David Erickson, CFA, is the Chief Investment Officer for Ascension Investment Management (AIM). He oversees the administration, management, and coordination of all investments, and has 32 years of investment industry experience. Prior to joining AIM in 2009, he served as Chief Investment Officer at the University of Wisconsin Foundation in Madison, Wisconsin. He previously served as Vice President and Investment …
Ja’Net Daniels serves as Agency Chief Operating Officer for AssuredPartners, the fastest growing independent insurance agency in the United States. She leads a change management program, consolidating multiple agencies into one. She is instrumental in creating efficiencies through processes analysis, improvements, structural alignment and fostering a culture valuing career and personal development. Prior to joining AssuredPartners in 2021, She spent …
Lauren Daming is an Officer in UB Greensfelder’s Labor and Employment Group, advising and representing clients in employment and privacy matters. She serves as the firm’s Assistant General Counsel for employment matters and co-chair of the recruiting committee. She is a Certified Information Privacy Professional and member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals Exam Development Board. Lauren is a …
Darryl Collins joined Commerce Bank in 2000. With over 34 years in banking, he worked previously at US Bank, Firstar Bank and Mercantile Bank, gaining extensive experience in all aspects of Retail sales, branch management, several years in small business and commercial relationship management, and numerous special projects related to mergers, acquisitions, and charter integration. Currently, he serves as Regional …
Jason Chretien currently serves as Associate Vice President of Organizational Strategy and Business Operations. In his previous role as Chief of Staff and Associate Vice Chancellor at Washington University, he oversaw operational initiatives for the CAO divisions, supporting the chief administrative officer in developing and implementing innovative solutions to resolve institutional challenges and support strategic directives. His knowledge, skills, and …
Ginny Burns serves as the Executive Director for Knowledge Finance, a division of MOHELA. Burns serves as Director of Borrower Experience and Processing for the Authority. She is responsible for the overall Borrower Experience of the Authority, including the Customer Advocacy Team, Training, Specialty Servicing, Loan Servicing and Quality Assurance Group. Burns joined the Authority in 2013. For the 28 …
Sara Stock is founder and CEO of Stock Legal, and co-founder of Legal Back Office. Her legal practice focuses on general corporate work for small- to medium-sized businesses and commercial real estate transactions, advising clients in all aspects of the business lifecycle. Sara’s joint MBA and law degree uniquely position her to provide the highest quality legal advice seasoned with …
John McClelland joined Acropolis in 2003 as a Portfolio Manager. He works directly with clients developing and implementing personal financial plans and investment strategies, as well as advising on estate and tax planning, retirement planning, insurance and banking needs, and trust administration. Prior to Acropolis, John worked for six years as a fixed-income research analyst at A.G. Edwards & Sons. …
Matt Blakely has 24 years of experience working with foundations and corporate social responsibility programs. He is Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability for Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (RGA). In that role, Matt leads the philanthropic, employee volunteerism, sustainability, and CSR reporting for RGA – one of the world’s largest global life and health reinsurance companies. Previously, Matt served …
Ed Bryant has over 20 years of expertise developing and executing effective strategic and integrated stakeholder engagement, communications and public affairs, and minority economic inclusion solutions for a variety of for-profit and non-profit organizations. He currently serves as Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, for Heartland Coca-Cola. Previous positions include serving as President of the St. Louis Minority Business Council, …
Shalia serves as the Senior Director of Leadership Programs, overseeing initiatives to develop a diverse cadre of regional leaders. A seasoned nonprofit professional with over 20 years of experience, she is exceptionally skilled at designing transformative leadership programs and known for creating brave and inclusive spaces that foster community and nurture authentic connections. Shalia holds a Master of Business Administration …
Beth Casagrand rejoined the FOCUS team in August 2024 as Leadership Program Director. In this role, Beth serves as Director for the Emerging Leaders and Youth Leadership St. Louis programs. Beth Casagrand is a returning FOCUS staff member, having previously served on the team from 2011-17. She brings to the table nearly 15 years of experience in programming and events …
Becky Rasmussen has served as Director of Marketing and Communications since 2014. Before joining FOCUS, Becky served as Managing Editor for the Missouri Athletic Club. Prior to this, she held the position of Deputy Director for AMR Management Services, an association management company based in Chesterfield, Mo. Her background includes print and digital publications, email marketing, social media strategy, website …
As Equity Partner at McCarthy, Leonard & Kaemmerer, Joe Blanner primarily focuses his practice on construction law, municipal law, real estate, and commercial and general civil litigation. He represents property owners, design professionals, general contractors, subcontractors and materials suppliers in contract negotiations, project execution, collections and litigation. He also practices in the real estate area negotiating property purchases, commercial leases …
Michelle joined FOCUS St. Louis in July 2019, bringing more than 25 years of experience as a nonprofit professional to the team. She is passionate about developing meaningful relationships and collaborative partnerships with donors. Prior to joining FOCUS, Michelle served as the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Bi-State Development and as Grand Center, Inc.’s Vice President, where she …
Dr. Akande-Bartsch has more than 20 years of experience in designing and facilitating leadership training, development, and coaching programs. Prior to assuming the role of President and CEO in 2014, she served as Vice President of Leadership and Alumni Programs for FOCUS. Previous positions include serving as Senior Director of Civic Education for the Cleveland Leadership Center and Managing Partner …
