Jeff Shackelford
CEO, President and Executive Director of Mid America AngelsLinkedIn
Jeff Shackelford is the President & CEO of the Enterprise Center in Johnson County. The ECJC is a 25 year organization that has had an economic impact of over $3B for our region by supporting and funding early-stage, high-growth potential companies.
Prior to joining the ECJC in July, 2019, Jeff was executive director of Digital Sandbox KC, a proof-of-concept center designed to help move early-stage entrepreneurs from concept-to-commercialization. Since inception, Digital Sandbox has assisted insecuring over $85M in equity investment for 70 companies that have created over 700 new jobs in the Kansas City area.
Mr. Shackelford has a unique and diverse professional background with a rare combination of Fortune 100 enterprise experience coupled with entrepreneurial, start-up and early stage ventures that includes a successful track record in capital fund-raising of over $500M.
Mr. Shackelford holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Kansas.
Christina E. Hammond
ControllerLinkedIn
Christina has her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of MO – Columbia and her Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Keller Graduate School of Management.
She started her accounting career at the Housing Authority of Kansas City, MO, where she held several positions in the accounting department. She went on to work at SkillPath Seminars as the General Ledger Accountant, and then worked several years at RSM US LLP in the Entrepreneurial Services department, servicing clients who outsourced their accounting functions.
In April 2021, Christina joined Enterprise Center of Johnson County as the Controller.
Rebecca Gubbels
Executive Vice President of OperationsLinkedIn
Rebecca Gubbels, Executive VicePresident of Operations, provides executive leadership across ECJC's portfolio of programs, working alongside staff, partners, funders, and community leaders to build on the organization's strong foundation while continuing to evolve its services to meet the changing needs of today's entrepreneurs. Prior to this role, she served as Managing Director Growth Mentoring Service at ECJC, bringing her extensive background in banking, coaching, entrepreneurship, and training to foster mentorship opportunities for business owners.
With a deep understanding of the multiple challenges small businesses face, Rebecca has also launched Vault Consulting, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing loan readiness and building transferable business lending skills within communities.
An accomplished management and leadership professional, Rebecca has earned national recognition for excellence in training and consulting, and she has made significant contributions to small business and workforce development. Rebecca’s work has been honored with accolades such as the ASBDC Missouri State Star Award and recognition as a Kauffman Foundation Top 100 Connector.
A dynamic speaker, renowned humorist, and published author, Rebecca shares her expertise on lending skills development, entrepreneurial mindset training, business development, and workforce innovation at both national and regional audiences. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Entrepreneurship from Baylor University and is certified in numerous professional training and economic development programs.
Brande Stitt
Director of Entrepreneurship, Executive Director of WBCLinkedIn
Brande Stitt currently serves as Program Director for the Women’s Business Center in Fairway, Kansas. The WBC helps develop, mentor and fund women led businesses. In her new role, Brande provides counseling services for women entrepreneurs and plans training classes to assist starting and growing businesses. She is also responsible for the implementation of the WBC’s WE-Lend microloan fund.
Brande previously served as the Network Builder for KCSourceLink, an organization connecting small businesses to the right resource at the right time. Prior to her time at KCSourceLink, she served as the Director of Small Business & Entrepreneurship for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.
She began with The Chamber in June 2002 after completing her M.Ed. in community/agency counseling at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She also received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Drury University in Springfield, Mo.
Her responsibilities with KCSourceLink included partner recruitment and outreach, marketing to the small business community and coordinating grant-related events. Past experience with The Chamber included planning and implementing a weekly educational series, Small Business Celebration awards program, an annual Innovation Conference and managing volunteer committees for small business members.
Her passion includes event planning and marketing for her alma mater, Drury University. She previously served on the Board of Directors for Nonprofit Connect. She currently serves as a volunteer for the Ottawa Main Street Association in Ottawa, Kansas.
Joel Barrett
Program Manager - Growth Mentoring ServiceLinkedIn
Joel Barrett is the Program Manager for the Growth Mentoring Service (GMS), where he connects experienced business leaders with growth-minded founders to help them navigate the challenges of building stronger, more successful companies.
Joel brings decades of experience as an entrepreneur, business coach, consultant, and speaker. Throughout his career, he has worked with thousands of entrepreneurs, helping them clarify opportunities, solve complex business challenges, and develop practical strategies for sustainable growth. His coaching philosophy centers on asking the right questions, fostering meaningful conversations, and helping founders discover the best path forward.
In addition to leading GMS, Joel currently serves as a Senior Business Development Consultant with the Missouri Small Business Development Center at UMKC, where he has coached startup and small business owners and facilitated entrepreneurial training programs. He also owns Joel Speaks Out and created the KC Rainbow Tour, an award-winning, self-guided driving tour that preserves and shares Kansas City's LGBTQ history.
Joel has served in leadership roles across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors and holds a Master of Liberal Studies from Indiana University. His guiding philosophy is simple: There is a better way—a mindset that shapes his work with founders, mentors, and community partners alike.
Judy Bumpus
Director of Client Services, Kansas City Women’s Business CenterLinkedIn
Judy Bumpus currently serves as Client Services Manager for the Women’s Business Center in Overland Park, Kansas. The WBC helps develop, mentor and fund women-led businesses. In her role, Judy provides counseling services for women entrepreneurs and plans and facilitates training classes to assist starting and growing businesses.
Judy previously owned a consulting company that specialized in business and workforce skills development. Prior to her time operating her own business, she served as the Program Manager with First Step Fund a local microenterprise program.
Her responsibilities with First Step Fund included coordination and effective execution of all programs offered, supervision of staff and volunteers, managing training events, including the delivery of content of training, management of micro-loan program, grant program, and development and delivery of peer training in the field of microenterprise development.
Jenn Hackett
GMS & Operations SpecialistLinkedIn
Jenn has been a part of Growth Mentoring Service (GMS) since its inception, supporting the program in a part-time capacity until she began her full-time role in 2026. She brings her strong operations expertise and positive, can-do energy in support of GMS founders, mentors, and partners.
Jenn has been with the Enterprise Center since 2011 after graduating from Pittsburg State University with a degree in Commercial Graphics. Her background includes previous projects for Spangler Graphics and the Kansas City Sports Commission.
Outside of work, Jenn enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, and cheering on the Chiefs and KU basketball. She lives in Olathe, KS, with her husband and two lively daughters.