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.
Amy Graham
DirectorBoard Chair Committees: Facilitator Review / Hire, School Coordinator, Investor Recruitment & Care, MentoringAmy is director of Carthage Community Development, an organization commited to the economic vitality and quality of life in Carthage, IL. Amy has been a member of the Board of Directors for Hancock County CEO since its inception in 2015. She was instrumental with bringing the CEO Program to the county after meeting Craig Lindvahl at an economic development conference. Amy's passion for education and working with youth has defined her career as a teacher, a school administrator, and as a volunteer.
"Who will be better today because of me?" ~Craig Lindvahl
PHOTO: Christine Murphy, Craig Lindvahl, Amy Graham
Joseph Goetz
ControllerTreasurer Committees: Investor Recruitment & CareJoseph was born and raised in Hancock County and attended Western Illinois University earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accountancy. He currently serves as Controller of Carthage System and is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant.
Amy Bruenger
Vice President Ag/Commercial LendingBoard Member Committees: MentoringAmy is currently a Vice President Ag and Commercial Lending at Marine Bank and Trust in Carthage, IL. Amy brings experience from previous roles at First Bankers Trust Company. Amy holds a 2004 - 2006 Bachelor's degree in Finance at Western Illinois University. Amy hosts a robust skill set that includes Credit Risk, Credit, FHA, Health Insurance and more. She served as a mentor for CEO before joining the board in 2022. As a board member, Amy is poised to enhance the financial literacy for the CEO students.
Jamie Cousins
Vice President Commercial LendingBoard Member Committees: Investor Recruitment & Care, MentoringJamie is Vice President Commercial Lending at United Community Bank. He currently resides in Hamilton, IL with his wife, Lexi Cousins, who is a teacher and coach at Illini West High School. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, golfing, hunting, and is also an avid sports fan. He enjoys watching Iowa Hawkeyes Basketball and Football and he attends many games throughout the year. Jamie is excited to be involved in CEO and understands the interests of young professionals and the need for the program.
"Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion"- Michael Jordan
Collin Dooley
AccountantBoard MemberCollin grew up in Hancock County, graduating from Warsaw High School in 2012. He attended Illinois College for undergrad and the University of Illinois Springfield to obtain his MBA. After recently moving back to the county, he learned about CEO and wanted to get involved. He works for Western Illinois Mutual Insurance Company in Carthage, IL as the accountant.
Brad Gooding
PrincipalBoard MemberBrad is the Hamilton High School Principal. He lives in Carthage, IL with his wife Becky and son Lincoln. He has a son Kennedy (wife Michaela and daughters Adley and Grace) who teaches and coaches at Hamilton Elementary/Junior High School. Brad enjoys spending time with his granddaughters and doing anything related to athletics. This is his 29th year in education having been a teacher, athletic director, coach, bus driver and administrator at Southeastern, Palmyra, MO, Unity, Illini West, Rushville-Industry and now Hamilton. He was involved with the CEO program when it began 10 years ago in Hancock County and was also a board member with the Brown Schuyler CEO program when it began in 2021. He sees that value that a hands-on, outside the box program can be for students and the opportunities it can open for students in the future.
Chelle Grotts
retiredBoard Member Committees: Investor Recruitment & Care, MentoringChelle earned her Bachelor's Degree from Western Illinois University and worked for 32 years as a bank examiner for the FDIC. Recently retired, she joined the CEO Board in 2026 because she has an interest in teaching youth about financial education. Three of her children and two of her nephews successfully completed CEO, and she saw their personal development firsthand.
Tecia Lantz
SuperintendentBoard MemberTecia is currently the superintendent for Southeastern CUSD #337 in Augusta, IL. She has served on the board since 2023 and is instrumental with recruitment of CEO students from the southeastern part of Hancock County including Augusta, Bowen, and Plymouth. Tecia, along with her staff at Southeastern High School, sees the CEO Program as a major contribution to the curriculum for preparing our youth for the challenges of the future.
Tim Parrish
PresidentBoard Member Committees: Investor Recruitment & Care, MentoringTim is President at Marine Bank and Trust in Carthage. He earned his B.B.A. from Culver Stockton College. Tim has been with Hancock County CEO Program since 2016.