Ellen D'Amato
President and CEO
D'Amato joined The Central Exchange as president and CEO in November 2002. Also under Ellen's helm, The Central Exchange has expanded its leadership offerings beginning in 2003 with an annual, day–long leadership conference, the Women's Lyceum. The organization launched an intensive, year–long leadership development program for emerging women leaders in the spring of 2006 that is presented by Right Management.
In 2007, Ellen was instrumental in The Central Exchange publishing its first Women's Executive Leadership Census in partnership with The Bloch School at UMKC and joining ION. ION (Inter-organizational Network) consists of 12 membership organizations from across the United States who have come together to increase the number of women executive officers and directors on the boards of public corporations.
Ellen has amassed considerable experience, insight and expertise in her career. She was an attorney for several corporations, and served as general counsel for a Sprint subsidiary and later as a vice president in the corporate law department where she managed a department of 40 lawyers, lobbyists and industry specialists across the country.
Ellen has served as president of the Folly Theatre Board of Directors and on the board of directors for the Family Conservancy. She was named one of KCB's 50 Most Powerful Women in Kansas City in 2007. She currently is a member of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Council and sits on the board of the Downtown Community Improvement District.
Jackie West
Director of The Central Exchange South & Membership
Jackie West is the director of The Central Exchange South and Membership and has been on staff since 1992. In her role as director of CX South, Jackie is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the facility. As membership director, Jackie's charge is to recruit and retain members and work closely with the Membership Council.
She is a graduate of Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. She is originally from Ohio and relocated to the Kansas City area 13 years ago with her family.
Noreen Bridgham
Director, Programming
As program director at The Central Exchange for five years, Noreen is responsible for the planning, coordination and facilitation of programming at both CX locations. She is the front line of electronic communication, keeping the membership informed about CX daily programs. Noreen works with the Program Council and oversees The Central Exchange's Special Interest Groups.
Before joining The Central Exchange, Noreen worked for the American Business Women's Association. Her volunteer activities include Catholic Charities, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City Young Matrons and the Church of the Nativity. Noreen is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a B.A. in English.
Heidi Stigers
Business Office Manager
Heidi has been a part of The Central Exchange team as business office manager since June 2004. Prior to taking on this role, she served as office and import manager for Expeditors International. Her responsibilities at The CX include overseeing accounting and administration functions. Heidi works closely with the Finance Committee in order to monitor the CX's financial performance.
Heidi is an active volunteer with Habitat ReStore and The Children's Museum of Kansas City. She received an M.A. in international management from the University of Denver and a B.A. in political science from Northeast Missouri State University.
Richandra Myles
Administrative Assistant
Richandra began working for The Central Exchange as a temporary employee in October 2004 and took on the permanent position of administrative assistant in early 2005. As the first-line contact for most CX members, Richandra answers the phone and checks people in to programs and events. She also helps with billing, membership coordination, marketing communications and with programs. The Kansas City native is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a B.A. in communication studies.
