Jake Green is the Senior Director of Regional Business Development for Graham Health System in Canton, IL. Jake has worked at GHS for 17 years and is also the owner of a 24/7 fitness facility called Team Green Fitness, located in Lewistown, IL.  Jake has worked in healthcare since he graduated from WIU and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology in 2008. Jake went back to school and earned his MBA in 2024. Jake coached high school football and baseball for Lewistown for 8 seasons until opening Team Green Fitness in late 2014. Jake is a certified Personal Trainer, BLS Instructor, Stress Management Counselor, Health and Wellness Coach, Ergonomic Assessment Specialist 1, and serves on many boards, committees and organizations throughout the communities GHS serves.

Jake was raised in St. David, IL and currently lives in Lewistown with his wife Kelsey and their basset hound named June Bug. Kelsey is a RN and also works at Graham Hospital. Jake enjoys hunting, fishing, mountain biking and anything related to the outdoors when he isn’t working. 

A Canton, Illinois, native, Amanda graduated from Canton High School and Spoon River College before earning her degree in Outdoor Education from Northland College. Her career has spanned the nonprofit sector, where she worked in volunteer recruitment, community development, and fundraising; six years as a Chamber of Commerce Director; and serving as Superintendent of Parks for the Canton Park District.

Amanda Atchley has never followed a traditional career path—and that journey has given her a unique perspective on community, leadership, and service.

Today, Amanda serves as Director of Operations for Black Maple Coffee, a locally owned small business that grew from an entrepreneur’s vision 12 years ago into a thriving local business. In her role, she helps oversee operations while supporting the company’s continued growth and connection to the communities it serves.

Amanda is passionate about helping communities grow, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

Amanda lives in Canton with her husband, Cole, who has worked as an operator for the City of Canton for 18 years, their children, Ava, 14, and Cade, 10, and their beloved chiweenie dog, Tater.

I was born in Canton and have lived here most of my life. After graduating from Canton High School in 2006, I attended Illinois State University graduating in May of 2010. In December of 2012, I married my high school sweetheart, Kayla (Haynes). She works at Graham Hospital. We have two kids, Madi and Knox. While not working at MidAmerica National Bank, I enjoy fishing, hunting and the outdoors. I also thoroughly enjoy anything sports related; playing or watching. My teams are the St. Louis Cardinals, the Green Bay Packers and the Michigan State Spartans. Spending time with friends and family is also very rewarding for me as I believe relationships are the key to business, but most importantly, life.

Carla Bobell graduated from Millikin University and has several fulling careers. Some of the most recent were a traveling representative for Hallmark Cards based out of Kansas City, MO, being a stay at home Mom for two wonderful boys, while being a professional volunteer and most recent Carla just retired from being the Chamber Executive Director at the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce. Even though she is recently retired, she continues to serve on the Spoon River CEO board as the past President.  

I am a native of Fulton County. I graduated from Astoria highschool and Spoon River College. After earning my Bachelor's Degree I returned to the area and eventually ended up employed by Spoon River Electric Cooperative where I currently serve as the President and CEO. I was fortunate to come back home and raise my family here in rural America. I believe that Spoon River CEO provides our young adults with a mindset of success and helps retain talent in our communities.

Kerry was raised in Toledo, Illinois, a small, rural community in East Central Illinois.  She graduated high school from Cumberland High School in 1980.  Kerry graduated with a BS in Business Administration from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign in 1984.  She then returned to Eastern Illinois University and earned her BS in Education (Business Education) in December 1988. Kerry earned her MS in Instructional Technology from Western Illinois University in 2004.  She taught high school (5 different high schools, 3 different area codes) for 29 years and retired in 2018.  She is currently working part-time as an Academic Adviser/Student Services Coordinator for Lewistown Jr/Sr High School.  She has been married to Brad for 42 years and has 3 children and 6 grandchildren. 

I have a long history in education but also helping young people understand the opportunities for them to start and run their own business. I started in education as an Agriculture teacher. I often stressed to my students the skills needed to create and run their own business. I received training and taught a course in entrepreneurship at the high school level. I have many former students that still talk about that class during that time. Since that time I have gone into school administration and still believe that small business opportunities for our students are vital for our small communities. Years ago friends of ours had students go through the CEO program in another county. The reviews were amazing and when I got researching, I found the program to be top notch. When I was approached about being on a steering committee to bring the program to our area there was not a hesitation in saying yes. This program gives our students the education, exposure and skills to go out and make a difference in our communities. After we got the program established and off the ground I continued to stay on the board to help guide the program and do what I could to keep the program available for our students. 

Kristie is Location Manager and Personal Lines Account Executive with Kiesewetter Insurance Agency, where she began her insurance career in 2011. She has spent her entire career with the agency, building experience across personal lines and agency operations.  Kristie brought 20+ years of experience in customer service to Kiesewetter Agency. She uses the knowledge and insight gained along the way to help their clients find the right coverage for their needs.

Kristie is active in her community as a Junior Achievement of Illinois Volunteer, helping students learn about careers, work readiness and entrepreneurship.  She also serves on the Big I Illinois – Association for Independent Insurance Agents Board of Directors, advocating for independent insurance agencies in Illinois.

Kristie was raised in Northern Illinois near the Wisconsin border and found her way to Central Illinois in 2005 where she and her husband Jason made Farmington their home. They have three children and a new grandbaby. She enjoys time with her family, friends, and being outdoors anytime she can.

Dr. Lacey Neal is graduate of Farmington High School and Bradley Unversity with a clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy.  With more than 24 years of experience in physical therapy, she leads the Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Canton clinic, where she balances patient care with clinic operations, staff development, marketing, community outreach, and business growth.

Throughout her career, Lacey has developed expertise in pelvic health, orthopedic rehabilitation, aquatic therapy, and dry needling. She is passionate about expanding access to pelvic health services and educating women about issues that are often overlooked. In addition to treating patients, she enjoys speaking to community groups, mentoring students and young professionals, and finding creative ways to connect healthcare with the community.

Lacey has built her career around more than clinical care. As a clinic manager, she has gained firsthand experience in leadership, team building, budgeting, marketing, business development, and the everyday challenges of running a successful healthcare practice. 

Outside of work, Lacey enjoys traveling with her boyfriend, Kyle, and their Pomeranians, tackling home and garden projects, hunting for vintage finds, creating and crafting, and finding an excuse to turn an ordinary weekend into a little adventure. 

Lacey is excited to be involved with the Spoon River CEO program and to encourage young people to think creatively, take chances, build meaningful connections, and recognize the opportunities that exist right here in their own communities.