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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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. 

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.

We are thrilled to welcome of our newest board members, Donna Smiley.

We are thrilled to welcome of our newest board members, Dr. Judith Dibble Kiske.