Dr. Patrick Hamper grew up in Aurora, IL and graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in chemistry in 2004. Then went on to dental school at Southern Illinois University, where he met his wife, Stephanie, and they both graduated in 2008. 

He and his wife lived in Hawaii for 2 years before settling in Minonk for 12 years to start a family. They moved to Bloomington in 2024 but still practice in Minonk and Toluca.

He has two lovely daughters and hobbies include golf, tennis, watching the Chicago Bears (Go Bears!) and business / financial planning.   He loves to go to the annual Bershire Hathaway meeting in Omaha to really get his business fix. 

He heard about CEO from two patients before starting the program.  One who was on the board of the Woodford county CEO and and one who started a chapter in Kankakee.  They had such great things to say about the program that he felt compelled to start a chapter here as his way to give back ot the community (and have fun at the same time.)

John Keigher has built an accomplished career spanning more than three decades across transportation, manufacturing, financial services, and consumer products. Widely respected for his strategic vision and results-driven leadership, he has helped organizations scale operations, accelerate growth, and create long-term enterprise value.

Keigher served as Director and Partner of Midwest Transit Equipment, Inc., helping build the company into a globally recognized transportation industry leader and contributing to its successful exit. He later became CEO of Urban Farmer, guiding the company through substantial growth and helping establish it as a nationally recognized leader in the better-for-you food manufacturing space, culminating in another successful strategic exit. Following a distinguished executive career, Keigher remains active as a fractional executive, strategic advisor, and consultant to emerging and growth-stage companies.

Equally notable is Keigher’s deep commitment to community, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. He currently serves in numerous leadership roles, including:

Village Trustee and Finance Chairman, Village of Roanoke 
Board Member and Governance Committee Chair, KCC Foundation Board
Board Member, Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship
Board Chair, Kankakee County CEO Program, which he helped establish in Kankakee County
Founding Board Member, Heart of Illinois CEO
Board Member, Roanoke-Benson Hope Center (Food Pantry)
He previously served as President of the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce and as a longtime board member of United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties, among many other civic and nonprofit leadership roles.

A passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and workforce readiness, Keigher has played a pivotal role in mentoring and developing future business leaders through the CEO program, helping connect students with real-world business experiences, mentorship, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Dr. Charlie Zimmerman is the Principal of Metamora Township High School, where he is passionate about fostering a supportive and challenging learning environment for all students. A lifelong resident of Metamora, Dr. Zimmerman is deeply committed to the community and its future. He believes in the power of education to transform lives and strives to empower students to reach their full potential. He is a strong advocate for student well-being and believes that a strong work ethic, combined with a supportive community, are essential for success. Dr. Zimmerman is a graduate of MTHS and credits his own positive high school experiences for inspiring his career in education. He and his wife, Amanda, are proud parents of four children.  

Amanda is a seasoned bookkeeper and financial coach with over 20 years of experience, specializing in service-based businesses. She serves as the Treasurer, bringing her financial expertise to support its mission. Passionate about helping others, she has been actively involved in her community, serving on the boards of Moms Club and New Hope Church, mentoring fellow bookkeepers, and leading as a Girl Scout Leader. Raised in Minonk, IL, and now residing in Metamora, IL, she is committed to financial stewardship, integrity, and making a meaningful impact.

As the owner of Allied Numbers, she is passionate about helping business owners achieve financial clarity and peace of mind through accurate bookkeeping and strategic financial guidance. With a strong commitment to integrity and honesty, Amanda empowers entrepreneurs to make informed decisions that support long-term success.

Jessica Stech is the Office Manager at Fieldcrest Dental and a dedicated member of the Heart of Illinois CEO Board. As a parent of two students in the Fieldcrest School District, she is passionate about creating opportunities for local youth to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Jessica joined the board to help ensure that students in her community have access to the transformative experiences offered by the CEO program.