The Startup Frisco Team
Our team consists of a diverse group of individuals that are primarily driven by their passion, optimism and a “give before you get” philosophy as it relates to the improvement of the Greater Peoria community.
With a majority of our team having first-hand experience as entrepreneurs and/or business owners, the phrase “by the entrepreneur, for the entrepreneur” is emboldened by the lens in which we operate as an organization.
Leadership Team
Jake Hamann
Executive Director
A seasoned economic, ecosystem, and entrepreneurial development thought leader, Jake has not only built and grown his own successful ventures, but has helped countless others do the same by sharing his journey of successes and struggles along the way.
Learn more about Jake HERE.
Rachel Notter
Policy & Advocacy Intern
Rachel is a current Sophomore at Bradley University where she is studying political science and economics. She is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana but has thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Peoria as well as the emerging field of entrepreneurial ecosystem building.
Learn more about Rachel HERE.
Board of Directors
Reuben Cummings
Nominations Chair
Reuben Cummings is a Peoria native, international speaker, and data consultant who helps organizations increase customer engagement and retention. He is the Founder & President of Nerevu Group and has over 10 years experience in data analysis, software development, and entrepreneurship.
Learn more about Reuben HERE.
Kevin Evans
Vice President
Kevin currently serves as the Senior Economic Engagement Specialist for City of Peoria. Previously, he spent 3 years as the Director for the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Bradley University. During his tenure at the SBDC, Kevin assisted more than 400 business in their startup and growth goals.
Learn more about Kevin HERE.
Marci Goodwin
Board Member
Marci has spent the past 10+ years building and growing women-owned and agriculture-focused online businesses while teaching hundreds of others to do the same. She combines her passion for small businesses and startups with her social media savvy to develop digital strategies to help businesses launch and grow.
Learn more about Marci HERE.
Kristy Johns
Board Member
A lifelong resident of Central Illinois, Kristy Johns is a member of the leadership team and marketing manager for the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC). Kristy has built her career building opportunities and growing markets in industries such as: Finance, Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Transportation.
Learn more about Kristy HERE.
Pamela Johnson
Treasurer
A native of Central Illinois, Pamela Johnson is the Consulting Chief Accounting Officer at OppLoans. Prior to joining OppLoans, Pam was CFO of Heights Finance in Peoria and previously CFO of a Steelcase office furniture dealership.
Learn more about Pam HERE.
Philip Lockwood
President
An active professional and social entrepreneur for many years, Philip is currently applying his experience with organizational development and technology implementation to lead regional Smart City & Connected Mobility initiatives and ecosystem building in Greater Peoria and beyond.
Learn more about Philip HERE.
Travis McGlasson
Board Member
Travis is a marketing technology executive who has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. He has over a decade of experience advising clients in the financial services, heavy equipment, and agriculture sectors.
Learn more about Travis HERE.
Denise Moore
Board Member
Denise is an entrepreneur, financial professional, volunteer, and the first African American woman elected to the Peoria City Council, representing Peoria's eclectic First District. In addition to serving on the city council, Denise is the Founder/CEO of the Black Business Alliance Peoria Chapter and the Minority Business Development Center.
Learn more about Denise HERE.
Ashley Schreck
Board Member
Ashley, affectionately referred to as the "Promotor of Everything Good", is the Director of Marketing for EP!C, a local nonprofit that enriches the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. When not working for EP!C, Ashley leverages her experience, passion and talents to advise several organizations.
Learn more about Ashley HERE.