The Art of Leadership

Jeanette Prenger, ’09, exemplifies giving as an act of leadership. Prenger is the founder and chief executive officer of ECCO Select, a Kansas City, Mo.,based company providing information technology professional services to clients nationwide. As a business leader, Prenger has received widespread recognition for her accomplishments and generosity, including the AT&T Innovator of the Year Award from Women Impacting Public Policy, the Small Business Administration’s Minority Small Business Champion of the Year Award and the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City.

Prenger earned her Bachelor of Science degree in management information systems from Park University while growing her business. She credits the University with helping her develop business acumen through faculty mentorship and interaction with fellow students from all walks of life.

“I absolutely love Park University,” Prenger said. “The faculty and trustees have such a passion for education. It’s a place that fosters learning and makes you want to be the best you can be.”

Prenger’s gratitude for Park inspires her individual and corporate charitable giving. Prenger and ECCO Select contribute generously to the University’s Heart of America Patriot Foundation Scholarship, the International Center for Music, international travel for students and other Park programs and initiatives.

Prenger regards giving as an essential aspect of leadership. “I was raised with the understanding that we all have time, talent and treasure to give,” she says. “As a leader, I feel it’s important to be a role model by giving. Whatever your leadership role, it’s not about you, but about the people you impact.”

Prenger understands leadership as a collaboration in which priorities are established based on shared values and anticipated outcomes. In the area of giving, this means collaborating with her family and executive team to identify opportunities for partnership with recipients who are making a meaningful impact through their work.

“We ask, ‘Is the gift we provide going to make a difference? Will those we support be good stewards of our gift?’” she said.

As a member of Park University’s Board of Trustees (and immediate past chair of the board), Prenger has an up-close perspective on Park’s commitment to financial stewardship. Board membership is another way that Prenger combines giving with leadership. She serves on numerous boards for national organizations as well as those close to home. She is the chair of The Latino Coalition and VisitKC, and serves on boards for Junior Achievement USA, Scouting USA, the Orphaned Starfish Foundation and the State of Missouri Tourism Commission.

Education is a common theme for organizations that Prenger supports.

“The education of our children and future leaders is one of the best investments we can make,” Prenger said. “Investing in education today means our communities will have strong thought leaders in the future.”