Emily joined the Prairieland CEO board last year with a perspective rooted in entrepreneurship, creativity, and real-world experience. As the owner of Mager Image, she has built a photography and videography business focused on connection, empowerment, efficiency, and authenticity; values she brings into her role on the board.

Emily sees Prairieland CEO as more than just a high school program. She values the opportunity it gives students to build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and navigate real-life challenges through hands-on experience while still having guidance along the way. Having built her own business from the ground up, she understands how rare and valuable that kind of support is.

Her approach is both practical and people-focused. She prioritizes strong communication, clear expectations, and systems that keep things running smoothly. Emily is deeply invested in the program, contributing significant time and effort behind the scenes to support its continued growth.

Outside of her work and board involvement, Emily is the wife to Brandon and mom of two very active kiddos, balancing business, family, friends, and community with intention.

I am a proud graduate of GCMS High School, Class of 1999, and it is an honor to serve as the principal of GCMS High School.

I earned my bachelor's degree in History Education from Illinois State University in 2003. In 2004, I began my career at GCMS High School as an American History and Civics teacher, a position I held for 11 years. During that time, I earned a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Eastern Illinois University in 2013.

In 2015, I accepted my first administrative position as principal of Glenn Raymond School (Watseka Middle School). The following year, I had the privilege of returning to the GCMS School District as the middle school principal, where I served from 2016 until being named principal of GCMS High School in 2022. While serving as middle school principal, I completed my Specialist in Education degree at Eastern Illinois University in 2021.

My wife, Sara, a GCMS Class of 2004 graduate, and I are proud to call Gibson City home with our daughters, Avery, an eighth-grade student, and Adalynn, a sixth-grade student. Sara is the owner of Expressions Salon and Boutique in Gibson City.

I greatly value the opportunities the Prairieland CEO Program provides for our students. The program offers a unique, hands-on learning experience that immerses students in entrepreneurship, leadership, and real-world business practices. These experiences equip students with valuable skills, foster meaningful community connections, and prepare them for success in college, careers, and beyond.