Hello!  My name is Jennifer Slaght.  I am a teacher at Freeport High School in the CTE-Business Department.  I have spent the majority of my adult life working in educational spaces in public settings; through teaching and coaching, I have tried to impart in those I have worked with a belief in their ability to succeed.  I have two quotes that are the basis for what I try to do.  The first, "shoot for the moon because even if you miss, you end up amongst the stars" and "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step".  I believe future entrepreneurs need the mindsets those quotes embody and that is my why for being involved with the CEO program; what a wonderful opportunity for these young people!

Sarah Hasken is the Principal at Freeport High School. Sarah taught math in Freeport for 25 years at both the middle and high school levels. She has also been an instructional coach and has been an administrator for the past seven years, with the last three being the principal at FHS. She earned her Bachelors degree in math education from Illinois State University and her Masters degree in administration from Northern Illinois University. She is excited to offer opportunities to students that allow them to learn about different career pathways and thought that CEO would be a great fit with the Career Academy model in place at Freeport High School.

Mary Wernicke represents Adkins Energy LLC as a valued mentor and supporter of the Northwest Illinois CEO Program.  Through her role at Adkins Energy, Mary is passionate about strengthening connections between agriculture, renewable energy, and local communities.  She brings industry insight and real-world experience to the program, helping students undertand the impact of innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship in today's evolving ag and energy sectors.  Mary is committed to investing in the next generation of leaders across Northwest Illinois.

Andrea Schultz Winter is the executive director for the Greater Freeport Partnership. Andrea works on economic development efforts for the Partnership, including downtown Freeport beautification efforts, data analysis, business support regarding financial incentives and loan programs, and employer workforce development support. Andrea has a wide range of experience–from working on complex architecture and construction projects to urban and regional planning developments.  Andrea started her professional career in the Pacific Northwest where she gained an understanding and appreciation for ‘green’ design and best practices.  More recently, Andrea has worked with a local architecture, construction, and development firm where she led local urban planning efforts.  Andrea attended the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign where she received her Bachelors of Architecture, Masters of Architecture and Masters of Urban and Regional Planning.  Freeport has been Andrea’s adopted hometown for the past 10 years.  She loves being back in the Midwest and closer to family.  Andrea and her husband have three energetic children.  She values the Freeport community and volunteers her time sitting on multiple non-profit boards.

Andrew is the Career Pathways Navigator at Highland Community College. His work there is funded by the Room to Grow Grant and aims to help Highland's member high schools fill gaps and grow opportunities in all things college and career readiness. In addition, Andrew educates community partners about the language of education and works to build interest in, engagement with, and recognition for the impressive and rigorous work being done by high school students every day. Prior to joining that team, Andrew originated the Transitional English course at Freeport High School, the first of its kind in northwest Illinois. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned Bronze Tablet University Honors, and a Master's Degree in Education from Colorado State University-Pueblo. Andrew first learned about CEO ten years ago and is excited to play a role in its entry to our region.

Chris Shockey brings 31 years of experience in education to the Board. He began his career for the first 5 years as a teacher and coach and since 2000 has served in a range of leadership roles at the building, district, and regional levels.  His extensive background reflects a depth of experience in both instructional practice and educational administration. Shockey currently serves as the Regional Superintendent for the Regional Office of Education #8, a a multi-county government office that represents all students, educators, and families that live or work in Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties in northwest Illinois.

Hi! My name is Callie, I have been running a still growing & successful restaurant just outside of Freeport's city limits with my better half and his family for over 8 years. Before that, my professional resume consisted of corporate restaurants where I was fortunate enough to be trained & taught structure, team work and leadership. I am truly grateful to be in a position within the CEO program to provide hands-on experiences and professional guidance to the future entrepreneurs & leaders of a city that has given me so much personal success already. In my spare time, you will find me curled up with my pets & a good book or hiking around one of our many beautiful area trails.