When hearing about the CEO program, I was very excited for the opportunities that it will present for the students in our rural communities. It’s humbling to continue to see how our communities are quick to rally and invest in our young people. Some of the benefits the CEO program will provide to students are the ability to glean knowledge and insight from our own local businesses and community members, to gain real-world experience that goes beyond a textbook, to learn the importance of teamwork, and to see that hard work and determination can still lead to success. It’s an honor to be considered to be a part of what this program can offer.

Dr. David J. Lane, otherwise known as “Joe” or “Joey” to most, has been an audiologist for almost 18 years. He graduated from Gallatin County in 1992 and in 1999, married Devin Erkman and moved to Norris City. He has received degrees from Southeastern Illinois College, Eastern Illinois University, University of Illinois, and his doctorate in audiology from the University of Florida. For the past 18 years, he has worked as an audiologist in Mt. Vernon, IL as well as the Veteran’s Hospital in Marion, IL. Joey currently sits on several boards including the NCOE school board. He also has been involved with youth for over 20 years. He and Devin are both active in their church and communities. They have 3 children named Ty, Ashton, and Tucker.

CEO is a rare example of a program that benefits all parties involved - students, businesses, schools, and the community. It will serve to better equip our young people to succeed in the business world, and will encourage them to enjoy that success right here in White County.

Clint Taylor, OD, a native of Golconda, Illinois, did his undergraduate work at McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois. He then attended the Indiana University School of Optometry in Bloomington, Indiana, where he received his doctorate in optometry. He owns Taylor Eye Care, a primary care optometry practice in Carmi, Illinois. He is currently the president of the Southern Illinois Optometric Society, and is past president of both the Carmi Kiwanis Club and the Carmi Chamber of Commerce. Clint and his wife Kelly, a kindergarten teacher, live in Carmi with their children Audrey, Norah, and Jack.

I wanted to get involved with CEO because I saw the benefits it had in other communities.  I want to see our communities keep our talented young adults and show that they can be successful here in White County.

A third generation funeral director following in the footsteps of his grandparents, Donald and Joyce Campbell, and uncle, David B. Campbell. Primarily growing up in Waldorf, MD while his father served in the U.S. Air Force, he graduated in 1997 from Ponderosa High School in Parker, CO. He moved to Carmi to attended college and graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 2002 with a degree in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service. In 2016, Jeremy along with his wife Sasha, purchased Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi and Norris City along with Melrose Cemetery in Carmi. He has been an active part of the community serving on various boards including President of the Kiwanis Club. Jeremy and Sasha have one son, Jax.

It is a privilege to help serve the educational needs in our community and county. As a superintendent of a school district we are always looking for the best educational opportunities for our students. The CEO program is one of the best programs I have come across. I look forward, as both a district superintendent and CEO board member, to provide our students an educational experience that cannot be provided in a traditional classroom setting. This truly is a first-rate and unique educational opportunity for our students and the future of our community and county.

I beleive the CEO program is a positive example of what happens when a community works together to grow business leaders. I look forward to the success of this program in White County.

Holly Healy holds a BA in Political Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Holly served over 10 years as an aide to a Member of Congress.  Following her government service, she served as the Executive Director of the Carmi Chamber of Commerce before accepting a position with Southeastern Illinois College. She is active in her church, the Carmi Kiwanis Club and is an assistant leader of a local 4-H Club. Holly is married to Phil, a farmer, and they reside on the family farm in rural Norris City with their daughter Annsley.

I am so impressed by this program and wish it existed when I started my companies. I am sure it would have shaved off years of what I had to learn to be a successful Entrepreneur.

Donnie was born an entrepreneur. He started his first company at the age of 17 in the oil and gas industry in the Illinois Basin. After developing several successful enterprises in the oil field service industry, in 1990, Donnie founded Elastec, Inc. Over the past 25 years Donnie has lead the company through the design and manufacture of innovative pollution recovery products, strategic acquisitions and leadership acumen, this career entrepreneur has guided Elastec into a global leader and manufacturer of pollution recovery systems exporting to over 100 countries with a core competency in oil spill recovery. Currently retired from Elastec while retaining a seat on the board of directors Donnie serves on various boards as well as advising companies and executives on subjects such as developing global brands, international business and scaling small businesses.

I am excited to be a part of the CEO program in White County. This will be an opportunity to keep talent in our communities so that we can prosper and grow. It is exciting to see so many community leaders work together to make this happen.

Carmi-White County High School is very excited about the CEO program for our students. This will be a great opportunity for our students to receive mentoring and real world business experience. The collaboration between our students and local businesses will greatly benefit our students, schools, and community.