Person You Should Know: Tom Richards
Job description Our team manages investments totaling approximately $10 billion across the university’s three main portfolios: Professional background I began my career in public accounting, ultimately serving as an audit manager in the financial services practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers. That was followed by 10 years in banking, having served as chief financial officer of a large […]
PYSK: Dennis Gates
Company/organization: University of Missouri Job description Coach the Missouri Tigers men’s basketball team. Professional background Hometown Chicago, Illinois Time lived in Columbia 10 months Favorite volunteer/community activity Supporting as many organizations and programs as I have been able to work with during my first year in Columbia, such as the Suicide Prevention Walk, the Homecoming […]
PYSK: Mat Gass
Company/organization: Burrell Behavioral Health (Brightli is the parent company of Burrell Behavioral Health) Job description People leader and advocate working to increase access to behavioral healthcare across mid- Missouri. Professional background I have over 20 years of behavioral health experience in service to rural and underserved communities. I hold a bachelor’s degree in biology from […]
Person You Should Know: Roger Johnson
Job description Represent the citizens of Boone County in prosecution of criminal matters. Professional background I began working in 2005 as Assistant Attorney General representing the State of Missouri in criminal appeals. In 2008, I joined the Boone County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney as an assistant prosecutor. I spent a year doing educational law […]
PYSK: Brad Roling
Job description My job is to help Mid America Bank strategically expand its presence in this community. My main focus now is continuing to grow our commercial loan portfolio in this market. As we grow in COMO, I will add to our team and help formulate our plan to help and give back to our […]
Coach James P. Arnold
Professional backgroundI am entering my 21st year working in higher education. While the bulk of that time has been in athletics as a women’s basketball coach and administrator, I’ve also been blessed to work at some fantastic institutions with opportunities to contribute as director of residential life, interim vice president of enrollment management, adjunct faculty, […]
Dr. Helen Porter
Job description I am responsible for all middle and high schools in CPS. I am accountable for making sure the Board of Education’s mission and vision are implemented in all secondary schools, as well as communicating with administrators and assisting with the implementation of academics, curriculum, instruction, assessment, and leadership. Professional background I have spent […]
Candidates You Should Know
Connie Leipard President, Quality Drywall Construction Job description Overseeing budgets, staff, project estimating, project management and the overall success of the company. As a small business owner, wearing multiple hats is part of the job. Professional background I am an experienced professional with extensive executive experience in the construction industry. My skill sets include interpreting […]
On the Record
The April 5 election for Columbia City Council’s Third Ward seat ended with challenger Roy Lovelady and four-term incumbent Karl Skala both collecting 1,102 votes. A special election to fill the seat will take place during Missouri’s Primary Election Day on August 2. What is each candidate’s vision for the city’s future? How do they […]
Marshall Stewart
Job description Through the University of Missouri Office of Extension and Engagement, I lead statewide extension, continuing education, and university-wide engagement efforts. I also am the chief engagement officer for the UM System, leading statewide outreach and engagement strategies with leaders at the four system universities and key constituent groups. Professional background I have always […]
Amanda Jacobs
Job description I lead an incredible team in the managing of more than 450 residential rental properties for more than 50 different private property owners. It’s my job to maintain these real estate investments in such a way that the property owners are seeing a return on their investment and that the residents that live […]
Dr. Lester Woods, Jr.
Job descriptionI oversee four MoDOT divisions including communications, diversity and inclusion, health and wellness, and human resources. Professional backgroundI have been with MoDOT for 20 years, serving as the external civil rights director for 15 years before being named CAO. Prior to joining MoDOT, I worked in human resources at MU. I hold a bachelor’s […]