Jackson CEO

08/21/2026

"Don't give up on your vision of what you think you can do to serve people." - John Forbes

Today was our first official business visit of the year. John Forbes of Forbes Financial Group shared his entrepreneurial journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. Thank you to John and the entire Forbes Financial team for investing in our students and helping set the tone for the year ahead.

08/20/2026

Today's class was all about building confidence. Students stepped into the roles of business owners and CEO students to practice introducing themselves, asking thoughtful questions, and carrying meaningful conversations. Every business visit begins with a simple introduction, and today's activities helped prepare students to make strong first impressions, build relationships, and confidently engage with the business leaders they meet throughout the year.

08/19/2026

Learning to work as a team is one of the most valuable parts of the CEO experience. Today's class gave students the opportunity to strengthen their communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills before diving back into the Badge Business. As they continue building their first student-run business, these teamwork skills will be essential every step of the way.

08/18/2026

A great start to the Badge Business! Thank you to Forbes Financial Group for hosting us and to CEO alumna Emma Hanks for taking the time to stop by to encourage and share her experiences with this year's class.

We're excited for the year ahead and can't wait to see what this group accomplishes through Jackson CEO!

06/17/2026

We’re excited to welcome Nicole Allen as the interim facilitator for Jackson CEO!

Nicole has been part of the CEO program in several roles over the years. She is a graduate of the Lawrenceville CEO program and later served Jackson CEO as a co-facilitator, mentor, and most recently, board officer. Professionally, Nicole serves as an Account Manager with Arthur Agency, where she works closely with clients, develops marketing strategies, and helps bring projects from concept to completion. She knows firsthand the impact CEO can have on students and is passionate about helping them discover opportunities here in Jackson County and across southern Illinois while learning to think like entrepreneurs and business leaders.

"I'm honored to step into this role and continue investing in our local students," Nicole said. “I love this program because it’s so much more than a business class. Students see their communities through new eyes, meet business owners, and experience firsthand how businesses are built. It doesn’t just prepare you to start your own business, it helps you find your path, whether that’s leading your own business or becoming a leader within an existing organization."

05/26/2026

Last weekend, the last three of the five seniors graduated. Congratulations to Josie, Taylor, and Mariana for graduating with high honors.

We are proud of you and excited to see what comes next!

05/18/2026

Saturday began our graduation journey for five of our graduating seniors. Our first stop was Carbondale Community High School District 165 to celebrate Kyla Ford and Bradyn Schimpf, two of CEO’s finest.

And today is Kyla’s 18th birthday 🎉🎈!

We are proud of you both and excited to see what comes next!

05/05/2026

Class may be over, but the work continues. I’m grateful for our community partners who make space for us to learn more about CEO.

This morning, our facilitator, Christopher E. Swims, was the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Carbondale- Breakfast, sharing how valuable CEO is to our students and community. Thanks to Vanessa Sneed and the Rotarians for your amazing hospitality.

We ended the day at Carbondale Community High School District 165 for their Job Fair. Another great opportunity to connect with juniors and seniors and share about CEO. Special thanks to Superintendent Dr. Daniel Booth and William Lo, Executive Director of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity.

In case you forgot, there are still a few spots left. The application deadline is May 15.

05/01/2026

40+ business visits. 50+ guest speakers. One life-changing journey.

The Jackson CEO Class of 2027 isn’t just a program—it’s an experience that will stretch you, grow you, and prepare you for more.

Spots are limited and the deadline has been extended… but not for long.

📲 Scan the QR code and apply today. Your future is waiting.

04/30/2026