Jeff Shackelford
CEO, President and Executive Director of Mid America AngelsJeff has a unique and diverse background with a rare combination of Fortune 100 experience coupled with entrepreneurial, start-up and early stage ventures. The ECJC is a 25-year organization with an economic impact of over $3B for our region — supporting and funding early-stage, high-growth potential companies.
Christina E. Hammond
ControllerChristina joined ECJC in 2021. She 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. Prior to joining ECJC, she spent several years at RSM US LLP in Entrepreneurial Services.
Rebecca Gubbels
Executive Vice President of OperationsRebecca 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.
Brande Stitt
Director of Entrepreneurship, Executive Director of WBCBrande creates and implements Entrepreneuship programs, training classes and networking events to assist women-owned companies who plan to start, build, grow or fund their businesses. She also helps develop, mentor and fund kansas city area women-led businesses.
Joel Barrett
Program Manager - Growth Mentoring ServiceJoel Barrett is the Program Manager for the Growth Mentoring Service (GMS), where he connects experienced mentors with ambitious founders to help businesses grow through practical guidance and meaningful relationships. With decades of experience as an entrepreneur, business coach, consultant, and speaker, Joel has worked with thousands of business owners, helping them navigate challenges, identify opportunities, and build stronger companies.
Judy Bumpus
Director of Client Services, Kansas City Women’s Business CenterJudy helps develop, mentor and fund women-led businesses. In her role as Client Services Manager, she provides counseling services for women entrepreneurs and plans and facilitates training classes to assist starting and growing businesses.
Jenn Hackett
GMS & Operations SpecialistJenn 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.
Our Board
JOHN BRANDMEYER
ChairmanBrandmeyer Enterprises