Staff

Caleb Luper

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ken Abbott

ATHLETICS DIRECTOR

Ken grew up just outside of Washington DC, and later lived in Nashville, Indianapolis, and Ft. Worth, Texas before moving to Aurora, IL in 2000.  He was involved in every facet of motorcycle road racing from 1987 through 2008, including promotions, marketing, sponsorships, performance development, announcing, and management.  From 2000 – 2004 he coordinated large-scale regional and national events for Clear Channel / SFX Motor Sports Group (now Feld), and from 2004 – 2008 was a Creative Consultant, PR Director and General Manager for Michael Jordan’s AMA Superbike race team effort, which won a National Championship in 2008, (Ken’s 20th career National Championship). Ken brings a unique perspective to Athletics programming, focusing on leadership, character development, and an athlete’s code of conduct. Ken and his family live in Aurora, IL.

Nate Miller

ARTS | BIKING

Nate has a diverse background including Music, Social Work, and International experience.  Born in Aurora, IL, he spent his youth in Papua New Guinea where his love for culture, social work, and the arts began.  He was educated in Music, with a concentration in Voice, achieving an undergraduate in Intercultural Studies at John Brown University.  Nate has invested several years in Social Work serving at-risk youth in a boarding school setting.  He also has 5 years management and technician experience with a bicycle shop. A former World Title competitor in BMX racing, he continues to remain active in the bicycling sport. Nate writes music and creates art as a part of the local art community.  Nate lives with his family in Aurora, IL.

Stefanie Blacksmith

ACADEMICS

Stefanie Blacksmith was born in Aurora, Illinois and grew up in the Fox River Valley. She attended Illinois State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2008. After student teaching and mentoring in Chicago’s Little Village community, she graduated and moved to Brooklyn, New York. There she served an internship with one of the largest children’s ministries in the United States. Upon returning to Illinois she served as Director of Children’s Ministry for a start-up church, developing innovative student curriculum and training a team of volunteer leaders. Stefanie has a strong desire to connect with youth and make a positive difference in underserved communities. Stefanie lives in the Fox River
Valley.

Sue Natiello

EVENTS | GRANTS

A native Chicagoan, Sue’s vocational experience includes leadership roles in for-profit and non-profit sectors. Before coming to Triple Threat, she served 10 years in a director role at a multi-site church of +4000 recognized as one of the top 20 most innovative, influential and fast growing churches in America.  Prior, Sue spent 10 years on the team of a large group practice, and 6 years managing a high volume private practice. She’s experienced in leadership development and training, strategic planning, communications, event management, team building, and volunteer training.  Sue is passionate about serving under-resourced youth, turning vision into reality, and engaging the community through active volunteerism.  Sue and her husband live in Aurora, IL.