Board members are appointed for three-year terms by the County Executive and approved through the St. Charles County Council. Members of the Board can be reappointed at the discretion of the County Executive. These volunteer appointments are considered an honor and an obligation taken willingly and with an open mind, involving public trust and the distribution of sales tax revenues to organizations and agencies providing services to children and youth of St. Charles County.
Molly Dempsey
Chair
(2024-2026)
Jon Cunningham, JD
Vice Chair (2023-2025)
Ken Dobbins, Ph.D.
Treasurer
(2025-2027)
Robert fruend, Jr.
(2025-2026)
Daniel Ploesser
(2025-2027)
Vicky Huesemann
(2025)
Nancy Schneider
(2023-2025)
Larry Marty
(2025-2027)
Catherine Williams
(2024-2026)
Staff
Melinda McAliney - Executive Director
With 30 years of experience in the St. Louis region’s nonprofit and funding community, Melinda has worked across a variety of sectors and life cycles. Her lifelong passion to make a difference, particularly in the lives of children and families, fuels her work.
Melinda joined CCRB as Executive Director in 2024. Before then, her career included leadership positions at both funding agencies and direct service nonprofits. She served as Program Director at the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, managed operations at the Brown Sisters Foundation, and held funding positions at the St. Louis Blues, technology firm EDS, and the United Way of Greater St. Louis. Her direct service experience includes serving as Vice President of Administration at Rung for Women, Executive Director at Community Helping Ministry, and President at the Junior League of St. Louis. Throughout her career, she has worked with hundreds of nonprofits, providing funding and capacity-building assistance to help them deliver quality services, measure impact, and strengthen operations.
Melinda holds a master’s in social work from Washington University in St. Louis and a bachelor’s in psychology and sociology from Illinois Wesleyan University. When she’s not at work, you can find her volunteering or hanging out with her husband and two children somewhere on or near the water.
Email Melinda
Michelle McElfresh - Director
Michelle oversees partner agency compliance with regulatory, statutory, and CCRB requirements, monitors services provided, supports the Executive Director with strategic and operational plans, and oversees program management. Michelle began her career with the CCRB in 2007 as an Administrative Assistant and rose to the position of Director in 2022.
Michelle's passion for creating strong collaborations and relationships in St. Charles County shines through her leadership with the St. Charles County System of Care and the Community Services Summit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and is a proud 2019 graduate of Vision St. Charles County Leadership.
Email Michelle
Taylor Carson - Program Officer
Taylor is a dynamic and seasoned social work leader with over a decade of work dedicated to empowering children and families. She has honed her skills in strategic planning, resource allocation, and stakeholder management to drive sustainable change within communities. With a solid foundation in team leadership and program management, Taylor brought her fresh perspective to the CCRB in 2025.
Taylor holds a Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Bachelor of Social Work from Appalachian State University. When she's not making a difference at work, you can find her nurturing her garden, where she grows a variety of flowers and vegetables. Taylor also loves spending time in local parks, enjoying long walks and connecting with nature.
Email Taylor
Jeanne Spencer - Data & Communication Specialist
Jeanne embarked on her journey with the CCRB in 2017 as the Administrative and Grants Assistant. Fast forward to 2025, and she's now the Data & Communication Specialist, where she skillfully handles all marketing and social media efforts for the CCRB, while also managing the grant administration system.
Jeanne holds a master's degree in Nonprofit Leadership from Webster University. When she's not making content at work, you can find her volunteering at local museums, sharing her love for history. She likes to spend time with her family and friends, exploring the outdoors, or baking tasty treats.
Email Jeanne
Anna Muhm - Administrative Assistant
Bringing over 15 years of administrative experience, Anna keeps our office running smoothly with her strong organizational skills, extensive knowledge of MS 365, and excellent customer service. She joined the CCRB in 2023, adding her expertise to the team.
Anna earned a Master of Arts in Education from Truman State University. As the mother of an autistic child, she is a passionate advocate for accessible children's mental health and behavioral services. A St. Louis City native, Anna is also a dedicated crafter, conservationist, and writer, with her extended family having deep roots in St. Charles.
Email Anna
Emeritus
| Ron Berrey, Ed.D, 2019 | Frank Martinez, 2012 |
In Memoriam
| Tom Brown (1998-2004)* | Dr. Hank Clever (1998-2004) |
| Gil Copley (1998) | Dennis Emge (2000-2004) |
| Gil Lauer (2009-2011) | Frank Martinez (1997-2012) |
| Vince Schneider (1998-2009) |
*Years of service to CCRB