Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced five appointments to the Interscholastic Athletic Oversight Commission, the newly established commission created through Senate Bill 863, which was sponsored by Senator Jason Bean and Representative Bennie Cook.
"Athletics and other extracurricular activities play a critical role in building leadership, teamwork, and resilience for students across Missouri, and we must ensure that students have a fair and competitive environment to learn, grow, and succeed," said Governor Kehoe. "The Interscholastic Athletic Oversight Commission will allow for a more transparent appeals process and gives the taxpayers who fund MSHSAA additional oversight in the decisions affecting students and their futures."
The Interscholastic Athletic Oversight Commission will primarily hear appeals involving contest procedures and student transfer eligibility for the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). Its decisions will be final and binding, with the Attorney General's Office representing the Commission in any legal challenges to its final rulings. Per state statute, the Commission will officially begin reviewing appeals during the 2027 - 2028 School Year. Making these appointments now allows the members to organize and establish governance and procedures.
“These appointees bring valuable experience in education, public service, business, and community leadership to this newly established Commission. I appreciate their willingness to serve and help ensure that the organizations overseeing student activities operate with transparency and accountability," continued Governor Kehoe.
Governor Kehoe’s appointments include the following individuals:
Doug Bax, of Jefferson City, most recently served as vice president of national sales for Learfield Communications Inc., where he worked for 37 years before retiring in 2025. He serves as the board chair of the Vitae Foundation and previously served on the St. Peter Advisory Board and the foundation benefiting Helias Catholic High School. Bax holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and Marketing from Missouri State University.
Joe Gildehaus, of Marthasville, owned and operated Professional Touch Painting and Decorating Inc. for more than 30 years before being elected Warren County Presiding Commissioner in 2019. He is a past president of the County Commissioners Association of Missouri and serves as the treasurer of the Missouri Association of Counties Board of Directors. Gildehaus graduated from St. Francis Borgia High School.
Don Lawrence, of St. Joseph, taught at Avenue City R-IX School before retiring in 2026. He previously served with the Midland Empire Football Officials Association, the Northwest Missouri School Administrators Association, and the Missouri Lions Club – Andrew County. Lawrence holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Missouri Western State University and a Master of Science in Administration from Northwest Missouri State University.
Jenny Monheiser, of Lee's Summit, is the founder and principal consultant of Strategic Impact Advisors and co-owner and executive operator of Metro Dumpsters. She coaches varsity girls’ basketball at Summit Christian Academy and its youth programs. Monheiser holds an Associate of Science degree from Kansas City Kansas Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Avila University.
Steven Weaver, of Jefferson City, has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience. He has served as a police sergeant, lieutenant of patrol operations, and currently serves as the investigations section lieutenant for the Jefferson City Police Department. He serves as treasurer of the Fraternal Order of Police. Weaver holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Lincoln University.
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