Our Team
At Connections to Success, our impact starts with our people. From dedicated leadership on staff to passionate board members, our team is united by our mission and vision. Meet the changemakers who are empowering our participants to realize their personal and professional success.
We inspire families to realize their dreams and achieve economic independence by providing hope, resources and a plan.
Mission
St. Louis Region Staff
Serving in St. Charles, MO and St. Louis, MO
Columbia Region Staff
Serving in Columbia, MO
Kansas City Region Staff
Serving in Kansas City, MO and Kansas City, KS
Our Executive Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors helps us make strategic policy and program decisions that positively impact the future of Connections to Success and all those we serve. We are grateful for their unselfish service.
Madeline Franz
Board President
MedMutual Protect, Director of Agency Growth & Development
Dr. Tyjaun Lee
Co-Vice President
Metropolitan Community College, Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services
Jeff Morris
Co-Vice President
World Wide Technology, Chief Digital Advisor
Leslie Boe
Attorney of Counsel
Dysart Taylor McMonigle Brumitt & Wilcox, P.C.
John Heddens
Board Treasurer
UMB Bank, AVP Commercial Banking
Our Board of Directors
Elizabeth Lawson
BJC HealthCare, Vice President – Finance (Retired)
Kimberly (Kim) Lubbring
Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis, BJC Health System
Eric M. Madkins
Regions Bank, Vice President, Community Development
Samantha Marble
Simmons Bank, Regional Marketing Specialist
Michelle Moersch
Emerson, VP Audit & Compliance
Mike Morales, Jr., PHR
Walmart, Regional People Director
Rev. Robin Morgan
Rock of Ages Baptist Church, Senior Pastor
Wendy Savlin
T-Mobile, Sr. Director Employee Experience & Culture Enablement
Carla Smocks
Executive Coach and Consultant, Keisha’s Closet
Rosalina Syahriar
RSyahriar Integrated Coaching, Life & Wellness Coach
Abigail (Abby) Tamblyn
Corporate Responsibility Regional Manager, Southwest Airlines
Virginia Van Berkum
World Wide Technology, Senior Marketing Manager
Megan Wilson
Senior Compliance Counsel, Edward Jones
Young Professionals Board
Our Mission
We empower young professionals to break the cycle of poverty in their community while they develop as leaders, build meaningful relationships, and strengthen their own personal and professional skills.
Our Goals
YPB members support the mission of Connections to Success through three key areas: volunteerism, fundraising and raising awareness.
Young Professional Board Leadership & Board Members
Anna Vobejda
Staff Liaison
Connections to Success, Resource Development Manager
Samantha Marble
Board Liaison
Connections to Success Board of Directors, Simmons Bank
Elizabeth Taylor
Board Chair
Commerce Bank
Elizabeth Blake
The Judge Group
Collin Fischer
Independent Contractor – Energy & Power Expert
Morgan Geile
EPRI
Alex Hager
Parkside Financial Bank & Trust
Lorenzo Harrison
Lorenzo Harrison Enterprise & Church in Christ
Heather Jaconis
International Institute of St. Louis
Catherine Kickham
Wexford Labs
Macy Vulgamore
Holistic Planning
Josh Williams
Regions Bank
Learn More About the Young Professionals Board
What is the Application Process?
Requirements include:
- Age 20s-30s
- Agree to serve at least two years on the board
- Give or fundraise $250 during a service year (tie into monthly giving)
- Attend at least four out of the six bi-monthly meetings
- Volunteer at Golf Scramble or Tribute to Success fundraising event
- Participate in at least one committee and attend 75% of its meetings
- Recruit two “Friends” of Connections to Success
What are the Member Benefits?
- Leadership opportunities
- Networking
- Have a positive impact on the community
- Discounted tickets for special / fundraising events
- Recognition on event materials
- Mentorship opportunities
- Lifelong friendships
- FUN
How can I apply?
To apply for the Young Professionals board, fill out an application here.