As President of the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development, Ken Springer has spent the last two decades helping companies launch, locate and grow. His experience includes working with clients on successful projects in the manufacturing, food processing, transportation/logistics, renewable energy, tech and retail industries. Ken was a founding Board Member of the Knox County CEO Program.

When Anderson State Bank first became involved as an investor in the CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program, we saw it as a fantastic opportunity for ROWVA students to gain practical experience in the world of business. Little did we know that the program would exceed all expectations. Thanks to the dedication of outstanding facilitators like Jeremy Kleine, strong support from the local business community, and the drive and talent of the students, CEO has delivered far more than we anticipated. For students interested in staying in the ROWVA community or launching their own business, CEO offers the tools and knowledge needed to succeed. Participants learn how to develop a business plan, secure funding, and market their business. Along the way, they have the chance to meet some of Knox County's top business leaders and learn the secrets to their success. The hands-on learning approach gives students real-world business experience from actual professionals, not just textbook theories. While academic achievement is important, CEO is all about initiative, motivation, and the desire to make things happen. If you have these qualities, you are CEO material. I highly encourage you to apply. Not only will our next class gain valuable business insights and skills, but they will also have the chance to earn a scholarship.

Sarah Grant is the Director of Development at Galesburg Community Foundation. Prior to this role, she spent 15 years with Illinois Farm Bureau and was a founding board member of the McDonough County CEO Program. She resides outside of Monmouth with her husband, two daughters and an ornery sheepadoodle. Galesburg Community Foundation is a proud investor in the Knox County CEO Program!

Kathryn E. Jennings is the Director of ROE Services and the Education for Employment System Director of Delabar Career and Technical Education System for the Regional Office of Education #33. She is a current resident of Abingdon; she graduated from Avon High School in 2004 and earned her B.A. in English Education in 2008 from Culver-Stockton College. She immediately started her teaching career in the fall of 2008 and is completing her 17th year as an educator. Katie is a proud alumna of Western Illinois University with a M.S. in Education as a reading specialist in 2012, M.S. in Educational Leadership in 2017 for principal licensure. In 2023, she completed the superintendent program, earning her superintendent's license. She is currently completing her Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. Katie is excited to be a Knox County CEO Board Member and looks forward to recruiting more students to the program.