Lauren is an alumni of Richland County schools (ERHS) and a lifetime resident of Olney.  She attended Eastern Illinois University where she obtained her undergraduate degree and is a graduate of the University of Illinois Springfield where she completed her Master's Degree in Human Services.  

Lauren is married to her husband, Rob and they have three children; Nora, Grant and Alexander.  Lauren is the Executive Director at Richland County Development Corporation which is the Fiscal Agent for the Richland County CEO Program.  She also serves in leadership roles for the Olney Rotary Club and Project Community of Richland County, serves as a board member for the St. Joe School Board, the Richland County 708 Board and the Richland County 4-H Foundation.  Lauren attends St. Joseph Catholic Church and enjoys spending time watching her kids participate in local athletics.  

Previously, Lauren was an entrepreneur in Richland County so CEO is something she is very passionate about.  Being able to see the students grow during the year is her favorite part of CEO and something she looks forward to each year!

I am a graduate of EIU and spent 16 years in education, including four years as a CEO Program facilitator. I currently work as a Director of Marketing and Business Development Officer at TrustBank and had the opportunity to serve as a mentor for the Richland County CEO program last year. My husband and I also run our own personal business, Headhunter's Taxidermy. In my spare time, I enjoy making memories with my children, being physically active, and playing bass guitar.

I was raised in Mt. Carmel, IL, graduating in 2017. I was in the Mt. Carmel CEO’s 2^nd year class in 2015-2016. I attended Brescia University and obtained my Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 2020. One year later, I graduated from University of Southern Indiana with my Masters in Business Administration. I currently work for Big R Farm and Home in the Corporate Office as an Accounting Specialist. I am active at church, enjoy teaching yoga, being outside on the water, gardening, and traveling.

I graduated from East Richland High School in 2008 and Eastern Illinois University in 2014 with a Master's of Applied Science in Exercise Physiology. I worked as an Exercise Physiologist at Baptist Health in Madisonville, KY upon graduation before returning to Olney in 2019. I have worked at MAC Plastics as the Plant Manager and Human Resources Manager since 2019. My wife Kelly and I live in Olney with our son, Benson. Outside of spending time with my family, I enjoy cooking, traveling, reading, and watching films.

My name is Taryn Bunting and I am the Coordinator of Financial Aid at Olney Central College.  This is my 9^th year at OCC.  I also own and operate The Smokin’ Pig restaurant and food truck located in Olney and Grayville, IL.

My husband Drew Bunting is a Richland County Sheriff Deputy and together we operate The Smokin’ Pig businesses.  We have one son, Mason who is in the 7^th grade at St. Joseph School.  We reside in rural Richland County where we have several goats, chickens and two dogs, Yadi and Mac.

Jason grew up in Mattoon, Illinois and graduated from Mattoon High School in 1995.  He attended Eastern Illinois University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Technology Education, a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and a Specialist in Education Degree.   Jason spent 23 years in the Effingham School District as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent.  He then spent one year in the Decatur Public Schools as Director of Human Resources before coming to Richland County Community Unit #1 for the 2023-2024 school year. 

Jason is married to his wife Jennifer and they have four children: Miranda, Dalton, Spencer, and Carson.  He and Jennifer enjoy chasing their kids, hiking, kayaking, and traveling.

Don started his career with Walmart as a service technician in the TLE and has been with the company for 24 years. The last 12 of those years have been at DC 6059 where he began as an order filler before obtaining his current position as a Floor Manager. Don resides in rural Richland County with his wife and three daughters. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys coaching Little League softball and traveling with his family. 

Heath graduated from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale with a bachelors degree in Agriculture Business Economics and is currently an Agriculture and Commercial Loan Officer at First National Bank in Olney.  Heath resides in Olney with his wife and two daughters.  He enjoys grilling, fishing, baseball and being outdoors with family and friends.

The 2022 - 2023 school year marks my 19th year in education.  I previously served in the following positions:

2020-2022  Principal at Richland County Middle School in Olney

2016-2020  Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Richland County Middle School in Olney

2013-2016  Dean of Students, 8th Grade Science Teacher, and coach at Richland County Middle School in Olney

2003-2013  8th Grade Science Teacher and coach at East Richland Middle School in Olney

I am originally from Murphysboro, Illinois, I graduated from Southern Illinois Univeristy Carbondale with a degree in Biological Sciences and Science Secondary Education in 2000.  Since then, I have completed a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Eastern Illinois University and have most recently completed my Educational Specialist Degree from Eastern Illinois University that would allow me to serve as superintendent of schools.

My wife’s name is Amanda and she is a 7th grade social studies teacher at Richland County Middle School in Olney.  We have two children, Carly (Sophomore in high school) and Kyler (5th grade at RCES).

Jaclyn grew up in Olney, Illinois and was a 2015 graduate of East Richland High School and a 2016 graduate of Olney Central College. After OCC, she transferred to Eastern Illinois University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business, Accounting in 2018 and her MBA with an Accountancy Concentration in 2020. 

Jaclyn earned her Illinois CPA license in 2021 and is currently a Senior Accountant at Kemper CPA Group LLP in Olney. Her work experience is primarily in individual and business taxation as well as governmental and non-profit auditing. In her free time, Jaclyn enjoys playing tennis, going to concerts and sporting events, watching movies, and spending time with her friends and family.

Shelly has worked in economic development for the last thirteen years after previously working in sales

and marketing for many years. She is currently employed as the Executive Director of the Richland

County Development Corporation. Shelly and her husband reside in rural Richland County. She enjoys

reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends.