MemberSHIP

For over a decade, Aligned has advocated for our members in the halls of the Missouri and Kansas State Capitols and communities throughout our two states. Fueled by business professionals who believe that a robust education system is the bedrock of economic development, Aligned brings together leaders from across both states to make schools work better for students. 

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the organization's governing body. Board members participate in board meetings four times a year and other ad hoc committee meetings and are expected to make decisions on behalf of their companies related to Aligned's positioning on issues. Board members must also be members of Aligned.

,
Chairman
Kelly Dreyer
,
Vice Chairman
J. Michael Stradinger
,
Secretary/CoFounder
Tyler Nottberg
,
Treasurer
Kate Ferrell Banks
,
CoFounder
David Oliver
,
St. Louis Advisory Board Chair
Don Guenther
Michael Knecht
Kim Goodnight

Board of Trustees

Trustees are our premier membership level reserved for a company's most senior executive and community leader. While Trustees are welcome to participate in any Aligned meeting or special event, there is no required time commitment. Trustees serve a valuable role by providing credibility and coattails to the organization, and on occasion a well-timed phone call or email to senior state policy makers to weigh-in on critical issues.

  • Trustees are the top decision-makers in their company.
  • Trustees serve as the "coattails and credibility" for the organization. Their personal and company stature give Aligned the ability to speak on behalf of business in the state of Kansas and/or Missouri.
  • Trustee companies have broad influence and recognition around the state.
  • Trustees are asked to attend one event a year and to provide support (phone calls, etc.) when asked.
  • Trustee companies are offered name recognition through Aligned collateral and member events.
J. Michael Stradinger
Kate Ferrell Banks
Jay Felton
DEG
Neal Sharma
Tyler Nottberg

Board of Advisors

Advisory Board dues include access to member forums, events, and communications that provide information about Kansas and Missouri's education reform priorities and opportunities to engage in advocacy strategies.

  • Our Advisory Board has the opportunity to participate in all events and programs hosted by Aligned, but there is no requirement to do so.
  • Advisory Board members represent their companies as a part of Aligned's membership.
Kanas City Advisory Board
Erin Brower
St. Louis Advisory Board
Dan Lauer
St. Louis Advisory Board
Amanda Bohnert
St. Louis Advisory Board
Drew McCallister
St. Louis Advisory Board
Dr. Shonda Ambers-Phillips
St. Louis Board Member
Maxine Clark
Kansas City Advisory Board Chair
Joe Valenciano
Kansas City Advisory Board
Bridget Romero
Kansas City Advisory Board
Chelsea Laub
Kansas City Advisory Board
Ryan Wyse