Meet the Steering Committee
Metropolis St. Louis is governed by an eleven-member Steering Committee. The steering committee consists of four officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer), three other administrative positions (Fundraising, Marketing, Membership), and three Project Group Chairs (Policy/Leadership, Living Environment/Perception, and Social Events).
This steering committee serves as the Board of Directors for Metropolis. They attend regular Steering Committee meetings (usually held on the first and third Wednesday of each month) at which they determine policy and evaluate project proposals.
Bios for members new to steering committee are coming soon.
Sarah Hedrick-President
president@mstl.org
I am a transplant from a small town in southern Missouri. Why did I move to St. Louis you ask? Good question! Well, three years ago I moved here as the result of a job offer as a graphic designer for a small manufacturing company far outside of the city. I chose not to work there anymore. I think I must have been a wanderer in a former life because I’ve moved 6 times in the past 3 years, mostly within the city limits. Let’s just say I’m tight with the good people at U-haul. Although, I am happy to report that I don't have any plans to move again any time soon.
I was introduced to Metropolis two years ago at a Wine Club. Metropolis has really inspired me through my passion for volunteerism. But the original reason I was attracted to this organization is the people. I love the diversity within the organization and meeting the people whose lives have been brushed by Metropolis in some way. I'm looking forward to meeting new people who want to make a difference in the city and making an impact on St. Louis in 2008.
Chris LeBeau-Vice President
vicepresident@mstl.org
Growing up through high school- Parkway North, for those of you who were curious- one thing I always knew that I wanted out of life was to leave this city behind. Living in the suburbs, I saw the city as I wanted to see it. I was certain that there was little to do here and other cities would offer much more. I left for Truman State University in August 2001 and returned after four great years with a Bachelor’s in Business. In the time that I spent away from the city, I began to see everything I had not noticed before. I joined Metropolis because I believe we live in a great city and have the chance to help it grow into something truly incredible.
My 8 to 5 is occupied by BJC HealthCare. Currently, I work with them in Strategic Planning at their corporate office as a consultant to their thirteen hospitals.
If you were to run into me at a bar or restaurant with friends, there is a good chance we would be talking about beer. Myself, and two other friends started brewing in August 2006 and have a great time kicking out new batches. I enjoy reading up on the subject and talking with others about beer and the endless number of styles.
I am the first person my friends call when they have something they want to do because they know I’m up for it. I believe that one should try to learn as much as possible and be open to new experiences. I am also a news junkie, runner, and golfer.
Ryan Buck-Treasurer
treasurer@mstl.org
Sandy Aubuchon-Secretary
secretary@mstl.org
Being a St. Louis County native, I thought I knew everything there was to know about St. Louis. The different neighborhoods for people with diverse tastes, personalities and preferences. The great places to go, see, eat, meet friends, learn or relax. Five to seven years ago, the City was not one of these exciting places. Sure, there was the draw of Cardinal games, a few night clubs, businesses and the casinos, but after 5p.m., the City seemed desolate. In the past five years… wow! What growth. Appealing businesses, restaurants, and lofts were built. What an increase in people moving to Washington Avenue, Lafayette Square, Soulard, South City and CWE. I still enjoy the unique neighborhoods in St. Louis Metro, but my favorite places are in the City. It’s exciting; around every corner, there’s a new development. I work for St. Patrick Center, the Downtown homeless organization, as Administrator of Executive Relations and Projects. I am quite the homeless advocate and get pretty fired up when people complain about, rather than try to help, the homeless. In my free time, I like to hang with friends and family, read, bike ride, play games and watch movies. I have an awesome Great Dane named Britney. You can hear me sing, but I refer to it as scaryoke, to prepare spectators. I love humor, jokes and sarcasm. People often say, “Take that show on the road.”
Phil Marshall-Marketing
Mike Saxvik-Membership
membership@mstl.org
I moved to St. Louis in June of 2006, making Missouri the 8th state in which I’ve lived. Even though I am new to the city, I’m already making the most of my new home. I joined the Metropolis Board this January and is working to increase involvement in his areas of interest, education and leadership.
During the day, and many evenings too, I work at Washington University in the Office of Student Activities, working with undergraduate social programming and leadership initiatives.
When not on campus, I like to stay active by swimming, golfing, or just about anything else outdoors. I’ve even tried getting back into tennis. I can make some mean Italian cuisine, but much prefer eating other people's cooking. I love traveling (Australia was my favorite), getting lost in the city, and random acts of fun with my friends (and some total strangers too!).
Leslie Proud-Living Environment/Perception
livingenvironment-perception@mstl.org I am from Minneapolis, and moved to St. Louis after graduating from Truman State with a degree in art - printmaking. When I first moved here, I lived out in the suburbs, which is fine, but not very exciting. I wanted to learn more about the city, which is one reason why I joined Metropolis. One of my favorite pastimes is driving or biking around various neighborhoods because I love exploring. It’s what I do. One of my goals as Living Environment/Perception chair is to make young people aware of the changes taking place in the city, from neighborhood revitalization, to bike trails and parks. I think this is a great place to live, and I want people to take another look at St. Louis and re-evaluate their perception of the city. Some other things I enjoy are: The Walk, dancing, eating, taking road trips, and anything that is just completely random.
Howard McAuliffe-Policy/Leadership
leadership-policy@mstl.org
I was what one would call a suburbanite. Growing up in St. Louis county, I always loved coming to the city. I used to visit my dad at his office downtown, shop on The Hill, go to ball games at Busch stadium, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dog Town. The city has a lot more to offer. You just have to be willing to explore its vibrant neighborhoods and rich history. St. Louis still has a lot of room for growth -- that is what makes it so exciting. I’d like to see St. Louis become a truly progressive city, that young people throughout the country seek to live in. I think Metropolis is a great organization that is uniquely positioned to enhance the experience of young people who live, work, and play in the City.
I am a real estate agent specializing in city property. My passion is seeing the city come back to life. I love to help my clients find a home as well as rehabilitate gems for sale or lease. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Urban Planning and Real Estate Development from St. Louis University. This program focuses on the history and intricacies of city planning and development. I joined the Public Policy Committee for Metropolis in 2007. I have dedicated my energy and time in helping the committee grow to continue appealing to young professionals in the St. Louis city.
In my free time, I like to play sports, read, and play with my two dogs. I also enjoy hiking, camping, and pretty much all outdoors activities.
Abby Schwarz-Social Events
social@mstl.org
My love affair with St. Louis began about 3 years ago, when I moved across the river to experience city life and find a job out of graduate school. As Social Events chair, my goal is to help spread that love with the rest of the Steering Committee. And don’t worry, we won’t make you sit around a campfire and sing “Kumbaya” or drink the purple Kool-Aid. Unless you really want to…
By day, I’m a recruiter for a local staffing agency, Staffing Solutions, Inc. Most of my day is spent promoting/marketing the job opportunities St. Louis has to offer. I am also living proof that someone with an advanced degree in Communication is, in fact, employable!
By night, I’m a social diva. OK, not really. But I do my best to get out and experience live music, new restaurants and the myriad of neighborhood bars in the city. By the end of my term, I hope to share some of my favorite haunts with the rest of the gang. In addition to being a girl about town, I’m also involved with Animal House, a group who is dedicated to raising money for a new City Animal Shelter.
fundraising@mstl.org
