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.

Kathy Dinger
SuperintendentBoard Chair
Kathy Dinger
SuperintendentBoard Chair Committees: Facilitator Review / Hire
Savanna Collier
Chamber DirectorVice ChairSavanna Collier is the Chamber Director for the Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce. She is a ... Learn More

Savanna Collier
Chamber DirectorVice Chair Committees: Facilitator Review / Hire, MentoringSavanna Collier is the Chamber Director for the Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce. She is a 2009 graduate of Fort Madison High School and a 2013 graduate of Iowa State University. She serves as the current President of the Potowonok Circle of King’s Daughters and Sons, the Vice Chair for the Lee County CEO Board, is on the advisory board for the Entrepreneurship program at Southeastern Community College, parade assistant for the Tri-State Rodeo Committee and serves as the Vice Chair on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Fort Madison. Savanna enjoys volunteering for the Fort Madison Eagles Club, Iowa 2x4’s for Hope, Community Thanksgiving and participating in fundraising events. When Savanna is not doing Chamber-related activities, she keeps busy with her 4-year-old bernedoodle, Oakley. In her “free time”, she enjoys being with family and friends, working on crafts, hunting and fishing.

Carol Delaney
Assistant Vice President / Residential and Consumer Loan OfficerTreasurer
Carol Delaney
Assistant Vice President / Residential and Consumer Loan OfficerTreasurer
Emily Benjamin
Vice PresidentSecretaryEmily Benjamin is the Vice President of Economic Development at the Lee County Economic Development ... Learn More

Emily Benjamin
Vice PresidentSecretary Committees: Investor Recruitment & CareEmily Benjamin is the Vice President of Economic Development at the Lee County Economic Development Group (LCEDG), where she channels her diverse background in agricultural sales, marketing, nonprofit leadership, and community development. Guided by values of integrity, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, she fosters partnerships that enhance the community's offerings. Emily's vision revolves around continued collaboration and innovation, creating a thriving hub of opportunity for every resident. She is enthusiastic about her work, inviting others to join her in building a brighter, more prosperous future for Lee County.

Amy Conlee
Sr. Social Performance SpecialistBoard Member
Amy Conlee
Sr. Social Performance SpecialistBoard Member Committees: Investor Recruitment & Care
Mike Hickey
PresidentBoard MemberBorn and raised in Keokuk. Graduated from Cardinal Stritch High School in 1970, SCC in 1972 and the ... Learn More

Mike Hickey
PresidentBoard MemberBorn and raised in Keokuk. Graduated from Cardinal Stritch High School in 1970, SCC in 1972 and the University of Iowa with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1974. Is married to Karen, has 2 children Daniel, (Lori) and Kathleen, (Bob), grandchildren and great grans. Has been President of Hickey Contracting since 1979. Has been,and still is, a memeber of many civic, professional and religious organizations in the area. A strong believer in being part in the community you live in.

Kerry Klepfer
ProducerBoard MemberKerry has been in the insurance business in Keokuk for over 3 decades. He has also served and is ... Learn More

Kerry Klepfer
ProducerBoard MemberKerry has been in the insurance business in Keokuk for over 3 decades. He has also served and is serving on many non-profit boards.

Brent Koller
Career and College Readiness CoordinatorBoard Member
Brent Koller
Career and College Readiness CoordinatorBoard Member Committees: School Coordinator
Jessica Martin
Marketing SpecialistBoard MemberJessica Martin works as the marketing specialist for the Keokuk Community School District and is ... Learn More

Jessica Martin
Marketing SpecialistBoard Member Committees: MediaJessica Martin works as the marketing specialist for the Keokuk Community School District and is married with four children. She attended art school and obtained a creative marketing bachelor’s degree in Chicago, then a visual journalism master’s degree from Roosevelt University, and a doctoral degree in education. She previously taught mass communication and visual journalism for about 16 years at several colleges, including Culver-Stockton College, Wartburg College and Western Illinois University.

Tricia Merydith
Owner/ManagerBoard MemberTricia is the Owner/Manager of Taske Force, Inc. for the last 30 years. She is a 1987 graduate of ... Learn More

Tricia Merydith
Owner/ManagerBoard Member Committees: Facilitator Review / HireTricia is the Owner/Manager of Taske Force, Inc. for the last 30 years. She is a 1987 graduate of Keokuk Senior High School and attended Southeastern Community College. She serves as the current Treasurer for The Grand Theatre Foundation, First Mates Social Event Chair for the Keokuk Yacht Club, member of the Golden Oaks Society and Keokuk Lions Club where she served as Secretary for twenty years. She is also a past Keokuk Chamber Board member serving 4 terms. In Tricia’s free time she loves spending time with her family especially with her two grandchildren, and anything in the sun, mostly on the Mississippi River boating.

Brett Wrieden
Assistant Vice PresidentBoard Member