North County Inc. Salutes 30 Leaders in Their Thirties: Part One

Friday afternoon, North County Inc. Regional Development Association honored its 2012 group of 30 Leaders in their Thirties at the Norwood Hills Country Club.

“We are proud of this impressive group of community, civic, and business leaders who as young adults are excelling in their professions and making a difference in North St. Louis County.  This campaign lets us show our appreciation for their contributions to our community,” said Rebecca Zoll, President/CEO of North County Inc.

Check out each recipient’s biography, provided by North County Incorporated, and how they’ve contributed to the North St. Louis County community: 

Montize Aaron, principal of Willow Brook Elementary School in the Pattonville School District, has worked in education for the past 15 years. He’s been nominated for Teacher of the Year and St. Louis Suburban Exemplary New Principal in 2011.

Elena Amirault, director of Early Childhood Education for the Hazelwood School District, has been a huge presence in the North County area. She helped start the Community and Schools Together Achieving Results, which ensures that all local children can be exposed to high-quality learning before entering kindergarten.

Jeff Appel, an academic trainer for Edward Jones Investments, has helped financial advisors meet their client’s financial goals and develop relationships within the community.

Joshua Baumann, registrar for Lutheran North High School as well as a history teacher and assistant varsity football coach, oversees registration, scheduling, and transcripts, but he’s also established online access to academic information for teachers and students.

Wesley Bell, an attorney and instructor for at , has served as program coordinator for the criminal justice and legal studies programs on the campus. He’s provided legal services for indigent North County residents in the adult and juvenile court on a pro bono basis, too.

Donny Carver, branch manager for US Bank in Bridgeton, has led US Bank Northwest District to the highest contributions goals for the Heart Association’s Heart Walk. He’s also received numerous awards, including US Bank Top Tier Award, the Annual Pinnacle Award and US Bancorp President’s Club Award.

Michael R. Crossno, regional manager for Vantage Credit Union, oversees five branch locations and the Vantage Credit Union phone center. He serves on the North Technical High School’s Business and Financial Management Advisory Committee, which helps prepare students for job interviews.

Nyron Edwards, assistant principal at Hazelwood West Middle School, has worked in the district as an administrator for the past 12 years. He’s worked hard recently on an outreach program that will connect parents, teachers and businesses and build relationships between the groups.

Lindsay M. Gallahue, vice president and bank manager for Commercial Bank, has worked for the bank for 10 years and she serves on the board of directors for the Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce.

Andrew Harris, school counselor for McNair Elementary in Hazelwood School District, has worked to establish a partnership with Jewish Family and Children’s Services, which provides sexual abuse prevention instruction to students in the district. He’s also helped in using technology and social media to communicate with parents. 

Amy Hawkins, an RN Nurse Manager at Christian Hospital, has overseen the daily operations of a 54-bed medical unit and has worked on the Daisy Award Committee, which recognizes the efforts of nurses and their works. 

Keeley Hayes, clinical director for SSM DePaul Health Center, coordinated the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Patient Satisfaction education for all employees at DePaul Health Center, which trained 100 percent of the staff in three months and led to increased patient satisfaction.

Julie Hercules, director of student relations at Incarnate Word Academy, has secured an $18,000 grant for the academy that will help with the Word2Wellness Program and help purchase new fitness equipment

LaRenda Hutt, receptionist at Riverview Gardens High School, has served in a number of roles at the school. She has represented parents at the Riverview Gardens School District Convocation, 2011-2012 President for Inter-district Parent Advisory Council, parent advisory vice president and has been mother of the year.

Bonita E. Jamison, an elementary school principal with Jennings School District, is a voting board member for the Hook Center for Education Leadership and District Renewal at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Check back tomorrow for the other 15 recipients of the 30 Leaders in their Thirties.