About

We have been providing exciting FIRST programs and events since 2001 when two FIRST Robotics Competition teams began. FIRST LEGO League (now known as FIRST LEGO League Challenge) started in 2003. We began as a pilot site for FIRST Tech Challenge in 2005. FIRST LEGO League Jr. (now known as FIRST LEGO League Explore) offered their first events in 2006.

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

fllchallenge@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

Add a short bio for each team member. Make it brief and informative to keep visitors engaged.

Board Secretary

Henry Graham

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.

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 Robotics periodically 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.