About Us

Jesse A. Winters is President & CEO of T-REX, where he leads the organization’s mission to strengthen the St. Louis innovation ecosystem by supporting entrepreneurs, building partnerships, and helping startups thrive.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from Lindenwood University, an MBA from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and certificates in Entrepreneurship and Modern Scottish Literature from the University of Aberdeen. Throughout his career, he’s led nonprofits, built strategic partnerships, and advanced initiatives that drive innovation and economic growth.

Outside of work, Jesse enjoys spending time with his wife and son, tackling home projects, hiking, enjoying Missouri wine, and exploring new places with his family.

In her role as Community Director, Kathleen serves are a connector between startups, industry, government and students. Having joined the T-REX staff in 2014, Kathleen knows the building like the back of her hand and enjoys helping members make the most of their time at T-REX. She lives in South City with her husband and her dog, Jerry.

Nathanael Edward Bassett is T-REX’s Tearline Director, where he builds educational partnerships and supports research for NGA’s Tearline platform focused on unclassified, open-source geospatial intelligence. He holds a doctorate from the University of Illinois Chicago and a master’s degree from The New School, with a background in studying the societal impacts of emerging technologies. In his free time, he keeps his wife, two children, and sheepadoodle, Barnaby, on their toes by practicing increasingly dissonant jazz arrangements on the piano.

Noah Butler is the Director of Marketing and Communications for T-REX. Noah also serves as the Project Manager for the Geospatial Workforce Development Project and helps manage several other federal projects for T-REX. He received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Texas at Tyler. Noah has over a decade of experience in political campaigns, marketing, communications, public relations, and project management. In his free time, he likes to take his dog out for swims, hike, play disc golf, and be anywhere with his friends.

Tina Johnessee is the Facilities Director & Administrative Manager at T-REX, where she oversees facility operations, tenant services, and administrative functions that support one of the Midwest’s leading innovation hubs. She is dedicated to creating exceptional workplace experiences through operational excellence, outstanding customer service, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative environment. In her free time, she loves to go camping with her husband, daughter, and friends.

Ready to check out the building? Paige has your back! As our Meeting and Event Coordinator, she is the one who guides you through the space on a tour and will set you up with the perfect conference or event space. Outside the office, she loves trying new restaurants in the STL area.

As a Project Support Specialist, Tracy keeps project timelines on track and ensures everyone has what they need to succeed. Outside of work, you can usually find Tracy crocheting or tending to her garden. She has two dogs, Phoebe and Riley, who love to visit T-REX to collect their mandatory weekly quota of pets from the community!

Laura is the Secretary of T-REX and greets you when you walk onto the 5th floor. She has been working in the building since 1988, when it was Lammert Building Partnership! It has been T-REX since 2013 and Laura has been here through it all. She enjoys gardening, exploring small towns and National Parks and especially loves watching her four granddaughters play softball.

If you saw it on T-REX social or in the newsletter, you have Cat to thank! She supports T-REX marketing efforts by promoting the unique events and programming offered here. Outside of work, Cat loves running, Seinfeld, and traveling! She lives in South City with her two cats (fitting) and two rabbits.