National Youth Leadership Academy Faculty & Staff

Our Showcase student’s safety is our top priority. That is why we have put together a well seasoned professional staff.  The staff consists of former congressional staff, university political science professors, athletic coaches, political science college students, election/campaign staff and licensed teachers.

Jayne J. Jones, J.D.

Chief Academic Officer

A Minnesota native, Jayne J. Jones, graduated from Concordia University with a specially designed political science major in 1998.  Jones continued her education and in 2002 she earned a juris doctorate from William Mitchell College of Law and was recognized by the Minnesota Justice Foundation for exceptional community service pro bono hours.

Jones genuinely passionate for public policy and service next became the Volunteer Coordinator for the Norm Coleman For Senate campaign. After the election, she joined Senator Coleman’s St. Paul office and managed the Senator’s constituent services.

She later moved to Washington DC and served as Senator Coleman’s policy advisor on health care, education, judiciary, social issues, and the arts policy. While on Capital Hill, Jones worked in a bipartisan manner and drafted important legislation including the Fostering Adoption to Further Achievement Act, the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act and was the lead staffer for the Senators’ National Town Hall on Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention, a historic Senate bipartisan forum of 6 Senators, US Attorney General Gonzales, and others. Jones was nationally respected for her international adoption advocacy including her perseverance and ability to help constituents and citizens secure difficult adoption visas.  Jones has helped hundreds of Minnesota families connect and be complete through adoption.

In 2006, Jones returned home to Minnesota to serve as the Executive Assistant to Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum. In this position, Jones was the “right hand” to the Speaker and a key policy adviser. In 2007, Jones joined the Pawlenty Administration and worked directly on worker’s compensation reform and policy. Currently, Jones is a federal government relations consultant with clients focusing on health policy and education.

Additionally, Jones teaches political science classes at Concordia University where her students have gained national attention and praise for their legislative activities and involvement. Her students drafted, advocated and passed the Kyle Herman Bill of 2010 and worked hand-in-hand with state and federal elected officials on state and federal legislation to curb child abuse in the classroom. 

Jones is a member of the Concordia University Advancement Committee and a former inner city girl scout troop leader. 

Jones  wholeheartedly believes in living each day to the fullest and  she has a host of hobbies and interests. Her absolute most enjoyable activities include: meeting current and former United States Presidents, cheering for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux hockey team, securing emergency medical visas for orphans, and aiming to win her family’s salsa making contest! 

Jones is single and resides in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood of Saint Paul.  

Chris Beehler

Chief Executive Officer

Hailing originally from Southern California, Christopher Beehler brings a wealth of executive management and a natural passion for youth and their success to the Academy. 

Beehler, an energetic and highly personable youth, high school and junior league hockey coach for over fifteen years, understands the dual importance of personal motivation and academic and community leadership to help secure collegiate scholarships and Ivy League acceptance.

Beehler, goaltender for many national champion appearances, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a recreation management degree.

Beehler brings tremendous organizational and youth specific experience to the Academy after managing multiple youth camps and recreational based activities, conferences and seminars.  He takes great pride in being able to relate one-on-one to youth from varied backgrounds and challenging youth to strive for perfection and success using their specific talents, abilities and strengths.

Additionally, Beehler‘s  history includes years of human relations, staffing and marketing and sales experience that is vital to his leadership of the administrative duties managing the day-to-day operations of the Academy.

Beehler is single and resides seasonally in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida. He is the proud father of a thirteen year old daughter and a dedicated lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Kings.