MEET THE STAFF
Jessica graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Strategic Communication from The University of Kansas. She remained involved in the community all four years of her college career. Jessica served as a Marketing Specialist, Event Planner and Classified Account Executive at the University Daily Kansan, an award-winning college newspaper. She worked on many social media campaigns as a Social Media Coordinator for Style on the Hill, a student fashion and culture blog. Jessica helped coordinate and participated in philanthropic events contributing to Women’s Transitional Center Center of Lawrence, Prevent Child Abuse America, Girl Scouts and the Confidence Coalition with her sorority. Originally from St. Louis, she is excited to start a life in Kansas City and join Central Exchange's team!
Jessica Leeker
Manager, Communications
Millie was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas and received her BA in Psychology and Sociology from UMKC. She is a strong supporter of National Community Service Program Americorps, serving three years in Kansas City, Missouri leading teams focusing on decreasing the literacy gap in inner city schools, and one year in Washington State promoting reproductive health in schools and the community. She joins us from Bethel Neighborhood Center, a non-profit in Kansas City, Kansas where she served as the Assistant Program Director overseeing the youth afterschool programs along with writing grants and working on improving their online presence. Experienced in planning and facilitating, Millie prides herself in promoting and creating meaningful events centered around awareness for social justice issues. She is excited to put her skills to work here at CX as well as learn and grow with the organization. Millie currently lives in Kansas City, Kansas and enjoys learning Spanish, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Millie Knopp
Program Coordinator
CiCi Rojas was named President and CEO of the Central Exchange in February 2013. In her role she provides vision, voice, and operational oversight for the 1000 plus members representing a cross-section of women and men from throughout the Kansas City area.
CiCi most recently, served as Vice President of Community Engagement for Truman Medical Centers (TMC) in Kansas City, Missouri. This role included leadership of the following; Employee Enrichment, Community Outreach, Employee Wellness, TMC Corporate Academy and the Hospital Hill Economic Development Corporation. Prior to joining TMC, Rojas served various communities in the business, political advocacy arenas. Her executive roles includes leading two Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as: President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; President and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Vice President of Strategic Alliance with the Washington, D. C.-based United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Rojas has been recognized for her business and community achievements with the following awards; 2013 Ruby Red Slipper Dream Chaser Award, 2013 Greater Missouri Women’s Leadership Foundation, Woman of the year, 2013 KC Magazine Class of Influential Women, 2012 Girl Scout Pearl Award, 2011 NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award, and the 2010 Dallas Business Journal’s Corporate Advocate of the Year.
Rojas is active in civic organizations on the local, state and national levels. She is the national Chair for the Latino Coalition Foundation and a Member of the Camp Fire USA National Board of Trustees. In Kansas City, she is Immediate Past Chairwoman of Hope House, and a member of the Executive Committee Board of Directors Friends of the Zoo the YMCA, and Guadalupe Centers, Inc. She also serves on the following Boards: Metropolitan Community College’s Foundation; Kansas City Ballet; Kansas City Convention and Visitor’s Association; Kansas City Port Authority, the Arvest Bank Board and the NFL 101 Committee.
CiCi Rojas
President & CEO
Lilli joins Central Exchange after serving for 22 years as the Executive Director of American Heartland Theatre (AHT) in Crown Center, which was one of the regions top 25 attractions for many years. She brings extensive experience in finance, accounting, human resources, operations, marketing and strategic planning to the Central Exchange. While at AHT in Crown Center, Lilli was also instrumental in the opening of two new facilities, Off Center Theatre and Screenland Crown Center. Prior to joining American Heartland Theatre, Lilli was the Executive Vice President of Dinner Playhouse, Inc. (DPI), the parent corporation of Waldo Astoria and Tiffany’s Attic dinner theatres.
After graduating from the University of Kansas, Lilli started her public accounting career as a CPA with Coopers and Lybrand. Lilli resides in Leawood with her husband, Dr. Chris Beever and their cat, Louie. She is an avid jogger, swimmer, skier and gardener.
Lilli Zarda, CPA
Chief Operating Officer
Brenda comes to CX from Big Brothers Big Sisters where she has served as their administrative assistant since 2010. Prior to that, Brenda worked for Sprint, serving in multiple roles within their Law & External Affairs departments, including Manager of Community Affairs. Brenda has a certificate in paralegal studies from Rockhurst University. She serves on the Gladstone, Missouri Housing Commission and the Northland’s Advisory Council for the Shepherd’s Center 50 Forward Program. She resides in Gladstone, Missouri with her husband, Thomas.
Edgar Palacios
Chief Engagement Officer
Edgar is a bilingual “utility player” who is passionate about building relationships and connecting people to the resources they need in order to be successful. He is a strong believer in the power of teamwork and has been described as a collaborative leader that pays close attention to detail, efficiency and executes in a determined and precise manner. He most recently worked at Truman Medical Centers providing support to both the Vice President of Community Engagement and Chief Financial Officer.
Edgar attended Rockhurst University, graduating with a Master in Business Administration. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, earning a Bachelor of Music degree. As an aspiring philanthropist, Edgar enjoys volunteering in the community.
He served as Social Committee Chair prior to becoming President of the Young Latino Professionals of Greater Kansas City, an organization dedicated to providing access to networking, professional development, civic engagement and philanthropic opportunities to its members.. He also serves as President of the Kansas City Chapter of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs. He maintains his connection to music by working with local arts organizations and serves on the board of new Ear Contemporary Chamber Ensemble as their Marketing Chair. Edgar was honored to have been a Man of the Year candidate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in early 2012. He lives in Roeland Park, KS, with his wife, Amanda, and their son, JoJo.
Brenda Lowe
Administrative Assistant
Peter Beffa
Executive Chef
Peter Beffa brings over 10 years of experience in the culinary and hospitality industries to Central Exchange. After completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Management at Missouri State University, Peter followed his true passion by attending The Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. He began his professional career at Rosebud Steakhouse in Chicago, Illinois. After starting a family, Peter moved to Kansas City. He kicked off his KC career working as a Sous Chef for 40 Sardines. Peter climbed the culinary ladder by helping lead an opening kitchen staff for Makers Mark Bourbon House & Lounge and acted as a culinary liaison for Vinino and McFadden’s. For the past several years, Peter has worked as a Sous Chef at Bravo Cucina Italiana. Throughout Peter’s career, he has always believed in bringing people together through good, honest food.
Outside of the kitchen, Peter rocks it with his three kids and his beautiful wife. He enjoys family time, healthy exercise and watching his children’s various sporting events.
Teresa Bryan
Accounting Assistant
Teresa has been with Central Exchange for the past four years. Prior to CX, she has worked in the manufacturing, medical and non-profit fields. For the seven years, she has worked as a sales associate at the Hallmark Gold Crown store while holding down the fort at Central Exchange. Teresa graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachleor of Science in Accounting. Bryan wears many hats at CX and is the friendly voice you hear over the phone if you have a question about your dues. She is a diehard Chiefs fan and runs the office fantasy football league.
Rebecca Johnson
Chief Membership Officer
Rebecca brings over 20 years of proven marketing success to Central Exchange. She joins CX from Kansas City Public Television where she led the sales team in generating the largest revenue growth in new client partnerships. Rebecca is a dedicated professional who is innovative and passionate about achieving business goals and building strong client relationships. As Chief Membership Officer, Rebecca is responsible for corporate and individual membership growth and development. She works closely with the Membership Council of Central Exchange.
Rebecca earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from North Park University, Chicago, Illinois. After graduation, Rebecca returned home to Overland Park and began her career as well as raised her three children Christopher, Chad and Carley with her husband Charlie.
Rebecca enjoys supporting and volunteering her time to First Downs for Down Syndrome, spending time with family, competing in triathlons, traveling and is a sports enthusiast.
Katie Galicia
Membership Coordinator
Katie Galicia is the new Membership Coordinator at Central Exchange. She joins us from HCA Midwest where she was in charge of critical customer transactions and interactions. She has previous experience in the membership world, having worked for a large and diverse chamber of commerce. Katie is an active community volunteer, spending her time with Harvesters, WCan and several young professional groups. She is a mom of four and she enjoys spending her time with her husband and family. Katie lives in Prairie Village.