Joan Koechner Charbonneau, '90
Joan Koechner Charbonneau is a 1990 graduate from Benedictine College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and English. She is one of six children of Cecil and Margaret Ann Koechner from Tipton Missouri. In addition to Joan, four of her siblings attended Benedictine College. She is the niece of Abbot Brendon Downey, OSB, and Fr. James Downey ,OSB.
An active alumna of Benedictine College, Joan has volunteered on the Alumni Association Board and with the Scholarship Ball.
Having been a long-time employee of Promotions Unlimited, in 2002 Joan bought the company. As its CEO, president and owner, Joan diversified its client base from one pharmaceutical account to multiple healthcare clients, and developed and brought three patented products to market. In 2010 she changed the company name to Verité, Inc. The company is based in Overland Park, Kansas, with a satellite office in New Jersey.
In addition to her 2011 nomination for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Joan’s awards and recognitions include: ECHO International Award – Direct Marketing; National Health Information Award – Patient Education; Promotional Products Association International Gold Pyramid Marketing Award; Summit Creative Award – Marketing Award for Breast Health Awareness Card; BIC Graphic USA Outstanding Support Award; and Sanford Outstanding Partner Award.
Joan and her husband, Stephen, a ‘91graduate of Benedictine College, live in Overland Park, Kansas with their children, Cecil and Nila Rose. Stephen teaches and coaches at Rockhurst High School.
