Zoie is an Edwards County native and CEO Alum of the 2016-17 Mount Carmel CEO Class. After going through the CEO program, she had always dreamed of coming back to serve the program in one capacity or another. It took almost 10 years, but she's back as the 2026-27 Co Facilitator to Jamilyn Marks, who was her facilitator when she was a student in the CEO Program. Definitely a full circle moment. 

After graduating from Edwards County High School in 2017, she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Science with an emphasis in Emerging Technology (drones) from Murray State University. Zoie graduated from Murray State in 2020 and has since traveled all over the country chasing her passion of Agriculture and subsequently aviation & flying. From working night shift at the St Louis, Missouri grain elevator to selling specialty peanut by-products in Georgia, to flying drones in Flora, Illinois to spraying mesquite and gathering cattle by helicopter in Texas, and rounding out last year flying/fighting wild fires in Canada, her love for agriculture and flying runs deep and wide. 

She currently works full time at her family owned business, Complete Heating and Air Conditioning in Albion, Illinois and flies as a contract helicopter pilot when needed. Zoie knows the benefits of the program and encourages each student to give 210%. She frequently says "CEO is the safest place to fail" meaning, if at first you don't succeed- you get to learn something and try again.

Overall, she is grateful for the opportunity to be in this position and to be trusted with impacting the lives of eight very special, young individuals. 

Jamilyn Marks has spent her career building experience in agriculture, business, and entrepreneurship. Growing up on a family farm in West Salem, she developed a strong appreciation for hard work, responsibility, and the importance of community.

Jamilyn spent 24 years as Vice President and Secretary of Marks Farms, Inc., where she managed the day-to-day office responsibilities while also helping with seasonal field work. From 2020–2024, she continued her passion for agriculture as a Crop Adjuster with Rural Community Insurance Service (RCIS).

Her experience extends beyond agriculture. Jamilyn holds a degree in Cosmetology and owned and operated a beauty shop from 1997–2003. She also spent 10 years working part-time in the Supervisor of Assessments office at the Edwards County Courthouse in Albion, Illinois.

Today, Jamilyn continues to manage a portion of her own farming operation and leads an exercise class, “Pound with Jamilyn.” She is excited to return as a facilitator for the Mount Carmel CEO program for her sixth year.

Jamilyn is continually impressed by the professional growth, confidence, and leadership skills the students develop throughout the CEO program. She especially enjoys watching young adults discover their strengths, learn from local business leaders, and carry those experiences with them as they step into the real world.