During the recent JCI USA Annual Meeting in September, members from all across the country came together to elect our next set of fearless leaders for 2027. Read below to learn more about each of the 2027 National Officers.
Aaron Gauldin, National President-Elect
Aaron has been a member of the Jaycees since 2012; in this time, he has served on the Local level as Chair, Vice President, and Chapter President. Beyond the local chapter, Aaron has served as Meeting & Logistics Program Manager for multiple terms, Regional Director, and Vice President twice. Aaron served as the 88th State President for The North Carolina Jaycees, as National Vice President for JCI USA in 2024, and has served as JCI USA as Leadership Development Director. Currently, Aaron is serving as the Deputy National President for JCI USA. Through his time in the organization, he has been able to polish his professionalism, work through challenges with public speaking, and most importantly lead and mentor others to reach their full potential as Jaycees and people. Outside of the Jaycees, Aaron works as an Estimating Engineer, but enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and cheering on his UNC Tar Heels.
Eric Hiatt, Deputy National President-Elect
Eric Hiatt lives in Savoy, Illinois, and is proud to call the Champaign-Urbana Jaycees his home chapter. He serves as the 2027 JCI USA Deputy National President. Over the course of his JCI journey, he has had the opportunity to serve and learn from members at the local, state, national, and international levels. Professionally, Eric works in planning and budgeting for the University of Illinois System. One of his favorite parts of JCI is visiting local organizations, hearing their stories, and discovering ideas that can be shared with others. In recent years, he has developed a passion for international travel and enjoys learning from different cultures and perspectives. Whether traveling for JCI, work, or fun, Eric can usually be found checking out a local coffee shop, exploring a new city, or sharing photos of his dog, Stormie.
Megan O’Brien, National Vice President-Elect
Megan O’Brien is a passionate community leader, dedicated volunteer, and firm believer that leadership is about creating opportunities for others to dream bigger, grow stronger, and make a difference. A graduate of Northern Michigan University with a degree in Hospitality Management, Megan built her career around events, fundraising, and community impact, currently serving as an Event Coordinator with the Special Leisure Services Foundation. Her journey in volunteer leadership began with the Palatine Jaycees in 2017, where she discovered a love for giving back, developing others, building connections, and saying “yes” to opportunities that challenge her to grow. Over the years, Megan has taken on leadership roles at the local, state and national levels, and currently serves as the 2026 Illinois Jaycees State President. Through every role, she strives to lead with purpose, bring people together, create meaningful experiences, and remind others that even one person with a big idea can create a lasting impact. Known for her enthusiasm, creativity, and ability to turn an idea into an event, Megan believes some of the best memories are made while serving alongside great people and having a little fun along the way. When she isn’t planning events, leading projects, or cheering on fellow members, Megan enjoys baking, cooking, hiking, camping, and spending time with her two dogs, Beau and Teddy. At the heart of everything she does is a simple belief: when people are given the opportunity to lead, serve, and dream, they can create something bigger than themselves.
Briyell Schriver, National Vice President-Elect
Briyell Schriver is from Biglerville, Pennsylvania, and is proud to call the Upper Adams Jaycees her home chapter. Since joining the Jaycees, she has served in several leadership roles, including Local President, Pennsylvania National Director, and now 2027 JCI USA National Vice President Elect. Outside of the Jaycees, Briyell works in customer service and account coordination and has a background in human resources and large scale recruiting. She is a wife, a mom of two daughters, and someone who believes in being honest, showing up, and helping wherever she is needed. Briyell is passionate about supporting local chapters, connecting people with the resources they need, and making sure every member knows they have a seat at the table.
Nick McNew, National Vice President-Elect
Nick McNew is a 2027 JCI USA National Vice President from North Platte, Nebraska. A Jaycee since 2017, Nick has chaired numerous projects, served on the North Platte Jaycees board, and served as chapter President in 2023 before going on to serve as the 96th JCI Nebraska State President from 2024–2026. Outside of JCI, Nick is a business owner alongside his wife, Catie, and they have two sons, both of whom Nick has had the privilege of coaching in youth sports. Nick currently serves on the North Platte City Council, the North Platte Area Chamber & Economic Development Board, and as President of the Original Town Association, giving him firsthand experience in community development, economic growth, and civic engagement. Through his business, family, and commitment to service, Nick is passionate about building relationships, developing leaders, creating opportunities, and leaving every organization and community stronger than he found it.
Sean Brady, National Vice President-Elect
Originally from New York (moved in 1997 to Virginia), Sean Brady now spends his days working as a Nuclear Engineering Technician on Navy ships. Outside of work, Sean is a youth leader and musician at his church and is always up for talking sports, especially anything involving his New York teams. Sean has been a Jaycee since 2008, where he’s built lifelong friendships, served his community, and collected more stories than he probably should admit. He was recently honored with a JCI USA Senatorship at the JCI USA Annual Meeting.
Jessica Anderson, National Vice President-Elect
Jessica Anderson is a people-focused leader with experience in administration, process improvement, strategic planning, and organizational development. Since joining the Jaycees in 2017, she has held leadership roles at the local and state levels, including serving as President of JCI Lansing in 2022 and 2023, JCI Michigan Chief of Staff, and 2026 JCI Michigan State President. Across both her professional and volunteer work, Jessica is passionate about building strong systems, developing people, improving communication, and creating opportunities for others to grow. She believes meaningful connections are at the heart of effective leadership and that strong organizations are built by investing in their people. Outside of work and leadership, Jessica and her husband, Jake, are raising two young children, who have grown up alongside their family’s involvement in community activities and events and are a staple at every Michigan Jaycee event. For Jessica, leadership is ultimately about people—creating connections, making a difference, and leaving things better than you found them.
Kayleigh Gratz, National Vice President (Provisional*)
Kayleigh Gratz is from Allegan Michigan, and has been involved with the Allegan Jaycees since the age of 2. Since her time of being an official member, she has held every local role, and many JCI Michigan roles, including serving as the 101st JCI MI President. She has served as National Vice President in 2026, and, pending approval, will serve again in this role in 2027. Outside of the Jaycees, Kayleigh has a background in dairy/hog farming and currently works in a biopharmaceutical research lab. She also is a registered chinchilla breeder. When not Jayceeing or working, Kayleigh enjoys spending time with her 2 St. Bernards, going to 80s metal concerts, and learning to speak Polish.
Kayleigh Gratz has been appointed by National President-Elect Aaron Gauldin to fill the vacant National Nice President spot on the 2027 Executive Committee. The Board of Directors will vote to approve her appointment in December of 2026.
Josh Hoveln, Immediate Past President
Josh Hoveln is the Immediate Past President of JCI USA, having served as the organization’s 106th National President in 2026. In his current role, he advises national leadership, supports the incoming President, and helps provide continuity for an organization dedicated to developing young leaders through community service, training, and professional growth. Professionally, Josh is a Senior Project Manager at CAI, where he supports the Delaware Department of Labor’s modernization effort. He brings roughly a decade of experience in product and project management, including serving as Director of Product Management at Comcast. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Delaware. Josh remains rooted in his hometown chapter, the Wilmington Jaycees, where he helped revive the Outstanding Young Wilmingtonian award and supports the annual Wilmington Christmas Parade. He lives on the outskirts of Wilmington, Delaware, where he enjoys spending time outdoors exploring the area’s parks and trails with his wife and young son. When he’s not outside, you’ll find him hunting down his next pair of sneakers.