FOCUS St. Louis is pleased to announce the addition two new full-time staff members to its team, as well as the promotion of two additional team members.

• Erin Wright joins the team as Manager, Community Engagement & Alumni Experience.
• Madeline Hauck joins the team as Program Coordinator.
• Shalia Ford has been promoted to Senior Director of Leadership Programs.
• Beth Casagrand has been promoted to Leadership Program Director.

In her new role, Erin Wright will assist with FOCUS’ program recruitment and alumni relations efforts, as well as overall administrative support. She brings a strong operations background, most recently serving as Chief of Staff for Roanoke Construction and previously as Development Coordinator for Operation Food Search. Erin earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Wellesley College. She currently serves on the Friends Board at Operation Food Search.

As Program Coordinator, Madeline Hauck will provide comprehensive program support and administrative coordination for all of FOCUS’ programs. She brings nine years of experience in education and nonprofit programming, including teaching high school French and adult ESL, as well as facilitating youth financial literacy and career readiness programs. Madeline holds a master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a bachelor’s degree in French from Truman State University.

Shalia Ford joined the FOCUS team in 2017. In her new role as Senior Director of Leadership Programs, she takes on greater responsibility for developing and delivering FOCUS’ leadership offerings, as well as continuing to serve as director for the Women In Leadership program. A seasoned nonprofit professional with over 20 years of experience, Shalia holds a Master of Business Administration from Fontbonne University and a Bachelor of Science in African American Studies from the University of Minnesota. She is a graduate of Women In Leadership – Class 52, is a member of the 2025 Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge, and serves on the board of the Women’s Foundation of Greater St. Louis.

As Leadership Program Director, Beth Casagrand serves as Director for the Emerging Leaders and Youth Leadership St. Louis programs. Beth rejoined the FOCUS team in 2024, after previously serving on the team from 2011-17. They bring nearly 15 years of experience in programming and events in the nonprofit sector, including roles at Tower Grove Park, the University of Health Science and Pharmacy, and GlobalHack. Beth holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the Southern Illinois University of Carbondale and a bachelor’s degree in English and Sociology from the University of Missouri-Columbia.