Board Members

BOARD MEMBERS

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.

Cornell Lurry

NE Illinois Regional Community Development Relationship Manager
Board Chair

Cornell Lurry, Sr. serves as a Regional Community Development Relationship Manager for Midland ... Learn More

Karla Guseman

Superintendent
Vice Chair

Born and raised in Joliet, Dr. Guseman began her career in education at Joliet Township High School ... Learn More

Shelley Clark

Director of Strategic Partnerships
Board Member

Escortina Ervin

Chief Equity Officer
Board Member

Dr. Escortina Ervin is a wife and proud mother of 6 beautiful children. She is a visionary leader ... Learn More

Steven Jamnik

Senior Vice President
Board Member

Steven Jamnik has over 40 years’ experience in the Will County Banking market. He has served ... Learn More

Chris McGuffey

CTE Curriculum Director
Board Member

Leslie Newbon

Manager of Marketing and Community Relations
Board Member

Leslie Newbon is the Manager of Marketing and Community Relations at Silver Cross Hospital in New ... Learn More

Mike Paone

Executive Vice President
Board Member

Michael J. Paone (Mike), IOM, is the Executive Vice President at the Joliet Region Chamber of ... Learn More

Caroline Portlock

Director
Board Member

Director, Workforce Investment Board of Will County Caroline Portlock, Director of the Workforce ... Learn More

Kayla Sorensen

Director of Investor Relations
Board Member

Kayla joined the CED in 2022 and is responsible for leading the CED’s investor relations ... Learn More

Deborah Summers

Board Member
Board Member

Founding charter member (1991) and past President of the Joliet Chapter of NHBW (1999-2003); ... Learn More

Diana Viveros

Director of Programs
Board Member

Debra Upshaw

President
Fiscal Sponsor Representative

Mrs. Debra Upshaw is a member of the National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc., Joliet Chapter (NHBW). ... Learn More