Board & Staff
Avenue Scholars is guided and supported by a dedicated Board of Directors:
Board of Directors
Susie Buffett
Chairperson
Jeff Schmid
Director
Calvin Sisson
Director
Katie Weitz, Ph.D.
Director
Ken Bird, Ed.D.
CEO
Avenue Scholars staff are among the best youth-serving professionals in the country:
Staff Roster
Organizational & Program Administration
Ken Bird, Ed.D.
CEO
Lindsay Decker
President & COO
Catie Dagle
Chief Program & People Officer
Rick Painter
Sr. Director of Career Services & Support
Michael Johnson
Director of Program Initiatives
Kristy Preuss
Executive Assistant & Administrative Services Manager
Sheree Haynie
Program & Administrative Services Coordinator
High School Team
Terrence Gillian
Team Lead
Omaha Northwest Career Coach
Marcus Manley
Team Lead
Millard North Career Coach
Jose Almanza
Omaha Bryan Career Coach
Marquita Lambert
Millard South Career Coach
Beth Leach
Westside Career Coach
Tom Prescott
Ralston Career Coach
Canei Rodriquez
Omaha Benson Career Coach
Jordyn Smith
Blair Career Coach
Fred Starks
Omaha North Career Coach
Lauren Linton
High School Program Assistant
Career Services Team
Tonya Fairgood
Team Lead
Career Services Coach
Dan Corral
Career Services Coach
Steve Johnston
Career Services Coach
Tom Robertson
Career Services Coach
Anthony Tate
Career Services Coach
Business Outreach Team
Audrey Gustin
Team Lead
Business Relations Manager
Meagan Botello
Career Awareness & Exploration Coordinator
Community Resource Team
Ashley Knott
Team Lead
Community Resource Manager
Avenue Shared Services
Mike Alvano
Vice President & Treasurer
CFO of Avenue Scholars
Penny Darnell
Accounting Manager
