JULY 17, 2018

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Parson announced the launch of the Missouri Leadership Academy to develop emerging leaders from across the State of Missouri’s 16 executive departments. The State of Missouri has never before had such a leadership development program.

“Leadership is critical for any organization to succeed. For far too long, we have not invested in the next generation of our state government leaders,” said Governor Mike Parson. “I am proud that we are investing to make our leaders better for their teams and for the citizens of Missouri.”

The Missouri Leadership Academy is an innovative program that brings together emerging leaders from across all 16 executive departments to build new skills and become better leaders. This leadership program incorporates approaches that have proven successful in high performing organizations in both the public and private sectors.

This program’s foundation is the commitment that through better leadership, the State of Missouri will continue to improve and serve our citizens better.

“World-class organizations invest in their leaders. We heard loud and clear that our State of Missouri colleagues want to have opportunities to grow and develop their leadership skills. That’s what the Missouri Leadership Academy is about,” said Drew Erdmann, Chief Operating Officer of the State of Missouri. “The Leadership Academy is another component of the State of Missouri’s back-to-basics management agenda. Good leaders empower good teams, and good teams deliver good results for our citizens.”

The Missouri Leadership Academy was designed and launched in a collaboration across all 16 Cabinet executive departments as part of the State’s overall management reform agenda.

“It is great to see how the State of Missouri is bringing proven best practices from business and other governments to make our government stronger,” said Joel Walters, Director of the Department of Revenue. “After more than 30 years in the private sector, it is energizing to be part of building a new generation of public sector leaders.”

“The Missouri Leadership Academy is an important step forward in how we invest in our workforce and improve our state government’s performance for the citizens of Missouri,” said Sarah Steelman, Commissioner of the Office of Administration.

The first Missouri Leadership Academy class includes 1-3 representatives from each of the 16 Cabinet departments. Slates of candidates were nominated by their department leaders. Each nominee then had to submit a resume and a brief memorandum on why they were a good candidate for the program. A committee of Cabinet department leaders reviewed the applications and made the final selections.

The State of Missouri will have two classes a year. The next class will be nominated by Cabinet leaders in November 2018 to start in January 2019.

The Governor hosted the first class of the Missouri Leadership Academy for dinner at the Governor’s Mansion last night. Today, after its morning training session, the class had an informal lunch with leaders of the 16 Cabinet departments as part of their program.

The Missouri Leadership Academy is excited to partner with the University of Missouri’s Novak Leadership Institute for the implementation of key elements of this new program.

You can find more information about the Missouri Leadership Academy on the website: https://leadershipacademy.mo.gov. You can also keep up with the class at #MOLeadershipAcademy.

See below for brief biographies of the inaugural class of the Missouri Leadership Academy:

Camille Anderson-Weddle

Insurance Compliance Review Specialist III, Life and Health Section

Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions, and Professional Registration

As an Insurance Compliance Review Specialist III, Camille participates in the professional development and evaluation of the life and health unit by supporting the unit manager.  Camille provides guidance and training to analysts, evaluates intricate market filings, assists team members with complicated product filings and stays abreast of new state and federal laws impacting the insurance market.  Camille also participates in the fiscal note review process and assists in implementing new Missouri laws.  

 

Jeremy Beller

Senior Claims Supervisor, Springfield Regional Claims Center

Department of Labor

As a Senior Claims Supervisor at the Springfield Regional Claims Center, Jeremy supervises two team supervisors and 18 specialists, monitors and assigns team duties, assists and trains staff, performs documentation review, monitors leave, and reviews and submits time sheets. He has been with the department for more than 20 years.

 

Darcy Bybee

Director of Air Pollution Control Program

Department of Natural Resources

Darcy is the director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Air Pollution Control Program. Darcy joined the Department in 2005 and has since held various positions within the Air Program focusing on compliance/enforcement and air quality planning issues.  Darcy holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

 

David Coe

Senior Employee Development Specialist

Department of Transportation

David works on the employee development team at the Missouri Department of Transportation.  His current areas of responsibility include organizational assessment, leadership development, and organization development. His professional goal is to help create a work environment where people come to work engaged and ready to perform at their best. 

 

Stacia Dawson

Services Section Manager, Division of Purchasing

Office of Administration

As a Services Section Manager, Stacia serves in a highly visible leadership role managing a team of eight staff who handle the service procurements for the state. She began her professional career with the state as a Buyer I in 2005 and has moved through the ranks at the Division of Purchasing in the last 13 years.

 

Kylie Dickneite

Gaming Enforcement Manager, Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC)

Department of Public Safety

Kylie is a Gaming Enforcement Manager at the Missouri Gaming Commission in conjunction with being deployed to a statewide task force in regards to statewide information sharing.  She oversees the Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Unit’s National Gambling Intelligence Sharing Group (NGISG), which regularly coordinates gambling-related intelligence and investigative information between multiple state and federal agencies. Kylie has served 21 years in support of Missouri public safety working for the Missouri Gaming Commission and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. 

 

Doris Falkenrath

Deputy Warden, Fulton Reception & Diagnostic Center

Department of Corrections

Doris is the Deputy Warden of Offender Management at the Fulton Reception & Diagnostic Center. Her daily operations include oversight of custody and security measures and the appropriate classification and assignment of offenders. Doris has been dedicated to public service for more than 26 years as a soldier in the U.S. Army, a security officer for the Department of the Army, and a correctional staff member for the Missouri Department of Corrections.

 

Jacob Fleig

Feed, Seed, and Treated Timber Program Coordinator, Plant Industries Division

Department of Agriculture

As the Program Coordinator for the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Feed, Seed and Treated Timber, Jacob manages the Seed Control Laboratory and oversees the implementation of the Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS) and FDA contract work for the feed inspection program.  Prior to serving the State of Missouri, Jacob spent over 20 years in the food and beverage industry managing restaurants, commercial kitchens and a winery, vineyard and bistro. As an active duty member of the United States Air Force (USAF) from 1987 to 1991, he deployed during Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

 

Jeramiah Gandhi

Assistant Director, Northwest Community Services

Department of Mental Health

Jeramiah is the Assistant Director for Northwest Community Services, a state-operated community provider agency that provides services to 163 individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.  He oversees all aspects of the residential, community employment, community integration, and crisis programs for the agency.  Responsibilities include supervising staff, program development, and ensuring waiver principles and HCBS assurances are met for certification. Jeramiah has worked for the Division of Developmental Disabilities since 1993 starting as a direct support professional.

 

Michelle Hataway

Project Manager

Department of Economic Development

Michelle is a Project Manager for the Department of Economic Development. She works with startups and existing businesses in their efforts to expand, invest, and create jobs within the State of Missouri. Companies she has worked with include Centene Corporation, Seyer Industries, Lockerdome, Witte Bros, and Pfizer.

 

Julia LePage

Director of Community Supports

Department of Mental Health

Julia, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, is the Director of Community Supports at the Division of Developmental Disabilities.  Her previous state positions include Director of the Office of Autism, Department of Mental Health and Director of Special Education Effective Practices, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

 

Tiffany Lomosi

District Administrator, Division of Probation and Parole

Department of Corrections

Tiffany is the District Administrator for Probation and Parole District 10 North in Springfield and is responsible for 24 staff. She oversees the daily operations of the office, addresses personnel issues, and meets with community officials. Additionally, as the chairperson of the Training Advisory Committee, she oversees the application process for adjunct trainers, helps develop and maintain curriculum presented to staff, and conducts trainings.

 

Travis McLain

Protection Programs Specialist

Department of Conservation

Travis serves as the Protection Division’s Programs Specialist.  His current responsibilities include coordinating, supervising, and delivering law enforcement training at the Conservation Agent Training Academy; coordinating the Division’s budget; and coordinating the Share the Harvest, Operation Game Thief, and Atlas Regulations programs. Travis has been employed with MDC since 1994 and has worked as a temporary Wildlife and Fisheries Assistant in Northwest Missouri; a Conservation Agent with assignments in Polk, Holt, and Barry Counties; and a Protection District Supervisor in the Kansas City Metro District. He recently earned a Juris Doctor degree from St. Louis University School of Law.

 

Tanika Nevills

Manager, Southwest Regional Resource Center

Department of Social Services

As the manager of the Southwest Regional Resource Center, Tanika oversees 26 resource centers in 12 counties. Previously, she supervised at the Jefferson City Call/Customer Service center and at the MoHealthnet Aged, Blind, and Disabled /Medical Review Team Processing Center in Springfield.

 

Lee Pearson

Budget Analyst III

Department of Health and Senior Services

Lee is a Budget Analyst III with the Department of Health and Senior Services.  His current professional responsibilities include working with division staff on preparing and compiling the budget book, reviewing legislation, and submitting corresponding fiscal notes.  He is enrolled at the University of Missouri Truman School of Public Affairs pursuing a Master of Public Administration. 

 

T. Scott Pinkley

Youth Group Leader, Mount Vernon Treatment Facility

Department of Social Services

Scott is a Youth Group Leader with the Division of Youth Services at the Mount Vernon Treatment Center in southwest Missouri. He began his professional career with the Department of Social Services in 2005 as a Youth Specialist but was quickly promoted to a leadership role. Scott served with the Missouri Army National Guard and is an intricate member of continuous improvement projects within the Department of Social Services. He attended Missouri Southern State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and an associate degree in law enforcement.

 

Joseph Plaggenberg

Administrator, Driver License Bureau

Department of Revenue

Joseph is the Administrator of the Driver License Bureau at the Department of Revenue. He previously served as General Counsel for the Motor Vehicle and Driver License Division. Prior to that, Joseph worked as counsel for the Department of Social Services on child abuse and neglect cases.

 

Angelette Prichett

Research Associate IV, Academic Affairs

Department of Higher Education

Angelette is a Research Associate with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and coordinates the state’s curriculum and assessment initiatives with primary responsibility for advancing the state’s Core General Education Transfer Curriculum (CORE 42), and Transfer Library.  Prior to moving into higher education, Angelette was a medical social worker in the hospital, home health, and hospice settings, providing discharge planning, end-of-life family planning, trauma and grief counseling. Angelette holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

 

Angela Riner-Mooney

Coordinator of Business Systems, Office of Data System Management

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

As the Coordinator of Business Systems, Angela functions as a liaison between the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) offices and Office of Administration – Information Technology Services Division (OA-ITSD) to support the communication plan, enforce roles and responsibilities, develop project plans, establish priorities, and maintain the workloads of the team members. Her position is unique because it allows her the ability to provide global perspective and guidance as her agency develops new projects and applications.

 

Stacey Smith

Alternative Project Delivery (APD) Coordinator

Department of Transportation

Stacey is the Alternative Project Delivery Coordinator for the St. Louis District of the Missouri Department of Transportation. She manages projects and advises project teams statewide while promoting the use of alternative project delivery methods and innovative transportation solutions. She earned her Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Missouri and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Missouri.

 

Myles Strid

Corrections Supervisor II, Jefferson City Correctional Center

Department of Corrections

Myles is a Major for the Missouri Department of Corrections and serves as the Chief of Custody at Jefferson City Correctional Center, a maximum-security prison housing just under 2,000 offenders. His professional responsibilities involve managing a section of approximately 350 uniformed officers. In addition, he is responsible for all security related needs at the Jefferson City Correctional Center.

 

Elizabeth Weyrauch

Department of Public Safety Manager/State Hazard Mitigation Officer

Department of Public Safety

Elizabeth currently serves as the State Hazard Mitigation Officer for the State Emergency Management Agency.  Elizabeth has served the State of Missouri for 10 years with experience in the Department of Health and Senior Services and the Office of Administration. Prior to working for the State, Elizabeth owned and managed a multi-line insurance agency.

 

Angela Wilson

Pharmacy Operations Manager

Department of Social Services

Angela is the Pharmacy Operations Manager for the MO HealthNet Division Pharmacy Program. She is responsible for the technical development, evaluation, planning, and implementation of policies that apply to the Pharmacy and MORx programs as well as the leadership and supervision of the pharmacy unit staff. She has been with MO Health Net since 2002 working her way up from a Medicaid Pharmaceutical Technician to Manager.

JULY 18, 2018

Jefferson City — On Tuesday, Governor Mike Parson announced the appointments of 16 individuals to serve on the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board, the Children’s Trust Fund Board, and the Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board.

“Our children’s welfare is a top priority for this administration,” said Governor Parson. “By making sure these boards are appropriately staffed, we can be sure that our kids’ safety and best interests remain intact.”

Jon Kempker, Chassity Nevels, Amy Robins, Janet Rogers, Monica Walker, and Dr. Donna Washburn were appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.  Dr. Jamie Kondis was reappointed to the Board.

The Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board works to provide a review of child abuse and neglect decisions from the Children’s Division in cases where the defendant is upset with the outcome.  The Board is made up of individuals from many different professions, including law enforcement or juvenile officers; attorneys, physicians, nurses, or other medical professionals; psychologists, counselors, or social workers; and members of the public.  

Dr. Nanci Bobrow was reappointed to the Children’s Trust Fund Board. The Children’s Trust Fund’s mission is to prevent and diminish child abuse and neglect through policy development, training programs, appropriations, and promoting public awareness. 

Steven Archer, Crissy Mayberry, and Melanie McDole were appointed to the Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board.  Karen Anderson, Jennifer Foster, The Honorable Thomas Frawley, Linda Hosman, and Dana Lopez were reappointed to the Board.

The Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board, made up of foster and adoptive parents, works to provide recommendations and policy suggestions for improving foster care and adoption practices.  The Board is comprised of members representing every region of Missouri.

JULY 18, 2018

Jefferson City — This morning, Governor Mike Parson met with State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Director Ernie Rhodes, Department of Public Safety Director Drew Juden, and SEMA Chief of Operations Terry Cassil to thank Cassil for his service before his departure to Hilo, Hawaii.

Cassil, who has been federally deployed to multiple disasters across the United States as a member of Missouri Task Force-1, has been assigned through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) and will serve as a Safety Officer.

EMAC is implemented through the State Emergency Management Agencies, is an all hazards-all disciplines mutual aid compact, and serves as the cornerstone of the nation's mutual aid system. This allows states to use mechanisms (intrastate law, intergovernmental agreements, memorandums of agreement or understanding, and governor executive order) to share resources within their state (from all jurisdictions) with other Member States.

Recovery from the April severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides in the City and County of Honolulu and Kaua’i County has been underway for months, and the need for assistance is still in high demand.

“Deploying SEMA personnel on EMAC missions like this are important because it allows Missouri to serve the communities of the hosting state in conditions and circumstances that are unimaginable," said Director Ernie Rhodes. "Experiences like this also bring back important lessons that we can use here to protect the citizens and make our home, Missouri, more resilient."

Governor Parson said, “We are proud of Terry’s willingness to respond to the call by helping Hawaii. He is a highly qualified individual and a true public servant. We appreciate him representing Missouri and responding to Hawaii’s recovery efforts.”

As a Safety Officer, Cassil’s objective will be the safety of responders, reporting on July 20 and returning home August 2.

JULY 18, 2018

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson called upon the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to activate the Drought Assessment Committee and the associated drought impact teams.

“Missouri farmers are resilient, but with no control over Mother Nature, this year’s drought has been difficult to battle,” said Governor Parson. “By responding early to this drought, we can greatly reduce the impact upon our agricultural community as well as on all Missouri citizens.  Our farmers are the backbone of our state, and it is imperative that we assist to get through this difficult time.”

There are several known drought impacts at this time, including those to livestock forage and water. There are also at least three public water supplies impacted in northern Missouri.

In accordance with Phase One of Missouri’s Drought Plan, the Department of Natural Resources convened the Climate and Weather Committee in January 2018 to begin monitoring drought conditions and consider response options.

“The committee has been evaluating drought impact reports from across the state,” said Dru Buntin, Deputy Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “One of the benefits of activating the Drought Assessment Committee is that it allows us to better coordinate resources to address impacts.”

At its July 13 meeting, the Climate and Weather Committee recommended that Phase Two of Missouri’s Drought Plan be activated.

Phase Two includes declaring a Drought Alert for 47 Missouri counties currently experiencing severe or extreme drought on the U.S. Drought Monitor issued July 12, 2018: Adair, Andrew, Audrain, Barry, Barton, Boone, Buchanan, Caldwell, Callaway, Carroll, Chariton, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Cole, Cooper, Dade, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Howard, Jackson, Jasper, Knox, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lewis, Linn, Livingston, Macon, McDonald, Mercer, Moniteau, Monroe, Newton, Nodaway, Platte, Putnam, Randolph, Ray, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Sullivan, and Worth.

In June, to aid the agricultural community, the Department of Natural Resources’ Soil and Water Districts Commission granted a statewide variance that allows grazing on practices that would normally be livestock-excluded. 

For more information on the Missouri Drought Plan, the Drought Assessment Committee, Executive Order 18-05, and the Drought Monitor map visit https://dnr.mo.gov/drought.htm.

JULY 19, 2018

Jefferson City — On Thursday, Governor Mike Parson spoke out in support of President Trump’s announcement on his new workforce development plan. 

“We applaud President Trump for taking action to address our nation’s workforce needs,” said Governor Parson. “We will be working closely with Missouri companies to support the President’s commitment to invest in workforce advancement, create opportunities to succeed in the modern workplace, and promote apprenticeships to reskill and prepare Missouri’s workforce to have better careers.” 

The proposal will establish the National Council for the American Worker; will form an advisory board comprised of leaders from the private sector, institutions, organizations, and state government; and will ask companies and trade groups throughout the United States to sign President Trump’s Pledge to America’s Workers. 

The pledge will be a commitment to expanding apprenticeships, increasing on-the-job training, and providing Americans from high school to near-retirement with opportunities to secure stable jobs and careers in the modern economy.

“We will be encouraging Missouri companies and trade groups across the state to support the President’s commitments to invest in the current and future workforce,” said Governor Parson. “By signing this pledge, we are committing to supporting the Missouri worker.” 

JULY 20, 2018

Branson — Governor Mike Parson spent Friday in the Branson area meeting with survivors, victims’ relatives, rescuers, and emergency responders following the tragic sinking of a “duck” boat that killed 17 people in a severe storm on Thursday.

“What happened here last night was a heart-breaking tragedy, and we must all work together to support the victims and their families,” Gov. Parson said. “The courageous efforts of emergency responders and civilian rescuers helped avert an even worse tragedy, as people rushed to help in extremely dangerous conditions. I was inspired by the stories I heard from some of those who were part of the rescue effort and tremendously encouraged by the strength of the family members of victims I met with today. We pray for all those who were affected by this terrible tragedy.”

After meeting with Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader and others leading the recovery operation early Friday morning, Gov. Parson traveled to Cox Medical Center Branson to meet with survivors and some of the medical personnel who helped treat some of those injured Thursday night.  The Governor also met with some of the civilians and emergency responders who helped with rescues Thursday and with the loved ones of some of the victims.

Thirty-one people were onboard the Ride the Ducks amphibious vehicle when it sunk in strong winds and large waves Thursday evening. After working throughout the night and into today, nine Missouri State Highway Patrol divers have recovered the remaining four bodies from the water totaling 17 fatalities. The Patrol divers were among several dive teams that all worked expeditiously to recover the victims. Many of the victims were out of state visitors to the Branson area. Of the 14 survivors, seven were injured, one seriously.

The investigation into the boat sinking is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Coast Guard. The Governor pledged the support of all state resources necessary to assist with the investigation.

On Friday, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Critical Incident Stress Management team deployed to Branson to assist State Parks concessionaire staff and visitors who helped in search and rescue efforts Thursday. The concessionaire staff and visitors helped rescue two of the survivors and recovered the bodies of three victims immediately after the boat sank.  

Other state resources that have responded to assist include the Department of Conservation and DNR State Parks rangers, the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Department of Mental Health, and the State Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Mortuary Assistance Team.

Other agencies that have played critical parts in response and recovery efforts include the Stone County Sheriff’s Department, Taney County Sheriff’s Department, Christian County Sheriff’s Department, Branson Police Department, Branson Fire Department, Southern Stone County Fire, Western Taney County Fire, Taney County Ambulance District, and Mercy Ambulance.

Gov. Parson reminded the public that severe storms are again in the forecast, for southeast Missouri, this afternoon and evening and cautioned the public to follow their local forecast and to always take protective action when severe weather strikes.

Click here to view the Governor's Proclamation.

JULY 25, 2018

Kansas City — Governor Mike Parson met with Kansas City police officers Mike Delaney, Matthew “Buck” Williams, and Brent Cartwright, who were shot and wounded in the line of duty on July 15.  Though coming under heavy fire, thankfully all three officers will overcome their injuries.

“Missouri’s public safety officers and first responders courageously and selflessly take on tremendous risks each time they answer a call,” said Governor Parson.  “Each time they respond, they are quietly reaffirming their solemn commitment to risk their own lives to protect others.  For this, they deserve our thanks, and continued prayers and support.”

Since the incident in Kansas City, there have been multiple incidents where Missouri public safety officers and agencies have honored that commitment as they have faced the more excruciating part of their profession.

A Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper was shot twice in Wright County investigating a suspicious vehicle.  The next day, a Poplar Bluff Police Officer and a U.S. Marshals Task Force Officer were struck by gunfire after attempting an arrest.  All three officers are expected to recover. 

On July 18, a St. Charles Fire Department Captain suffered serious burns from an explosion while trying to extinguish a burning truck.  Though hospitalized, he will have a long road of recovery. 

Last Thursday and throughout the weekend, emergency responders, firefighters, and law enforcement officers responded to the Table Rock Lake tragedy and have worked tirelessly to save survivors, recover the missing, and assist in the investigation.  Among the departments that have served during this crucial time are the Stone County Sheriff’s Department, Taney County Sheriff’s Department, Christian County Sheriff’s Department, Branson Police Department, Branson Fire Department, Southern Stone County Fire Department, Western Taney County Fire Department, Taney County Ambulance District, and Mercy Ambulance Service.

“It has been a difficult last few weeks for Missouri and those affected by these incidents,” said Governor Parson. “As we begin to heal, we need to remember the courageous men and women who dedicate their lives to keep us safe from harm.”

JULY 26, 2018

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson continues to show strong support for our veterans. Governor Parson appreciates the Missouri Veterans Commission and new director Grace Link’s aggressive approach to see that Missouri Veterans Homes are safe and efficiently managed.

“I am glad to see that the Missouri Veterans Commission continues to take steps to address the serious issues that had been allowed to continue for too long at the St. Louis Veterans Home,” said Governor Parson. “The investigation that was conducted during my time as Lieutenant Governor revealed that Missouri’s heroes were not receiving the attention and care they deserved at the St. Louis home. The Governor’s Office will continue to monitor progress throughout the Veterans Homes and work with the Commission to ensure conditions continue to improve.”  

JULY 27, 2018

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Parson announces eleven appointments to Missouri’s boards and commissions.

Steve Abney, of Warrensburg, was appointed to the University of Central Missouri Board of Governors.

Abney is the chairman, president, and CEO of Central Bank of Warrensburg.  He studied at the University of Central Missouri and graduated from the Mid-South School of Banking and the Trust School of Banking.  Abney serves on the University of Central Missouri Athletic Committee and is a member of the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, the Warrensburg R-VI Educational Foundation, and the Warrensburg Rotary Club.

Lynn Farrell, of Osage Beach, was appointed to the Missouri Real Estate Commission.

Farrell is a broker/owner for John Farrell Real Estate Company.  She serves as state director for the Bagnell Dam Association of Realtors and as state president for the Missouri Women’s Council of Realtors.

Cindy Fox, of O’Fallon, was appointed to the Missouri Real Estate Commission.

Fox is a broker/owner for Real Living Now Real Estate in St. Charles County.  She served as president of St. Charles Association of REALTORS in 2016 and currently serves as a board member for Missouri REALTORS.

Paul Granberry, of St. Louis, was appointed as the student representative of the Missouri Western State University Board of Governors.

Granberry is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in political science.  He is the Assistant Director of External Relations for the Student Government Association and serves as a Resident Assistant on campus.

Emily Hymer, of Asbury, was reappointed to the Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board.

Hymer is a current foster and adoptive parent.  She previously worked as a child advocate for Children’s Haven of Southwest Missouri.  Hymer holds an associate’s degree from Missouri Southern University.

Dr. Mary Long, of Kansas City, was reappointed to the University of Central Missouri Board of Governors.

Dr. Long has been serving on the Board of Governors since May 2009.  She retired as a principal for the Kansas City Missouri School District in 2007.  Dr. Long holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business education from Alcorn A&M University and a Master of Science degree in vocational business education from Mississippi State University.  She earned a Specialist degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University. 

Tiffany Middlemas, of Kirksville, was appointed as the student representative of the Truman State University Board of Governors. 

Middlemas is pursuing bachelor’s degrees in business administration and history.  She is a Student Ambassador in the Admissions Office and a Student Worker in the Advancement Office.  Middlemas is a member of the Pershing Society and the Bulldog Student Investment Fund.

John Moore, of Raymore, was appointed to the Northwest Missouri State University Board of Regents.

Moore retired as the chief operating officer of the 12^th Federal Reserve District.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Northwest Missouri State University and a graduate degree in banking from the University of Wisconsin.

Casey Short, of Greenfield, was appointed as the student representative of the University of Central Missouri Board of Governors.

Short is majoring in criminal justice and with a minor in forensic science.  She is a member of the UCM Honors College, Lambda Alpha Epsilon, and UCM Young Americans for Freedom.  

Avery Welker, of Perryville, was appointed as the student representative of the University of Missouri Board of Curators. 

Welker is a Ph.D. student studying petroleum engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology.  He holds a bachelor’s degree from Missouri University of Science and Technology and an associate’s degree from Northwest Missouri State University. 

Dr. Gus Wetzel, of Clinton, was reappointed to the University of Central Missouri Board of Governors.  

Dr. Wetzel has served on the Board of Governors since 2011.  He is a board-certified general surgeon at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton.  Dr. Wetzel received a bachelor's degree from Westminster College and a medical degree from Tulane Medical School.  He has been involved with the Clinton Rotary Club, United Methodist Church, and St. Paul School of Theology Board of Trustees. 

AUGUST 12, 2018

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson attended the annual dinner for the Missouri Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) on Friday night.  The event was held at the Capitol Plaza in Jefferson City and honored the thousands of Missouri service members who live in Missouri and are deployed throughout the world. Missouri employers were also recognized for hiring members of the National Guard and Reserve and supporting the program.  

Governor Parson spoke about how important the role of the ESGR is to the livelihoods of our Guard, Reservists, and their families as they fulfill their commitment to our country.  He also stressed how the administration will continue to answer the call to make sure our veterans and active members of the military have the support of our government. 

“Our state government will continue to support our service members and family members and work to make Missouri the nation’s most military and veteran friendly state,” said Governor Parson.  “I want to thank the employers who continue to show their commitment and support of ESGR.  Our employers at the ceremony set the standard locally and nationally with their service to the men and women from Missouri who choose to put on the uniform and defend our country.”

In 2017, the program presented 322 awards to Missouri employers. To be recognized, nominations must come from a guard or reserve member who is employed by the organization or from a family member.  The award was created to publicly recognize exceptional support to their Guard and Reserve employees.