Speaker, trainer and coach whose passion is bringing out the very best in people. My life goal is to help individuals and organizations identify opportunities to shine through improved performance, the demonstration of strengths and the pursuit of making a difference in the world.  

Training, Leadership, Education and Development Manager with proven expertise working in multi-cultural environments and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.  Recognized as an international training and guest speaker for computer-based and customer service training.  Accomplished facilitator and trainer with excellent skills in delivering and engaging diverse audiences. 

I have traveled extensively as a training conference quest speaker regarding computer-based "e-Learning" training and has delivered customer service training for General American, Great West Life, Western Union, Airport Terminal Services and American Water Resources in multiple site locations in various countries.   Since 2013, I have also been a Franklin Covey Facilitator for "Speed of Trust" and "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People".

I have significant experiences as the organizational “go-to” person responsible for major new initiatives, projects and programs. Through these experiences, I fully understand the dynamics of running a department, managing competing priorities, cost management and day-to-day deadlines.  

As of July 2025, I retired from Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.  My responsibilities as their System Training Manager was managing the ComplianceWire Learning Management System and Environmental Health and Safety EHS Suites system for the global Mallinckrodt Specialty Generics organization.

 

 

Jade Heuer is a 2019 graduate and Granite City CEO alum. Love for people and her drive to uphold the community has led her down the path of serving the younger generation in youth ministry at GCFirst Assembly of God. While the younger generation are her heart, she can be found participating in music therapy with individuals at New Opportunites in Granite City. She continues to strengthen her values of professionalism and compassion by creating connections within the community. Jade can be found playing pickle ball during the summer or catching a movie at the Granite City Cinema. 

I am a proud Granite City High School alumna and the owner of a State Farm Insurance Agency right here in my hometown.  I am committed to giving back, so I serve on multiple community boards and lead charity events that support local causes. I am passionate about the future, and sincerely dedicated to mentoring and inspiring youth to pursue entrepreneurship and become the next generation of leaders.

Chris McCullough brings more than 33 years of hands-on experience in the food and beverage industry. He currently serves as the Director of Food Services for Granite City School District, where he oversees operations across nine schools with a total enrollment of more than 5,600 students. In this role, he manages a team of 58 employees and ensures the delivery of high-quality, efficient nutrition services.

Chris is a leader within the industry, serving as head of the Central Illinois Cooperative and as a past president of the School Food Directors Association. In addition to his professional responsibilities, he is actively involved in athletics as a varsity assistant basketball coach at Granite City High School.

Prior to his current role, Chris served as Director of Suites at Enterprise Center through 2020, where he led suite operations with a team of 15 supervisors and 50 employees. He is certified in safe food handling and preparation, as well as proper alcohol management, and also served as a Loss Prevention Coordinator. Enterprise Center, home of the 2019 Stanley Cup Champion St. Louis Blues, hosts approximately 175 events annually and welcomes nearly 2 million guests each year, making it one of the top arenas in the country.

Chris joined Levy Restaurants in 2008 as a Suite Manager at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. In this role, he oversaw all aspects of food and beverage operations for 75 executive suites and 10 party rooms. His responsibilities included sales forecasting, labor cost control, inventory coordination, adherence to quality and service standards, and creating a positive work environment. He also managed all suite billing operations, from pre-orders to final invoicing and payment collection, ensuring alignment with company standards. Additionally, he handled guest relations and on-site management responsibilities—roles typically divided among multiple individuals at comparable venues.

Chris began his career at Enterprise Center as a Guest Service Host and quickly advanced to Supervisor. While working events, he gained experience across multiple departments, including Sales, Human Resources, Building Operations, and Front Desk Reception. In 1999, he became a Club Services Representative, working closely with suite coordinators and executives. He was later promoted to Assistant Manager of Premium Services, where he managed in-seat dining operations serving 1,600 seats. In 2004, he was promoted to Suite and In-Seat Manager, overseeing more than 75 employees. He officially joined Levy Restaurants when the company assumed food and beverage operations in 2008.

Throughout his career, Chris has contributed to numerous high-profile events, including the NHL All-Star Game, the St. Louis Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup Championship run, NCAA Women’s Final Four, multiple NCAA Men’s Midwest Regionals, NCAA Wrestling Championships, and the NCAA Frozen Four. He has also played a key role in recurring events such as the Missouri Valley Conference Basketball Tournament, SEC Basketball Tournament, and the annual Missouri vs. Illinois game.

In addition, Chris has supported major events across the country with Levy Restaurants, including the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, PGA events at Bellerive, NASCAR events at Texas Motor Speedway, and operations at venues such as the Edward Jones Dome, America’s Center, and University of Missouri football stadium.

Chris resides in Granite City, Illinois with his wife, Leslie, and their daughter, Sophia. He is active in the community, supporting numerous charitable efforts throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. He also serves on the St. Louis Sports Commission and the Granite City Sports Hall of Fame Committee. In his free time, Chris enjoys athletics and spending time with his family and friends.

I am a third generation Restauranteur.  
My family has owned and operated restaurants for over 80 years and I am a life long resident of the Granite City area. I aserved as apprentace  under Chef Ollie Sommer as a up and coming chef, and have since run several restaurants, including two golf clubs, before taking over my families business in 2017.

I believe it is important to be involved in my local community, especially the youth.

 

Besides my four decades in the restaurant industry, I have previously  served in kids Sunday school ministries, been a youth hockey coach, and taught countless "tweens" (10-13 year olds) in my commercial kitchen, cooking skills from the most basic to some more advanced techniques. 

I have a passion for helping foster our young adults and want to participate in programs that encourange them.

 

 

CEO changed Karen’s life as she gained a deeper appreciation for our blue-collar industrial community, respect for Granite City and its local entrepreneurs and leaders. She was honored and privileged to lead and facilitate seniors for six years at Granite City High School. Students toured local businesses, learned from guest speakers, wrote business plans, executed a class business and started and operated their own businesses.  Students were transformed from average high school teenagers to young adults ready to navigate life and embrace challenges and opportunities. CEO changes people to business minded and community oriented.

Karen earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at Illinois State University. She worked in corporate accounting in St. Louis for eight years with Banquet Foods, Pet Incorporated and Peabody Coal Company. In 1997, she changed careers and began teaching in the Business Department at Granite City High School after completing her teaching certificate at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. As technology changed, so did the classes Karen taught from Desktop Publishing, Microsoft Works, Keyboarding, Marketing, Careers, Accounting to Photoshop, C++, Web Design and CEO, to name a few. In 2005, Karen earned her Master’s Degree in Information Science and Learning Technologies from the University of Missouri – Columbia. Girls Golf Coach, Hockey Club Sponsor, Spirit Club Sponsor, Photography Club, Swim Coach, Head Ticket Taker and Yearbook Sponsor were her extracurricular responsibilities she embraced at Granite City High School.

Karen retired in 2020 after 25 years of teaching and enjoys life with her husband, Jim, three children, two daughter-in -laws and four grandchildren. She is the treasurer for the Granite City Area Community Foundation. Please email Karen with any questions about our Granite City CEO Program. karen.greenwald@att.net

Joel Rahn is an entrepreneur, small business owner, and strategic advisor who believes strong communities are built by people willing to take initiative.

As Treasurer and board member of Granite City CEO, Joel is committed to thoughtful financial stewardship and long-term sustainability for the program. He views the CEO experience as more than a class — it’s an opportunity for students to develop confidence, responsibility, and the courage to build something of their own.

Professionally, Joel works with families and business owners to design practical strategies that support growth, stability, and generational impact. His approach combines disciplined planning with creative problem-solving — a balance he believes is essential in both business and life.

Joel and his wife Emily are active entrepreneurs in the Granite City community, where they are committed to investing their time, energy, and resources locally. As a father, Joel is especially passionate about helping create opportunities for young people to discover their strengths, develop resilience, and see what’s possible when they take ownership of their future.

 

He believes Granite City’s next chapter will be written by leaders who think independently, act with integrity, and build with intention — and he considers it a privilege to support that journey through the CEO program.

Jeremy Johnson is a multifaceted tech entrepreneur and national television commentator with a portfolio spanning tech electronics, tech recycling, spirits, and professional sports. As the founder of Think I.T. Lifecycle Management and Recycling and Steeltown Property Investments, Jeremy has built a reputation for scaling diverse business ventures.

His influence extends into the lifestyle and hospitality sectors as the owner of Uppercut Whiskey and Uppercut BBQ Sauce, as well as a partner in The Speakeasy bar in Granite City. A familiar voice in combat sports, Jeremy provides expert analysis as a commentator for combat sports, with his work featured on NBC Sports, Stadium Network, Fubo, and others.

Committed to civic leadership, Jeremy serves on the board for CEO, where he advocates for youth mentorship. He believes that by empowering the next generation, "small-town kids" can successfully compete and win on a global stage.

Andrea Shelton is a CEO Program alumna and board member with Granite City CEO. During her time in the program, she founded GIBB-IES, a student-run business creating scrunchies from recycled and repurposed fabrics, gaining experience in sustainable entrepreneurship and small business operations. Andrea also serves in a leadership role at Calvary Life Church, where she leads The Gap, a young adult community focused on support, connection, and building strong personal foundations. She is passionate about investing in young people and encouraging steady growth through mentorship and presence.

Kevin has been involved with the Granite City CEO as a Board Member and host since the beginning of Granite City’s CEO program.   The Nicol Foundation has also provided scholarships and pioneered and hosted CEO Empowerment Days with Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.   

After graduating cum laude from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville with his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education, Kevin Nicol taught in area schools for 11 years.  Kevin entered the financial services industry in August 1981.  The quality and quantity of business he produced has been frequently recognized. 

Kevin is licensed to sell life, health, fire, casualty, and variable insurance.  Kevin has taught many licensing classes and has certified many life and health insurance producers and securities registered representatives for their pre-licensing and continuing education requirements.   After initially becoming securities licensed in 1983, he became a registered principal in 1985 and managed an OSJ office for several Broker/Dealers.  Kevin currently holds Series 6, 7, 24, 26, 51, 63, and 66 securities licenses. 

Kevin has been frequently recognized and has appeared in Wall Street Journal, Forbes Magazine, St. Louis Magazine and more as a top Five-Star Wealth Manager.  

His Agency, Nicol Financial Services, was originally founded in 1981.   Currently Kevin is currently securities and investment advisory licensed with Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., A  Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA and SIPC; and Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. a Registered Investment Advisor.

Kevin and his wife Elizabeth (Beth) have two grown children: a son, Matthew (wife, Leah) Nicol of Hamilton, OH and a daughter, Laura (Nicol) Campbell-Conner of O’Fallon, IL, and three granddaughters, Anna Kathleen Nicol, Grace Elizabeth Nicol, and Abigail Hope Nicol also of Hamilton, OH and two grandsons, Sebastian William Campbell and Aksel Douglas Conner of O’Fallon, IL.

Kevin has authored several books including: Financial Priorities, A Foundation for Financial Freedom; Making a Difference, The Nicol Way; Lean Not (An Autobiographical Testimony); Your Loving Son Irvin (World War II Letters Home, ETO); and many articles.

In 2014, Kevin fulfilled a dream in establishing a 501c3 charity, The Nicol Foundation; dedicated to promoting and supporting “Faith-Based American Exceptionalism”. 

Kevin’s offices are located at:

#1 Nicol Professional Park

P. O. Box 907

Granite City, IL 62040-0907

618-931-3267

FAX: (618) 500-1038

www.nicolfinancial.com

www.thenicolfoundation.org