Born and raised in the heart of Texas, I bring 35 years of experience in education to my role. My journey began in the classroom, where I spent 9 years as a teacher before transitioning to counseling. For the past 26 years, I've had the privilege of serving as a counselor at various education levels - from elementary to junior high and high school - in Texas, New Mexico, and currently, in my 13th year with Madison City Schools, focusing on college and career counseling. My work centers around guiding students through the complexities of the college application process, securing scholarships, navigating FAFSA, understanding NCAA eligibility, and exploring career pathways. My commitment to student success is rooted in my own personal educational background - I earned my undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University and pursued graduate studies at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Outside of work, I am an avid supporter of sports, passionately following the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and, of course, our own JCHS Jets! Family is incredibly important to me; I'm happily married to my high school sweetheart who served in the Army and is now retired. We have 2 wonderful adult children who continue to inspire us every day. In my leisure time, I find joy in traveling, camping, and snow skiing, but my greatest fulfillment comes from helping young people discover their paths and achieve their dreams. It is a privilege to support and empower the next generation as they embark on their educational and career journeys.

Megan Nivens-Tannett is the Founder and Principal of Flourish, a strategic growth and brand firm based in Huntsville, Alabama. Since founding Flourish in 2018, Megan has partnered with organizations across industries to help leaders clarify their vision, strengthen their brand, and move forward with confidence. Known for her big-picture thinking and creative approach, Megan works closely with CEOs and leadership teams during moments of growth, change, and reinvention. Her work spans focused strategy engagements, long-term leadership partnerships, and high-impact projects designed to support pivotal initiatives such as brand transformations, expansions, and major campaigns. Deeply rooted in the Huntsville community, Megan is committed to mentorship, education, and service. In addition to serving on the Madison CEO Board, she's a board member with Fantasy Playhouse Children's Theatre & Academy, a member of the Women's Economic Development Council, and serves as an Advisory Board Member for the College of Business with the University of Alabama Huntsville. Megan is also the host of the SheBoss podcast, where she highlights women who lead, build, and create with purpose.

Casey Stout serves as the Lending Program Manager for the Loan Fund at Neighborhood Concepts, Inc., where she leads lending operations that support small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community development initiatives across the region. In her role, Casey oversees loan programs from origination through closing and servicing, ensuring mission-driven capital reaches underserved entrepreneurs and community partners. With a strong background in community development finance, Casey brings both technical expertise and a relationship-centered approach to her work. She collaborates closely with borrowers, partner organizations, and internal stakeholders to provide access to capital, financial guidance, and operational support that help businesses grow sustainably. As a board member of Madison Area CEO, Casey contributes her experience in lending and program management to support experiential learning opportunities for students, mentor engagement, and connections to real-world business and entrepreneurship.