Robert P. Essner has served on the Foundation board since 1986. After 47 years in accounting, Essner retired as partner from Essner, Miles and Modde, LLC in Sikeston in 2025. He is a 1973 graduate of Notre Dame and a 1976 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Missouri Society of CPAs. He is a past president and officer of the Kelso Jaycees and has served as treasurer of the Kelso Youth League, Inc. He is a member of St. Augustine Parish, Kelso, where he serves as president of the parish finance committee, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6420. Essner and his wife, Karla, have three children, all graduates of Notre Dame High School; Nathan (’99), Bonnie (’00), and Lee (’04).