BOARD ROSTER
Board Officers
MaryAnn LINGG, Ph.D. - President
Psychotherapist BIO
Mark HOOD - First Vice President
Brown Shoe Company, Inc. BIO
Mark E. Hood is the Chief Financial Officer of Brown Shoe Company, Inc. (NYSE: BWS), a $2.4 billion footwear retailer and wholesaler of footwear with operations worldwide.
Mr. Hood joined Brown Shoe in October 2006. With a wealth of finance, accounting and managerial experience, Hood oversees Brown Shoe’s Finance and Accounting, Treasury, External Reporting, Tax, Real Estate, and Investor Relations functions.
Prior to joining Brown Shoe, Mr. Hood served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of St. Louis-based Panera Bread. In that capacity, he also managed Panera’s corporate governance, led the investor relations program, and oversaw all cash management, treasury, and accounting operations. Before joining Panera, he held various positions with Saks Fifth Avenue (Executive Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer); May Department Stores (Vice President and Controller – Foley’s); and Arthur Andersen (Audit Manager).
Mr. Hood is a Certified Public Accountant. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Economics from Iowa State University. In addition to his responsibilities with Brown Shoe Company, Inc., he serves on the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, the University Children’s Center Board, as well as the Board of Trustees for the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra.close
Kirby SOFFER - Second Vice President
Real Estate Investment
Ed MACIAS - Treasurer
Washington University BIO
Dr. Edward S. Macias is the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Washington University. In these roles he serves as the Chief Academic Officer of the University. He also holds the Barbara and David Thomas Distinguished Professorship in Arts & Sciences at Washington University. As Provost, he partners closely with the seven schools and their deans to provide leadership in curriculum, budget, strategic planning, and capital project development. He is especially involved in cross-school collaborations, efforts to promote diversity among the University community, and internationalization and his office coordinates work in areas such as enrollment, campus life, teaching and learning, and interdisciplinary research centers.
Dr. Macias works closely with senior administrators including the Chancellor and Executive Vice Chancellors, bringing an academic voice to central decision making and strategic planning processes. He has been with the University since 1970, serving in various positions including professor and department chair of chemistry, director of the summer school, and Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences.
Dr. Macias earned his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Colgate University and a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a thesis on Nuclear and Atomic Structure. The author of two books and over 90 articles, Dr. Macias’ research interests include environmental and nuclear chemistry focusing on the chemistry and physics of atmospheric particles and the effect of these particles on haze and air pollution.
Dr. Macias is serving a second term on The Center for Research Libraries Board, whose mission is to "support advanced research and teaching in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences by ensuring the survival and availability of the diverse knowledge resources vital to those activities." He currently serves on the boards of the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis, the University City Child Care Center, and Casa de Salud. close
Leigh PRATTER - Secretary
Community Volunteer
LaToya WILSON - Member-At-Large
St. Louis Children's Hospital BIO
LaToya Smith Wilson currently serves as a dentist in the Child Health Advocacy and Outreach (CHAO) Division of St. Louis Children’s Hospital. She manages the day-to-day operations of a “Healthy Kids Express” Mobile Unit with two staff that cares for the dental needs of children.
Dr. Wilson is a 2006 graduate of Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine located in Alton, Illinois. During the Fall of 2000, Wilson traveled to Lancaster, England through the university’s Study Abroad program and engaged academic study at Lancaster University.
In 2009, Dr. Wilson was honored by the Saint Louis American Foundation with the Salute to Excellence in Health Care Award. She is a tripartite member of the American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association and the Greater St. Louis Dental Society. Dr. Wilson was awarded the Eleanor J. Bushee Award for Academic Excellence and Outstanding Leadership by the American Association of Women Dentists.
Wilson was born in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Dr. Wilson is an avid volunteer and servant to the community. Wilson is a disciple at Saint John’s United Church of Christ where her husband, the Reverend Starsky D. Wilson, is pastor. She is the mother of Starsky II, Dallas Edward and Mason Alan Wilson. close
Directors
Steven AKRE
Steven H. Akre, P.C.
Deanna CARROLL
State Farm BIO
Deanna Carroll owns and operates a State Farm Agency in West St. Louis County. She has owned her agency for 12 years and been a part of the State Farm family for over 18 years.
Deanna has been committed to giving back to the St. Louis community through her participation in the Urban League Young Professionals(ULYP). She has held several offices and served two terms in the role of President. Deanna has also been actively involved in the St Louis Association of Real Estate Professionals, the National Sales Network St Louis Chapter and the Red Cross Advisory Board.
Deanna received both her Bachelor of Actuarial Science and Masters in Psychology degrees from Drake University.
In addition, Deanna is a member of the Kirkwood Chamber of Commerce, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and First Baptist Church of Chesterfield. close
Maurice FOXWORTH, ESQ.
Attorney, Private Practice BIO
Maurice has over 20 years of experience in technology commercialization and innovation development initiatives both domestically and abroad. He is regarded as a national leader and pioneer in the area of commercializing technology from and through non-traditional and underutilized communities.
Maurice served as the Director and Head of Intellectual Property Licensing for the Office of Innovation and Intellectual Property at Saint Louis University. In this position, Maurice has increased the licensing revenue by over 300% and landed two of the largest deals in the university’s history within 18 months.
He began his career with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters in Washington, DC where he has worked extensively to strengthen the program and project management development structure through the implementation of innovative approaches to use computer-based simulation. As a result of his work, he was assigned to NASA’s agency-wide initiative to address project management issues that were associated with the Challenger accident. After leaving NASA, Maurice worked with a national management consulting firm where he was the first private contractor to receive NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Exceptional Performance Award.
He continued his work developing innovative technology based development for research and development managers while at Futron Corporation in Bethesda, Maryland. There he also began his work with Colleges and Universities to enhance their ability to conduct and manage advanced research and development activities. His work was instrumental at making NASA’s efforts the model program for the nation in developing research capability at universities.
He expanded his work with universities when he formed Foxworth & Dinkins, Inc. in 1992 with a former co-worker, Cynthia Dinkins. At Foxworth & Dinkins, Inc., Maurice extended his efforts to include not only the development of technology but also the commercialization of innovations. Through his work at Foxworth & Dinkins, Inc., Maurice has work extensively with academia, industry, and government throughout the world to commercialize advanced technology to and from under-utilized and non-traditional communities. Maurice has been recognized for his work by receiving the NASA’s Outstanding Achievement Award. He is also credited with developing the model used by NASA to commercialize technology in distress communities throughout the nation. Maurice has worked extensively with clients in Europe, South America, Africa, and the Middle East. In addition, he has worked extensively with media content providers such as Viacom, Time-Warner, ESPN, NFL, NCAA and SHOWTIME Networks in his efforts.
He performed his undergraduate work at Wichita State University and graduate studies at Howard University in Washington, DC. He received his Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University. Maurice is a member of the Missouri Bar, American Intellectual Property Law Association, Licensing Executives Society and National Business Incubator Association. He is also a member of the Board of Directors, St. Louis based Center for Emerging Technology; Board of Trustees Academy of Science – Saint Louis; Board of Directors, Ville Marketplace; Board of Directors, University City Children Center;. He was also named to St. Louis Commerce Magazine’s “Who’s Who Biotechnology” and Most Influential Minority Business Leader, St. Louis Business Journal. In addition, Maurice has and continues to be a relentless advocate for inclusion and diversity in the advanced technology business sector. close
Ken HARRINGTON
Washington University BIO
Ken Harrington has experience in seven start-up technology companies. Since 2001 he has led the expansion of Washington University’s Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, a cross campus initiative with over 51 course offerings and co-curricular community programs in social and commercial entrepreneurship and innovation. He serves on several commercial and not-for-profit boards and is involved with numerous regional, national and global activities promoting innovation and economic growth. He has an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School and a BS from the University of Vermont. Publications include,"Rebuilding the American Dream, Restoring American Jobs and Competitiveness through Innovation and Entrepreneurship", a book he and Mr. Robert Skandalaris published. close
Christine JACOBS, M.D.
St. Louis University School of Medicine BIO
Christine Jacobs MD Is an Associate Professor at St Louis University School of Medicine. She is a family physician and geriatrician in practice for 25 years. In addition to her medical practice, she is the medical director of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, a program to allow nursing home-eligible seniors to live successfully in the community. She came to St Louis in 2008 from Chicago. In Chicago, she was president of the Parent Cooperative for Early Learning and the Committee Chair of the KAM Isaiah Israel Nursery School and KAM Isaiah Israel Religious School. She is currently a member of the St Louis University Faculty Senate and the Central West End Association. She lives in St Louis with her husband Hank Webber. They are the parents of two children in college. close
Kara KIRCHHERR - Teacher Representative
University City Children’s Center
Alan KUEBLER - Designated University Member
Washington University BIO
Alan is a member of the Washington University administrative team. His responsibilities include the management of institution-wide procurement operations, furniture and design services, logistics and mail services, copy centers, vending services, outsourced contracting, supplier relations, diversity programs, oversight of the Nursery School and an array of compliance initiatives. He is a St. Louis native with 40 years of administrative, supply chain and other leadership experience primarily in the healthcare and higher education markets.
Educationally, Alan is a product of the University of Missouri system. He has been a featured speaker at conferences and seminars nationally and has served on numerous boards and advisory committees.
Kuebler lives in west St. Louis County with wife Carol who has collaborated with and supported him for more than 30 years. The couple has two grown children, Alexander and Andrew, and a granddaughter Sophia, all living in the area. Alan’s love for children is immense and has been demonstrated over the years through his involvement with youth organizations, church activities and coaching. close
Donn LUX
Luxco, Inc.
Jessica MARTIN - Parent Representative
Washington University
Gerald J. MATHEWS
Right Management BIO
Jerry Mathews serves currently and for the last 9 years as a strategic leadership and effectiveness coach for senior executives through Right Management in multiple industries. As a strategic thought partner, he focuses on communication, alignment, collaboration and development. At the CEO level he has experience with Board related issues, building trust and credibility and open communication.
Prior to that he was Managing Principal for Right Management based in both St Louis and Los Angeles for 6 years. His role was to lead and develop the career transition business and the organization development consulting practice in these respective regions, with a key focus on the needs of senior management.Jerry's foundational corporate experience was in specialty and department store retailing, where he built his career through merchandising, operations and store management. He was Executive Vice President and member of the executive committee for Saks Fifth Avenue, New York Corporate. His role as merchant, regional store executive and EVP Stores totaled 17 years. The executive committee drove the strategic direction and expansion of the enterprise.
Prior to joining Right Management, Jerry held the same EVP position and member of the Executive committee for Carter Hawley Hale/Broadway Stores which was integrated as a single entity based in Los Angeles from three regional department stores during his tenure.
Jerry began his career with May Department Stores in St Louis with Famous Barr in multiple roles in merchandising, operations and human resources.
Jerry is a graduate of St Louis University with a BA in Psychology/Business, with post graduate work toward an MBA.
Jerry served as an officer in the US Navy aboard the carrier USS Oriskany operating in the south China sea. His responsibility was Communications and the seamen connected to that specialty.
He is married to Sandy for 42 years; they have two children, a son/wife in Denver with a new granddaughter and a daughter/husband who just moved to St Louis from Philadelphia. close
Gwendolyn PACKNETT, Ph.D.
University of Missouri - St. Louis BIO
Gwendolyn D. Packnett holds Bachelor degrees in Education and Sociology from William Jewell College, a MSW from Washington University - St. Louis and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. As director of Multicultural Relations and Co-Chair of the Chancellor’s Cultural Diversity Initiative, Gwendolyn works with administrators, faculty, staff and students to enhance the academic and cultural experiences for students of color and the entire campus community. She is equally responsible for community outreach initiatives and cultural enrichment programming at UM-St. Louis. Committed to community betterment and civic engagement, Gwendolyn is known for working to bridge diverse communities in the St. Louis community. This work is demonstrated in her leadership style and is evident in workshop presentations, conference planning, community partnerships and collaborations in addition to her volunteerism within the region.
Gwendolyn is a recipient of numerous awards, including the 2010 NAACP award for the 25 most inspiring St. Louisians, the prestigious 2006 Women of Achievement Award, recognized for volunteerism in the area of youth enrichment and mentoring, and also served as the 2010 chair of the Women of Achievement luncheon. Additionally, she is the recipient of the 2004 Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence in Education for the State of Missouri, the 1997-98 Leadership St. Louis-FOCUS-St. Louis, the 1997 recipient of the St. Louis American Newspaper’s Salute to Excellence Stellar Performance Award, 2010 St. Louis Argus Newspaper Community Leadership Award for Women in Leadership, the 2010 Who’s Who in Black St. Louis-Featuring Interesting Personalities, among others.
She currently serves as Chair of the Community Partnership Advisory Board of the St. Louis Symphony, Former Chair of the St. Louis Black Leadership Roundtable, Education Committee, a member of the Missouri Historical Society Friends Board, former Co-chair of Forest Park Forever, 2010 Co-Chair of the Education Market of the Charmaine Chapman Society –African American Leadership Initiative, Director of Programs-The Gateway Chapter of the LINKS, Incorporated, Mentor students of the Fairview Elementary School of Jennings, Mo., Chair of the Dr. Ben Carson Scholars Initiative-Harris Stowe State University. Additionally, County Executive, Charlie Dooley has appointed her. Commissioner of the Zoning Adjustment Board and Former Governor Carnahan, appointed Gwendolyn, Commissioner of the Martin Luther King Jr. State Celebration Commission. She holds positions on several other boards. As an advocate for excellence in education, and one who is supportive of youth issues, Gwendolyn is involved with numerous youth leadership organizations and volunteers much of her time with their various outreach activities.
She is the widow of the late Rev. Ronald B. Packnett, Pastor of the Central Baptist Church and mother of Brittany Noel Packnett a graduate of Washington University –St. Louis and American University-Washington, D.C. Brittany currently works on Capitol Hill. Her son, Ronald Barrington Packnett, is a junior Business major at Southeast Mo. State and is a member of the Phi Eta Sigma Academic Honorary. close
Emily PAINO-BRENNEMAN - Parent Representative
Fabrications, LLC BIO
Emily Paino-Brenneman is the parent representative for the board. She is an interior design partner at Fibercations, LLC since 1999. Her work has been featured in At Home magazine.
Ms. Paino-Brenneman earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1996 and then followed a passion to a degree in Interior design in 1999. She is currently pursuing an education in nursing to fulfill her desire to more fully give to her community.
Since enrolling her children at UCCC, Ms. Paino-Brenneman has had passion to assist in making UCCC the best center it can possibly be. She is currently President of the Family Organization and is instrumental in providing parents and students the opportunity for enrichment activities focusing on learning and fostering community.
Ms. Paino-Brenneman is the mother of two wonderful children. She has a graduate of UCCC (Thomas) who is currently in the first grade at Old Bonhomme Elementary in the Ladue School District. Henry is currently at UCCC in the Shooting Stars classroom. He began at 6 weeks in the Moonbeams, and is moving his way up as he blossoms at UCCC. close
Jennifer PORTO
Marketing and Branding Consultant BIO
Jennifer Porto is an accomplished executive with 15 years of marketing, branding, public relations and business development experience managing an agency in Chicago in addition to leading in-house corporate teams in New York City and St. Louis, in a breadth of organizations from start-up companies to publicly traded enterprises. Track record of launching and building successful businesses and brands; shaping public opinions and actions; influencing worldwide media, stakeholders and market trends; increasing profitability and driving expansion. Industry expertise in food, wellness, hospitality, green, retail, tourism and financial services.
- Olin Business School at Washington University St. Louis. BSBA, 1995. Finance Major: 3.9/4.0; Dean’s List
- California Culinary Academy, San Francisco, CA, 2000
- Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY, 2000
- Visitation Academy, St. Louis, MO, 1990
• Entrepreneurial Vision, Focus, Drive and Success • Integrated Marketing, Branding & Public Relations Strategy, Planning & Implementation • Business Development • New Partnerships • Worldwide Media Relations: 1600+ Personal Relationships • Media Coaching • Social Media Strategy & Execution • Crisis Management • Training Seminars • Promotional Events & Conferences • Celebrity Endorsements & Sponsorships • Copywriting • Graphic, Web & Interior Design • Photography & Art Direction • Research, Casting & Camera Direction • Studio & Location Styling close
Ann PRENATT - Designated University Member
Washington University BIO
Ms. Prenatt joined Washington University in St. Louis May of 1995 as the Director of Employee Relations and Human Resources Management. She was promoted to the role of Executive Director of Human Resources in June of 2000, and has served in her current capacity as Vice Chancellor for Human Resources since July 1, 2003. In her present role she serves as the senior human resources professional for the University. Prior to joining Washington University, Ms. Prenatt held leadership positions of similar responsibility with a number of corporations representing a variety of industries including high technology, biotechnology research, health care, telecommunications, and contract food service management. Ms. Prenatt is an active member of a number of professional organizations, and has served in leadership positions on the boards of two not-for-profit agencies prior to her current terms on the boards of the University City Children’s Center and the YWCA of Greater St. Louis. In addition, she is currently serving on the board of AAIM Employers’ Association. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1973 and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Society for Human Resources Management
- Human Resource Management Association
- College and University Professional Association for Human Resources
- Board of Directors, Childhaven and Edgewood Children’s Center (completed terms)
- Board of Directors, University City Children’s Center
- Board of Directors, YWCA of Greater St. Louis
- Board of Directors, AAIM Employer Association
David SCHMID
Regions Morgan Keegan Trust BIO
Dave is a senior institutional business development representative for Regions Morgan Keegan Trust. Prior to joining Regions Morgan Keegan, Dave sold financial information products to large institutions and broker dealers for Reuters, Inc. He also served in key institutional business development roles for Wunderlich Research Partners, G.A. Sullivan, Inc. and Bridge Information Systems, Inc.
Dave received his Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising from Southern Methodist University in 1986. Dave is a graduate of the 2010 Leadership St. Louis program and is a member of the Charter School Task Force for Focus St. Louis.
Dave has two children son Teddy 12 and daughter Mollie 10.close
Festus W. SHAUGHNESSY III
Community Volunteer BIO
Fes Shaughnessy is a retired Principal of Edward Jones. In 1982, Fes opened the Columbus, Indiana branch office. He was recognized numerous times for operating one of the firm’s most successful branch offices. In 1987, Shaughnessy was named a principal. In 1988, Fes moved to St. Louis and over the years, he was responsible for various areas of the firm. Some of those responsibilities included financial advisor training and development; national sales manager of Canada; information systems marketing; equity marketing; financial advisor recruiting and hiring; and mutual fund marketing. Shaughnessy retired from Edward Jones in 2008.
Fes and his wife, Mary Claire, have three children and one grandson. Shaughnessy has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA from the University of Missouri - Columbia. In addition, Fes is a proud 1973 graduate of University City High School. close
Dr. MaryAnn Lingg is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in children, adolescents and their families with over 30 years’ experience of working in the field. She currently operates a private practice in Chesterfield, Missouri. She holds a license in Professional Counseling in the State of Missouri, and is a member of several professional organizations including the American Counseling Association, the Missouri Counseling Association, and the International Association for Play Therapy, the Missouri Association for Play Therapy, and the International Association of Marriage and Family Counseling.
Dr. Lingg is the author of numerous professional papers, and has published work in The Counseling Interviewer, Techniques in Alderian Psychology, and Journal of Career Development, among others. She has also given a variety of workshops and presentations for childcare professionals and educators, and parents. She has served on committees and advisory boards, and has received multiple awards, including, most recently the Award of Merit in Recognition of Exceptional Achievement from the Community Service Public Relations Council. close