Blog Archives

Michael is a seasoned team and community leader with experience in sales, operations, business development, and pastoral leadership. He has worked for several Fortune 500 companies in executive roles. After 20+ years in Corporate America, he pivoted to servant leadership as the Associate Pastor at the Chicago campus of the Willow Creek Community Church. Recently, he accepted a new role as the Director of Strategic Initiatives with Brightstar Community Outreach in Chicago. Michael believes in the strength of family, neighbors, and community advocates helping each other.

W. John Hall is the founder and president of Endless Horizons and its subsidiaries, which aim to be catalysts for individual and community growth and development. He also founded Horizons Learning Foundation, a non-profit supporting various programs. John has vested interests in over 30 companies, ranging from technology to real estate. He serves on the Board of Directors of Up with People and was a previous board member of the Explore More Discovery Museum.

Robin Lokerman is Group President at MCI Group, a global marketing and communication agency network. He leads the development of MCI Group outside of Europe and is responsible for the strategic & business development of MCI’s services to association, not-for-profit, and government markets. He was the first non-US member of the Board of Directors of the ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership and was the 2010-2011 Chairman of the ASAE Foundation. Robin traveled as a student with Up with People in 81D and obtained his Master in Science of Management from Boston University, Brussels while working with Up with People. Robin and his partner Bojan divide their time between their homes in Singapore and Barcelona.

Stuart Shepherd is the Executive Director of the Nebraska 4-H Foundation. He not only runs the private side of Nebraska’s largest positive youth development organization, but he is also responsible for raising and managing financial resources that support several University of Nebraska programs. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Arizona and has worked for various organizations including Up with People, the University of Arizona, and Great Plains Health. Shepherd resides in North Platte, Nebraska with his wife and two sons, and is married to national children’s author Rajean Luebs Shepherd.

Tim Andersen is the Vice President of US Operations-Development at McDonald’s, leading several teams including Operations Development, Menu Operations, and Delivery. He began as a crew member in South Dakota in 1979 and rose through the ranks to his current position. He has held various officer positions, including Regional Manager and Vice President of Worldwide Operations. Tim participated in the Global Leadership Development Program in 2010 and was the National Chair of the McDonald’s PRIDE network from 2011-2014 and now again since 2018 and serves on the Board of Directors for Up with People. He resides in Chicago, Illinois, and Las Vegas, Nevada with his husband Randy.

Terry Cekola is the Founder and President of Elite Brands of Colorado, a Craft Beverage Distributor. Prior to starting Elite Brands, Terry was part of the International Non-Profit organization, Up with People for 13 years, where she developed a passion for helping youth reach their potential. Terry has served as Chairperson of the Board for the Colorado Beer Wholesalers Association and received numerous awards, including National Craft Beer Distributor of the Year, Top 250 Private Companies, Top Woman-Owned Businesses, and Top 50 Family-Owned Businesses.

Robert Cygnaeus is a board professional and private investor.  He formerly held the position of CEO, founder, and owner of KIBI AB, a software development and MedTech IT solutions company. Cygnaeus has served on several boards including Peace Parks Foundation Swe, Up with People, and Albaeco Environmental Foundation. He holds a degree in marketing, business administration, and economics from the Stockholm School of Economics. A Swedish national, Cygnaeus enjoys spending time with his family, music, and sports.