Ashlee Bertan is an Associate Financial Advisor with Edward Jones in Rantoul, where she helps individuals and families work toward financial independence by first understanding what matters most to them. She is committed to building meaningful relationships and helping clients develop personalized strategies to achieve their financial goals.

Ashlee lives on a farm near Paxton with her husband, Aaron, and their three children, Jack, Brynlee, and Eli. When the family is not busy raising crops and hogs, they enjoy spending time at their seasonal campsite. Whether relaxing with a good book by the fire, tackling a hands-on project, or making memories with family and friends, Ashlee values the simple joys of rural life and strong community connections.

A dedicated advocate for youth development and entrepreneurship, Ashlee has been involved with the CEO Program since its inception, serving on the steering committee before the program launched. She joined the Board of Directors in 2023 and currently serves as Board Chairman. Ashlee is passionate about the CEO Program because it provides students with real-world opportunities and hands-on experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom. She believes these experiences equip students with valuable skills and confidence that will benefit them throughout their careers, regardless of the path they choose.

Emily joined the Prairieland CEO board last year with a perspective rooted in entrepreneurship, creativity, and real-world experience. As the owner of Mager Image, she has built a photography and videography business focused on connection, empowerment, efficiency, and authenticity; values she brings into her role on the board.

Emily sees Prairieland CEO as more than just a high school program. She values the opportunity it gives students to build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and navigate real-life challenges through hands-on experience while still having guidance along the way. Having built her own business from the ground up, she understands how rare and valuable that kind of support is.

Her approach is both practical and people-focused. She prioritizes strong communication, clear expectations, and systems that keep things running smoothly. Emily is deeply invested in the program, contributing significant time and effort behind the scenes to support its continued growth.

Outside of her work and board involvement, Emily is the wife to Brandon and mom of two very active kiddos, balancing business, family, friends, and community with intention.

Ahlden Harms is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional for The Frederick Community Wealth Management division and the Vice President of The Frederick Community Bank, in Paxton. He has his FINRA Series 7 & FINRA Series 66 licenses, along with his Illinois Life & Health Insurance licenses. Ahlden balances his work time between commercial and agricultural lending and financial planning for clients. Ahlden helps clients work towards, and meet, their financial and retirement goals through wholistic financial planning. 

Ahlden lives in Loda with his wife, Melanie. He is a volunteer fire fighter for the Loda Fire Protection District. He also volunteers on the Paxton Evangelical Covenant Church's Diaconate Board, where he and his wife are members and were married. He is the treasurer for the Paxton Grand Old Flag, which is responsible for the raising of the 30x60 foot American Flag, flying 150 feet in the air, alongside PBL High School. Ahlden also works for the IHSA, officiating his 15th season of High School and Youth League Football. 

Ahlden is a lifelong PBL area resident, graduating from PBL High School in 2012. He received his associate’s degree from Parkland College in 2014, majoring in Business Administration, and receiving his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in 2016, majoring in Tax Accounting. He has been working at The Frederick Community Bank since graduation from ISU. 

This is Ahlden's first year on the Board of Directors for Prairieland CEO, but he has been a Shark during the CEO Shark Tank event since 2021. Ahlden believes that the skills and experiences learned throughout the year in this program can jump start the students' careers and position them ahead of their peers that didn't participate in this program. Exposure to real-world opportunities and experiences isn't something that is taught in the classroom and will prove to be extremely valuable to these students as they progress in life. 

A proud graduate of GCMS High School's Class of 1999, Kyle Bielfeldt is honored to serve as the principal of GCMS High School and give back to the community that played a significant role in shaping his educational journey.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in History Education from Illinois State University in 2003 and began his career at GCMS High School in 2004 as an American History and Civics teacher. During his 11 years in the classroom, he developed a passion for helping students grow academically and personally while building strong relationships with families and the community. In 2013, he earned a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Eastern Illinois University.

In 2015, he accepted his first administrative position as principal of Glenn Raymond School (Watseka Middle School). The following year, he returned to the GCMS School District as middle school principal, serving in that role from 2016 to 2022. While serving as middle school principal, he completed his Specialist in Education degree at Eastern Illinois University in 2021. In 2022, he was named principal of GCMS High School.

He and his wife, Sara, a GCMS Class of 2004 graduate, are proud to call Gibson City home. Together they have two daughters, Avery, an eighth-grade student, and Adalynn, a sixth-grade student. Sara is the owner of Expressions Salon and Boutique in Gibson City.

As principal, he greatly values the opportunities the Prairieland CEO Program provides for students. The program offers a unique, hands-on learning experience that immerses students in entrepreneurship, leadership, and real-world business practices. Through these experiences, students develop valuable professional skills, build meaningful community connections, and gain the confidence and preparation needed for success in college, careers, and life beyond the classroom.

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Matthew Burns is the Executive Director of the Greater Gibson Area Economic Alliance, a community economic development nonprofit. He works with businesses, government entities, and local volunteers in pursuit of a community where businesses thrive, people prosper, and families feel at home. 

Matthew graduated from Michigan State University with majors in Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy, and Economics. He went on to receive an MPA from Indiana Univsersity with a concentration in nonprofit management. While in Indiana, Matthew worked on the city's small business development team, and the Oberserving Civic Engagement Lab.

Outside of work, Matthew serves in Lions Club, coaches elementary school basketball, participates in a writing circle/book club, enjoys hiking trips, and supports Michigan State sports.

This is his first year as board member in the CEO Program. With a background in both conventional and social entreprenuership and a passion for youth development, Matthew is excited for what this year will bring.

Kristi has been a school counselor for the past seven years, at Fisher Junior/Senior High School since 2024. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships with students and creating a safe, supportive environment where they feel valued, encouraged, and empowered to succeed.

Her students are at the heart of everything she does. Helping navigate academic goals, personal challenges, or planning for life after high school, she strives to be a trusted advocate and source of support. She truly believes that every student deserves someone in their corner, and is grateful to play that role each day.

Outside of school, she is a wife to her husband, Justin, and a proud mom to two energetic boys, Cal and Wes. She loves spending time with her family, and you can usually find them on the sidelines cheering on Cal and Wes as they play soccer, wrestle, and compete in flag football. During the summer, they’re happiest soaking up the sun, spending long days swimming, traveling, and making memories together.

She feels incredibly fortunate to be part of the Fisher community and looks forward to continuing to support her students, families, and staff throughout the school year. She is excited for another great year of learning, growth, and building relationships with the amazing students and families at Fisher.

Over the past 12 years, Hannah Eshleman has served in a variety of educational leadership roles, including classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal. She currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning at Paxton-Buckley-Loda CUSD #10, where she provides leadership for curriculum, instruction, assessment, and student growth initiatives across the district.

Her professional vision is centered on preparing students with a well-rounded foundation that combines academic excellence, practical career and technical learning opportunities, and essential workplace skills. She believes that real-world experiences and strong community partnerships play a vital role in helping students prepare for success beyond high school.

As a member of the Prairieland CEO Board, she is passionate about connecting education with local business and industry. She values opportunities that allow students to engage with entrepreneurs, develop an understanding of workforce expectations, and apply classroom learning in authentic settings.

Through her work in education and community partnerships, she remains committed to supporting programs that inspire students to think creatively, build confidence, strengthen leadership abilities, and develop the skills necessary for lifelong success.