Jill Hanson – President

Jill Hanson has served on the Dream Center Evansville board since 2022 and stepped into the role of Board Chair in the fall of 2024. She’s passionate about creating equitable opportunities for all and brings heart, humor, and a collaborative spirit to her leadership.

Outside of board meetings, Jill works in education technology as a partner success manager and loves spending time near the water with a good book. She’s also an enthusiastic aunt, a big believer in community-driven change which drives her passion for the work DCE does day in and day out

Jennifer Brown – Treasurer

Jennifer has been a DCE board member since 2022. She is now the YMCA’s Chief Operating Officer. She started her YMCA career at the Vincennes YMCA in 1995 as a Program Director, Having graduated in accounting at Purdue University, she was hired by the YMCA of Southwestern IN, as Assistant Controller and also spent time as their CFO.

Jennifer is the treasurer for the Public Education Foundation. She volunteers for her children’s sport teams and recreation clubs like Evansville Soccer Club and 4H Horse and Pony Club. As a former collegiate swimmer, she has taken on the position as the North High School Swim Coach.

Nathan Steele – Secretary

Nathan now owns and operates Evansville ChunjiDo Academy, but before this venture, he served as principal at our partner school, Delaware Elementary.

He has served on our board for a little over three years. Nathan recognizes the impact that Dream Center Evansville has on students, families, and the neighborhood. It was powerful for Nathan to see these relationships grow when he was at Delaware, and he’s glad to still stay connected to Jacobsville.

Pat Heck

Pat Heck is a retired entrepreneur and technology executive with over 30 years of experience in building and leading innovative companies. Driven by a passion for solving problems and building teams, he founded and served as President of one of the first Internet dial-up companies in the U.S. He later co-founded and led Motivating Systems, a SaaS startup behind the highly successful PBIS Rewards service, which is used by thousands of schools nationwide to foster positive learning environments.

Pat joined the Dream Center board in January 2025 and also serves as its technology advisor. His commitment to the organization stems from firsthand experience helping schools create environments where students can thrive. Witnessing the challenges faced by children growing up in severe poverty, he is dedicated to expanding the Dream Center’s impact to serve more families and communities.

Taylor Humphrey

Taylor currently serves as the Community Engagement Manager at Heritage Federal Credit Union. Taylor continuously works to connect the team of Heritage Federal and it’s resources to community partners.

Taylor has served on our board for one year now. Taylor believes that The Promise should be made to all kids. She wants each child to know they have the opportunity, love, and support to accomplish their dreams.

Amy Heck

Amy began her career in the retail food industry shortly after college, where she studied Home Economics. What started as a frontline position evolved into a two-decade journey marked by hard work, skillful leadership, and a deep understanding of customer needs. She steadily progressed through various levels of management before stepping away from the field after 20+ years of dedicated service.

After some time off, Amy tapped into her entrepreneurial spirit and opened a retail store focused on the home-based crafting industry. Her business became a well-loved fixture in the Evansville community, known for its excellent selection, great customer service, and a welcoming environment. After growing and eventually selling the store, Amy now pours her energy into grandparenting—a role she cherishes with just as much heart.

Eric Dunville

After 50 years, I retired having served in various capacities in sales, engineering, management, and ownership of different manufacturing operations. My last stop was co-owner/president of Global Wire Technologies.

Since retirement, I have served on the Dream Center board since October, 2021. I have also volunteered in various capacities at Potter’s Wheel and Habitat for Humanity.

I serve on the board because of my belief that children in poverty need Early Childhood Education to help them succeed in school.