Why join Aligned

Aligned is a nonprofit, nonpartisan alliance of BUSINESS LEADERS committed to improving education in Kansas and Missouri for workforce development and economic growth.

Strengthening Businesses

Aligned business leader members work to strengthen businesses and the economy through proven investments in children.
We take a critical look at the knowledge, skills and abilities businesses need from their employees in the 21st century, such as communication, collaboration and critical thinking. We also educate policy-makers and the public about high-quality investments that help our nation’s children build a foundation for lasting economic security in the global marketplace.

Proven Investments for Business

We support proven programs that pay big dividends to businesses both today and tomorrow, strengthen communities, and get children school and work-ready so businesses have a future workforce with the knowledge, skills and abilities we need.

We know that among the most effective ways to increase sales of local goods and services and create jobs is through investments in kids.

For example, investments in quality early care and education:

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the governing body of the organization. Board members participate in board meetings four times a year and other ad-hoc committee meetings and should be corporate executives able to make decisions on behalf of their companies related to Aligned positioning on issues. Board members must be members of Aligned.

Board of Trustees

Trustees are our premier membership level reserved for a company’s most senior executive and community leader. While Trustees are welcome to participate in any Aligned meeting or special event, there is no required time commitment. Trustees serve a valuable role by providing credibility and coattails to the organization, and on occasion a well-timed phone call or e-mail to senior state policy makers to weigh-in on critical issues.

Trustees

Board of Advisors

Advisory Board dues include access to member forums, events, and communications that provide information about Kansas and Missouri’s education reform priorities and opportunities to engage in advocacy strategies.

Teresa Maledy
Columbia, MO Board Member
Commerce Bank

Joe Valenciano
Kansas City Advisory Board Chair
CoreFirst Bank & Trust

Don Guenther
St. Louis Advisory Board Chair
Technology Partners Inc.

Maxine Clark
St. Louis Board Member
Build-A-Bear Foundation

Matt Glenn
Kansas City Advisory Board
McCown Gordon

Amanda Bohnert
St. Louis Advisory Board
S.M. Wilson & Co

Cindy Mebruer
St. Louis Advisory Board
St. Louis University Chaifetz School of Business

Danielle Twait
St. Louis Advisory Board
Lathrop GPM

Shonda Phillips 2021-2-2

Dr. Shonda Ambers-Phillips
St. Louis Advisory Board

Bridget Romero

Bridget Romero
Kansas City Advisory Board

Lathrop GPM

Drew McCallister
St. Louis Advisory Board

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Dan Lauer
St. Louis Advisory Board

Lauer Toys Inc.

Erin Brower
Kansas City Advisory Board

Hallmark Cards, Inc.

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Corporate Sponsors

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Community Partners

Aligned is an active participant in local communities, creating multi-party dialogues around the alignment of education and business. Our community partnerships are key to making systemic improvements that impact all students, cradle to career.

Education & Awareness

As the movement towards investing in early childhood gains traction, it’s important to familiarize yourself with research and findings that support changes to Missouri’s current state policy. Here are some online sources that will help you learn more