Election Results - by Marissa Todd

​Greetings Apra Mo/Kan!

This is a bittersweet post as we just held elections and I am officially in my last month as your President. It has been such an honor to serve our Chapter in this role for the last two years. In that time we held our first joint conference with Apra Great Plains, expanded our membership, and started this blog. We have a very active Twitter account and have been adding more programming, focusing on virtual ways to bring us all together across our wide geography. More exciting things are in store and you will have an amazing group of dedicated volunteers leading the way. I am thrilled to announce our Apra Mo/Kan Board for 2019-2020

President: Brinkley Smith, University of Missouri St. Louis
Vice-President/Secretary: Shannon Koehn, Wichita State University Foundation
Treasurer/Membership Director: Heather Held Nelson, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation
Communications Director: Travis Sewell, St. Louis Symphony
Conference Chair: Samantha Welsh, University of Missouri
Program Director: Michelle Brownlee, Children’s Mercy

This terrific group spans our geography and represents a diverse group of organizations. I am so proud we as a Chapter have so many engaged members who want to serve.

I am moving on to Apra International’s board where I hope to represent small shops and the Midwest with pride. Know although I will not be part of your Chapter leadership, I am still here and will be an ear for the new board if they need me.

There are two other board members who are rolling off and I cannot thank them enough for all they have done for our Chapter during their tenures. Caitlin Sturgeon has been the Communication Director for six years. In that time she has redone the Chapter website, created numerous conference logos and materials, and launched our Twitter account and blog. She has done so much to keep us organized and connected with members. Julie Craig has been the Vice-President/Secretary for several years. Julie’s experience and leadership were key in restructuring our board and creating our first budget. In addition to her formal board role, Julie has volunteered for the conference committee the last three years, playing an instrumental part in our successful conference growth and programming. It’s no wonder Apra is honoring Julie with the Margaret Fuhry Award this year, a testament to her leadership, mentorship, and volunteerism.

Being part of Apra Mo/Kan has expanded my knowledge of our profession and created new friendships and connections. I hope you continue to find our Chapter meaningful for you in these ways and many others. Thank you for letting me be a part of this amazing organization! See you in Phoenix for Prospect Development or at a future Apra Mo/Kan event!