About

We operated as an all volunteer organization called STL FIRST from 2001 until 2020. The organization was supported by the Saint Louis Science Center as fiscal agent for FIRST Robotics Competition and the Saint Louis Community College Foundation as fiscal agent for FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge. We incorporated as FIRST in Missouri, an independent nonprofit providing exciting FIRST programs and events, in Dec. 2020.

Years the Programs Started

2001 - FIRST Robotics Competition

2003 - FIRST LEGO League (now known as FIRST LEGO League Challenge)

2005 - FIRST Tech Challenge pilot site

2006 - FIRST LEGO League Jr. (now known as FIRST LEGO League Explore)

St. Louis was honored to host the FIRST World Championship from April 2011 to April 2017.

We are proud to offer all levels of FIRST programs. The geographic areas served vary by program.

FIRST LEGO League Explore covers Missouri except KC metro.
FIRST LEGO League Challenge covers Missouri except KC metro.
FIRST Tech Challenge covers the states of Missouri and Kansas.
FIRST Robotics Competition supports the teams in the eastern half of Missouri and runs the St. Louis Regional competition.

Meet our Team

Laura Roth

lroth@firstinmissouri.org

Leslie Steinmeyer

FTC@firstinmissouri.org

Sara Rickman

FLL@firstinmissouri.org

Katie Palmquist

kpalmquist@firstinmissouri.org

Leigh Ann Carpenter

lcarpenter@firstinmissouri.org

Sherry Comer

scomer@firstinmissouri.org

Rhonda Rosson

fllchallenge@firstinmissouri.org

Kathie Reuter

reuts@aol.com

Board of Directors

Board President

Michael Lucido

Retired Information Technology and International Business Executive. Michael holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. He’s been active in FIRST since 2012 when recruited by his daughter Nicolette.

Board Secretary

Henry Graham, Sr.

Henry Graham, Sr. is a retired aerospace professional with over 40 years of experience at McDonnell Douglas and The Boeing Company, where he worked as a design engineer and program analyst. He holds degrees in Technical Aeronautics and Business Management. He has been involved with FIRST since 2003. He continues to mentor teams across the St. Louis region and serves on the St. Louis FRC Regional Planning Committee. Volunteer of the Year in 2019.

Board Member

Brian Button

Brian Button is a Technical Director for Software Development at Copeland, with nearly 40 years of experience in the software and technology fields. His two current passions are volunteering with tech-related non-profits and working to learn, understand, and apply AI to his pursuits. He has been involved with FIRST since 2005, first as a parent and then a Judge, Judge Advisor, and. Regional Judge Advisor for FTC.

Board Member

Tom McGovern

Tom McGovern is a Full Professor of Engineering and Technology at St. Louis Community College, specializing in robotics, engineering design, and unmanned aerial vehicles. A longtime department chair and former Dean, he holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics. He has been active with FIRST robotics programs since 2007.

Board Member

Amy Volk

Amy Volk is in-house counsel at Elessent Clean Technologies, where she focuses on intellectual property protection, technology licensing, and complex engineering and equipment agreements. She holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Law. Amy became involved with FIRST in 2024 and quickly developed a deep appreciation for the program’s ability to build confidence, technical skills, and leadership in students.

Board Member

Shashi Bhushan

Vice President of Business Development at YASH Technologies, with extensive experience driving revenue growth and digital transformation initiatives. Shashi holds an Executive MBA from the University of Notre Dame and a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Jamia Millia Islamia. He is also actively involved in community leadership and nonprofit organizations, contributing to causes focused on education, workforce development, and social impact.

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Board of Directors

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