Meet The LearningForce Team

Amy Jackson, Executive Director

Amy Jackson, Executive DirectorJackson oversees the workforce and economic development initiatives of SFCC’s 14-county service area, including customized workforce training, professional development, specialized certifications, Small Business (SBDC) Development Center, grant administration, and community education. She has worked in marketing and business development in job training, communications and service industries for more than 20 years. A graduate of SFCC, she has bachelor’s degrees in Business Management and Marketing, has been an adjunct instructor here since 2014 and is a Development Dimensions International (DDI) nationally certified instructor. Jackson is a past chapter president of the Human Resource Management Association of West Central Missouri and a member of the Missouri State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, Missouri Economic Development Council, Missouri Association of Customized Training, and the Sedalia Rotary Club.

Call on The LearningForce team for responsive and flexible noncredit training options that will provide knowledge, skills and enrichment for your business, professional and personal growth.

Kelly Asbury, Director, Small Business Development Center

Kelly Asbury, Director, Small Business Development CenterThe SBDC director assists and supports entrepreneurs, students and small businesses in launching and growing small businesses. Staff also assist with market analysis, business planning, financial projections, and other services designed to make businesses more competitive in the marketplace.

We provide resources and no-cost counseling to entrepreneurs and small businesses in their start-up, growth, expansion and succession phase. I’m very proud to be a part of the professional and dedicated team that makes up The LearningForce.

Carla Childers, Resource Coordinator

Childers coordinates professional development, community education and personal enrichment courses to meet the diverse interests and needs of people of all ages.

At The LearningForce, we believe everyone is a learner, and encourage personal growth and enrichment of skills and knowledge provided through a variety  learning opportunities including, women’s self-defense, motorcycle safety, and commercial truck driving.

Emily Westermier, Assistant Director

Westermier is responsible for fiscal operations in the LearningForce. In addition to carrying out accounts payable and receivable activities, she manages grant reporting and reimbursement processes for the 24+ companies The LearningForce serves. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s degree in Leadership from the University of Central Missouri, and is a 2018 completer of the Heartland Economic Development Course through the International Economic Development Council.

I’m excited about the many changes and expansions both the LearningForce and industries in our region are seeing. I’m happy to be a part of the impact The LearningForce and SFCC have on the surrounding area and the people who live, work and learn here.

Jeffrey Tackett, Project Coordinator

Tackett coordinates workforce trainings to improve our local workforce’s knowledge and skills. These trainings provide companies and individuals with upskilling in specific areas or new skills to grow their skillset. In his role as Project Coordinator, Jeffrey also manages aspects of career services. He helps plan campus job fair events and manages SFCC’s job posting website, College Central Network. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from the University of Central Missouri.

The LearningForce provides the tools to develop a valued skillset, helping you achieve your professional and personal goals.

Hannah Hartung, Workforce Development Manager

Hartung works directly with companies in SFCC’s 14-county region to identify, develop, and execute custom workforce training programs for upskilling a company’s new and existing workforce. She has experience in local government, marketing and communications, and retail management. A graduate of Missouri Southern State University, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Northwest Missouri State University. Hartung is a board member of the SFCC Booster Club and a member of the Sedalia Main Streets Promotion Committee.

My passion for workforce development was ignited by the belief that a skilled and adaptable workforce is the cornerstone of thriving communities. At State Fair Community College, I have had the honor of leading our mission to bridge the gap between educational institutions and industry needs. I am excited about the future of workforce development and the opportunities it holds for our community. As the Workforce Development Manager at State Fair Community College, I am committed to continuing our tradition of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

Brent Hampy, Commercial Driving Academy Director

Hampy oversees the Commercial Driving Academy to provide training opportunities for individuals seeking their licensure in Class A, B or C CDL and endorsements in School Bus, Passenger Bus and Hazardous Materials.  He has extensive professional experience and leadership. 

It is exciting to watch.

Paige Jones, Small Business Development Consultant

Missouri Small Business Development Center at State Fair Community College/The LearningForce – Lake Ozark Campus

As the small business Consultant for the Missouri Small Business Development Center at State Fair Community College, Paige supports individuals seeking to start a small business, grow their small business, as well as guide students and entrepreneurs seeking start up counseling, and provide resources and guidance at no-cost to the individual. The Missouri SBDC Staff is available to assist clients with formalizing business plans, provide direction for financial projections, and a plethora of services to assist with positioning their business venture in a competitive market.

The Missouri SBDC recognizes the incredible growth happening within the Lake of the Ozarks region. As the Missouri SBDC Consultant based out of State Fair Community College – Lake Ozark Campus, I am present, engaging, and will continue to support Camden, Morgan, Laclede and Hickory Counties with the abundant resources available through the Missouri SBDC, as well as the robust trainings provided by SFCC’s The LearningForce for continued support and growth of our small business landscape.