Rural Innovation.
Real Impact.
Who
Are We?
Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to eliminate skills and opportunity gaps in rural digital economies. For over a decade, we've trained builders, launched startups, and helped Missouri communities access the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the innovation economy.
Our
Approach
Learn-Measure-Build
Our methodology of systematic approaches that work.
AI-Native from Day One
Not legacy training adapted for AI—built AI-first
Depth Over Breadth
Mastery, not just exposure
Results-Focused
Programs designed for rural realities, not retrofitted from coastal playbooks.
Sister Organization
Codefi Foundation works alongside Traction Studio, Inc.—a Public Benefit Corporation—to extend our impact beyond Missouri. Traction Studio offers paid programs to a national audience, generating sustainable revenue that strengthens our shared mission. Together: nonprofit heart and for-profit engine.
National Builders:
Access our programs through Traction Studio.
Who Are We?
Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to eliminate skills and opportunity gaps in rural digital economies. For over a decade, we've trained builders, launched startups, and helped Missouri communities access the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the innovation economy.
Our Approach
Learn-Measure-Build
Our methodology of systematic approaches that work.
AI-Native from Day One
Not legacy training adapted for AI—built AI-first
Depth Over Breadth
Mastery, not just exposure
Results-Focused
Programs designed for rural realities, not retrofitted from coastal playbooks.
Sister Organization
Codefi Foundation works alongside Traction Studio, Inc.—a Public Benefit Corporation—to extend our impact beyond Missouri. Traction Studio offers paid programs to a national audience, generating sustainable revenue that strengthens our shared mission. Together: nonprofit heart and for-profit engine.
National Builders:
Access our programs through Traction Studio.
Who
Are We?
Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to eliminate skills and opportunity gaps in rural digital economies. For over a decade, we've trained builders, launched startups, and helped Missouri communities access the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the innovation economy.
Our
Approach
Learn-Measure-Build
Our methodology of systematic approaches that work.
AI-Native from Day One
Not legacy training adapted for AI—built AI-first
Depth Over Breadth
Mastery, not just exposure
Results-Focused
Programs designed for rural realities, not retrofitted from coastal playbooks.
Sister Organization
Codefi Foundation works alongside Traction Studio, Inc.—a Public Benefit Corporation—to extend our impact beyond Missouri. Traction Studio offers paid programs to a national audience, generating sustainable revenue that strengthens our shared mission. Together: nonprofit heart and for-profit engine.
National Builders:
Access our programs through Traction Studio.
Why Codefi?
Built for Speed, Not Shortcuts
AI is changing what's possible—but only if you know how to use it well. We pair cutting-edge tools with 10+ years of proven methodology, so the people we serve build the right thing, not just the fast thing.
AI-First Methods
Proven Frameworks
One Studio, Every Stage
Most programs stop at education. We don't. From AI skills to startup validation to product development, we meet builders wherever they are—and stay with them as they grow.
4 Paths
All Connected
Real Experience, Real Results
We measure success in products shipped, businesses launched, and communities strengthened—not certificates earned. Over a decade of proving what's possible in rural America.
500+ Trainees
100+ Startups
10+ Years
Why Codefi?
Built for Speed, Not Shortcuts
AI is changing what's possible—but only if you know how to use it well. We pair cutting-edge tools with 10+ years of proven methodology, so the people we serve build the right thing, not just the fast thing.
AI-First Methods
Proven Frameworks
One Studio, Every Stage
Most programs stop at education. We don't. From AI skills to startup validation to product development, we meet builders wherever they are—and stay with them as they grow.
4 Paths
All Connected
Real Experience, Real Results
We measure success in products shipped, businesses launched, and communities strengthened—not certificates earned. Over a decade of proving what's possible in rural America.
500+ Trainees
100+ Startups
10+ Years
Why Codefi?
Built for Speed, Not Shortcuts
AI is changing what's possible—but only if you know how to use it well. We pair cutting-edge tools with 10+ years of proven methodology, so the people we serve build the right thing, not just the fast thing.
AI-First Methods
Proven Frameworks
One Studio, Every Stage
Most programs stop at education. We don't. From AI skills to startup validation to product development, we meet builders wherever they are—and stay with them as they grow.
4 Paths
All Connected
Real Experience, Real Results
We measure success in products shipped, businesses launched, and communities strengthened—not certificates earned. Over a decade of proving what's possible in rural America.
500+ Trainees
100+ Startups
10+ Years
Our Team
Not just defying the rules; re-writing them. Together. Co-defying.
Liza Buerck
Project Coordinator / QA Analyst
Liza Buerck
Project Coordinator / QA Analyst
Liza Buerck
Project Coordinator / QA Analyst
Shana Burden
Startup Program Coordinator
Shana Burden
Startup Program Coordinator
Shana Burden
Startup Program Coordinator
Jody Chaffin
Chief Venture Officer
Jody Chaffin
Chief Venture Officer
Jody Chaffin
Chief Venture Officer
Dalton DeMaria
Senior Software Engineer
Dalton DeMaria
Senior Software Engineer
Dalton DeMaria
Senior Software Engineer
Cara Dirnberger
Adult Education Director
Cara Dirnberger
Adult Education Director
Cara Dirnberger
Adult Education Director
Garrett Duncan
Code Labs Code Coach
Garrett Duncan
Code Labs Code Coach
Garrett Duncan
Code Labs Code Coach
Charles Elliott
Vice President of Strategic Growth
Charles Elliott
Vice President of Strategic Growth
Charles Elliott
Vice President of Strategic Growth
Iva Harbison
Vice President of Operations
Iva Harbison
Vice President of Operations
Iva Harbison
Vice President of Operations
Brian Holdman
Chief Technology Officer
Brian Holdman
Chief Technology Officer
Brian Holdman
Chief Technology Officer
Nolan Hovis
Junior Software Developer
Nolan Hovis
Junior Software Developer
Nolan Hovis
Junior Software Developer
Shantanu Kashyap
Product Designer
Shantanu Kashyap
Product Designer
Shantanu Kashyap
Product Designer
Kevin Kirchner
Vice President of Innovation
Kevin Kirchner
Vice President of Innovation
Kevin Kirchner
Vice President of Innovation
Jason Lowenthal
Staff Engineer
Jason Lowenthal
Staff Engineer
Jason Lowenthal
Staff Engineer
Craig McMahon
Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer
Craig McMahon
Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer
Craig McMahon
Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer
Rachel O'Loughlin
Project Manager
Rachel O'Loughlin
Project Manager
Rachel O'Loughlin
Project Manager
Crystal Owens
Startup Program Director
Crystal Owens
Startup Program Director
Crystal Owens
Startup Program Director
Brian Rhodes
Senior Designer
Brian Rhodes
Senior Designer
Brian Rhodes
Senior Designer
James Stapleton, Ph.D
President & CEO
James Stapleton, Ph.D
President & CEO
James Stapleton, Ph.D
President & CEO
Katelyn Waters
Community Manager
Katelyn Waters
Community Manager
Katelyn Waters
Community Manager
Zach Young
Senior Software Developer
Zach Young
Senior Software Developer
Zach Young
Senior Software Developer
See What's Possible!
Follow along as we train builders, launch startups, and prove what rural communities can do.
See What's Possible!
Follow along as we train builders, launch startups, and prove what rural communities can do.
See What's Possible!
Follow along as we train builders, launch startups, and prove what rural communities can do.