Lori Jacob CEO/President - Leadership
Lori Jacob began her career with Junior Achievement in 1987. Since then, she has served in many roles, including various positions within the Marketing, Education, Development, and Operation departments. Lori was the recipient of Junior Achievement USA's highest honor in July 2015 receiving the Charles R. Hook Award. In 2009, she won Junior Achievement's Karl Flemke Pioneer Achievement Award and was recognized for local JA accomplishments by the House of Representatives in the Congressional Record. Under Jacob's leadership, JA will reach over 170,000 students this school year. JA has built a partnership with the business and education communities, providing JA programs at every level Pre-K through 25-year-old young adults.
Over the years, she formed district operations and expanded JASTL's territory to 96 counties in Missouri, 43 in Illinois, and 5 in Indiana. She led JASTL to become a national three-time winner of JA's most prestigious innovation award - MetLife Entrepreneurial Award and has earned JA USA's highest operational award in recognition of student outreach, fiscal stability, and organizational leadership. JA received many other awards including the Excellence in Community Development Award and JA USA's National Peak Performance Award. Jacob is proud of JA's positive inclusive culture and recognizes all of the operational achievements through her team.
Lori graduated with highest honors with her MBA from Lindenwood University in 1998. In 2024, she was inducted into The Parkway Alumni Hall of Fame. She treasures her faith, time with family and friends and enjoys outdoor activities.
Gina Barnes Senior Vice President of HR and Development - Leadership
Gina Barnes started with Junior Achievement as a high school cooperative student in 1986. Since then, she has served in many administrative roles. One of these roles includes Human Resources where she has hired numerous individuals who have advanced within the organization. Gina also works with JA's special events, and is currently the Senior Vice President of HR and Development.
Barnes was a recipient of a National Junior Achievement scholarship, receiving a full-ride to attend the University of Phoenix where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business concentrating in HR Management. She is married and has three children and one grandchild.
Sandy LaPasso Chief Financial Officer - Leadership
Sandy LaPasso went to Mizzou where she earned her business degree. Following graduation, Sandy moved to Chicago. While in Chicago, she worked at the Chicago Board of Trade, studied accounting at DePaul University, and earned her CPA. Upon her return to St Louis, she worked for a youth sports training facility. LaPasso has been with Junior Achievement since 2010. She is married and has 3 sons.
Ami Boehlje Director of Programs - Education
Ami earned her Bachelor's of Business Administration, with a focus in Finance, from Iowa State University. She worked for several years in the banking industry, in retail and lending. Ami joined Junior Achievement in 2014, combining her business background and passion for empowering students with relevant knowledge and impactful learning experiences. She is married and has three sons.
Joy Germeroth Director of ELC Programs - Experiential Learning Center
Joy Germeroth earned her Master’s degree in Education and has dedicated her career to working in the nonprofit sector. She joined Junior Achievement in 2015, bringing her passion for education and helping young people succeed. Joy recognizes the importance of providing students with meaningful learning experiences that build life skills, develop work readiness, and explore career opportunities that will prepare them for success beyond the classroom.
Cathi Graham Director of Executive Office and Marketing Communications - Administration
After earning her Business degree with a focus on marketing and management from UM-St. Louis, Cathi worked for several major corporations, launched a few small businesses, and returned to school to pursue graduate studies in education, resulting in certifications of both business and art. Following 16 years in education, Cathi transitioned to Junior Achievement bringing with her a blend of business and education experience.
Gary Kryvko Director of IT/Business Processes - Leadership
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After graduating from Lane Technical High School in Chicago, Gary rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Vice President at a community bank in Chicago. Looking for a change, Gary went back to school and received a history degree with a teaching certificate. He joined Junior Achievement in 2007 managing the JA Finance Park program where he worked with students, teachers, and volunteers. He later transitioned to running the JA Bowl-A-Thon. In 2013, Gary was tapped to head-up IT efforts at JA.
Shelly Warner Director of Administration - Administration
Shelly Warner joined Junior Achievement in 2013 and has served in several roles during her tenure including reception, district operations and ELC administration. In her current position, Shelly serves as Director of Administration and oversees the administrative team, JA Trades on Tour and facilities. She also works as an integral part of the ELC team for the Junior Achievement BizTown and Junior Achievement Finance Park programs.
Shelly earned her bachelor’s degree from Truman State University and her master’s degree from Lindenwood University. In addition to her work here at JA, Shelly is also an adjunct faculty member at UMSL and St. Charles Community College. She has two daughters living their best lives in Colorado and South Carolina. Shelly resides in St. Charles with her husband and pets.
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