for both locations and is responsible for employee development, revenue growth, customer experiences, and community advocacy. Andrea is committed to helping both her team and her customers grow in their financial knowledge, while also making sure MidWestOne has a positive impact on the community. Andrea received a BA in psychology from the University of Iowa and a K-6 Teaching Certification from Iowa Wesleyan College. Her educational background fuels her desire to help provide developmental opportunities, like CEO, for area students, while her professional career affords her the chance to get involvement in community outreach. In addition to serving on the CEO board, she is currently serving as the president of the Burlington Educational Foundation. She is also involved in the Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction event, BCSD School Improvement Advisory Committee, Des Moines County Condemnation Commission and is a member of Hetta Gilbert. Andrea is excited to be a part of the CEO program. She values leadership, networking and being connected to your community, all things CEO promises to teach the students that participate. Andrea and her husband Duane make their home in Burlington with their daughter, Kayleigh and their dog Snow.

I have worked for Carl A. Nelson & Company for 36 years starting as a laborer and moving up to carpenter, foreman, superintendent, and now general superintendent. In my current role I am in charge of recruiting, hiring, mentoring, training, and manpower assignments. Carl A. Nelson is a general contractor, construction manager, and design builder working in the commercial and industrial sectors.

Teli Van Rycke serves as the Regional Director of Workforce Innovation at the Greater Burlington Partnership and Lee County Economic Development Group, where she leads workforce and leadership initiatives across Des Moines and Lee counties. A former educator with a master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology, Teli is passionate about leadership development, building strong talent pipelines, and connecting education with industry. She actively coordinates and supports job shadows, apprenticeships, internships, and career exploration events that expose students to real-world career pathways and local employers. Her hands-on work with businesses, educators, and students aligns closely with the mission of the CEO program, and she is proud to serve on the CEO Board to help prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs and workforce-ready leaders.

My name is Elizabeth Long and I have served the Danville school district in multiple capacities for the past ten years. I have previously worked for West Burlington School District and Great Prairie AEA, but have always remained in Des Moines county for my professional career. My family and I also reside in Des Moines county on our family farm he operates with our two children. Currently, I serve Danville as the curriculum director and Dean of Students for the PK-12 system. I am thrilled to serve on the Des Moines county CEO board and bring this opportunity to students in our honor to showcase the amazing opportunities of working here.