The Program Advisory Board is made up of customers and representatives from area organizations. The board provides a forum for valuable feedback on how well we in the Program are achieving our mission of serving the lifelong learning needs of the community and promoting its growth by providing quality computer education. The purpose of the board is twofold: to formulate strategic directions and to provide input on new initiatives.

Meet our Board members:

Drew Acree, Managing Member, Chameleon Integrated Services

Drew leads Business Development initiatives for IT operational and technical support contracts for businesses, healthcare, federal & state government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. His experience and responsibilities span IT consulting practices, System Integration efforts, and Managed Project solutions.

Frank Alaniz, Career Center Supervisor, Missouri Career Center

Frank is the Workforce Development representative for state and community initiatives in the development of training, educational, and career counseling services. He also serves as a project manager for web-based case management programs, and client and business related tools. As an instructor he teaches web-based applications, as well as productivity and career counseling software.

John Barenkamp, Director of Technical Services, BJC HealthCare

John manages several operations including BJC's Customer Support Center and the Data Center as well as Storage Management, Server Administration, Database Administration, and Messaging Services. John is involved in projects ranging from IT strategic planning to Web site development to patient care initiatives.

Cheryl Force, IT Education Team Lead, Monsanto Company

Cheryl manages the Computer Based Training program, which includes business skills and application training. Along with handling the training for Monsanto IT, she manages training vendor relations and end-user soft skills training.

Melissa Hattman, Director, Transfer Services and Articulation, UM-St. Louis

Melissa has worked in recruitment and admissions since 1992. Since coming to UM-St. Louis in 1995, she has served as a liaison between advising units at UM-St. Louis and community colleges, as well as with the Alumni Association. She created and implemented the Corporate and Industrial Outreach Recruitment program at the University. She serves as the Articulation Officer for the University, developing credit transfer agreements with two-year institutions, and acting as ombudsperson for students to resolve transfer questions.

Joseph Heil, Director of Systems Development, Federated Department Stores

Joseph directs the development, testing, and implementation of retail financial systems and databases that support Federated Department Stores. He also assists in the selection of new technologies and development directions.

Bruce Hoskins, Marketing Consultant, St. Louis Business Journal

Bruce helps clients develop marketing strategies in areas such as display advertising, customized editorial, business development seminars & events, and sponsorships. Prior to joining the St. Louis Business Journal, Bruce worked with the St. Louis County Economic Council. He has more than twenty years of diverse corporate marketing, management, and public relations experience.

Julia Meeker, Senior Training Specialist, GMAC Insurance

Julia is responsible for creating, conducting, and tracking desktop software training for GMAC Insurance employees in the St. Louis office. She also coordinates onsite and offsite training for the IS staff and develops technical manuals.

Betty Sullentrup, Supervisor, Computer Training Services, Ameren Services

Betty directs the design, scheduling, and delivery of Ameren Corporation's computer application training programs and assures the quality of the instruction offered. Her responsibilities include developing the training strategy, forecasting needs, managing contractor and vendor training, and supervising all activities related to training administration.

Julie Thomas, Director, Information Systems Training, Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Julie’s team coordinates, designs, develops, and facilitates technical and management development training for Enterprise Rent-A-Car employees.

Mark Welle, Divisional Vice President, Systems Support and Technology, Macy’s Department Stores.

Mark has worked for Macy’s and the former May Department Stores Co. for 22 years. He has been in IT since 2001 and has a background in Planning and Financial Reporting. He is currently in charge of application and web development, IT operations, and system support for the Macy’s Midwest division of Federated Department Stores.