Passion & Purpose: Summer 2025
A message from Winter
We celebrate New Year’s Eve twice a year at the CFO — once as gifts from generous donors roll in on Dec. 31, and again as we close the books on our fiscal year on June 30.
And what a year it has been! We made more than $75 million in grants, scholarships and charitable distributions, surpassed $500 million in assets under management, and renovated the fourth floor of 300 South Jefferson to serve as our new headquarters. By the time you read this, we will be making the move into our new home — I think popping open a third bottle of bubbly is in our future!
Gratitude & Appreciation for Past Board Members
I am so grateful for the guidance of our Board of Directors, volunteer leaders who generously give of their time and talent. Five of these individuals recently completed their terms, having served in a variety of leadership roles for the CFO and our affiliate foundation network.
Richard Cavender completed his second term on the CFO board, representing Rolla and the Meramec region. During his first tour of duty, he was our board chair. Richard is a Legacy Society member and continues to serve on the boards of both the Phelps County and Meramec Regional community foundations. Richard and his wife, Jeannie, established the Richard and Jeannie Cavender Scholarship for Public Service.
Laurie Edmondson also is a past board chair, representing Springfield. Laurie had a very busy time during her tenure, serving on our Development, Governance, Scholarships, Children’s Trust Fund Facility Improvement and Infrastructure, Early Childhood and Executive committees. Laurie remains involved as an advisor for several funds left to us in the estate of Jewell Thompson Schweitzer.
Kristi Montague, representing the southwestern portion of our region, also served on the Carthage Community Foundation board. Kristi served on the Coover Regional grant committee and is a member of the Legacy Society and the Professional Advisors Council. Kristi is a fundholder with the Carthage Community Foundation and the CFO.
Doug Nickell, a Springfield estate attorney, is a longtime PAC member and a Legacy Society member. Doug and his wife, Rae, established the Doug and Rae Nickell Family Fund as well as the Miller and Sanford Educational Enhancement Fund.
Dean Thompson, from Republic, served as our board chair for 2023–24, ushering the CFO through its purchase of its new home at 300 South Jefferson as well as a leadership transition. He also served on the Development, Executive and Governance committees, the Facilities Task Force, and the Ozarks Charitable Real Estate Foundation. Dean is an advisor for seven funds, including LORE — Leaders for Ozarks Regional Evolvement — an initiative launched earlier this year to improve quality of life and grow a regional workforce.
New Board Members & Executive Committee
We welcome five new board members, who began their first three-year terms on July 1.
Dr. Josh Cotter is an educator and director of Southern Missouri Technical Institute in West Plains. He recently completed his final term as board chair for the Community Foundation of West Plains Inc.
Barb Houser, representing Springfield, leads the nonprofit practice of KPM CPAs. She serves on the CFO board as the new chair of the Audit/Operations Committee.
Travis Liles is a director with Forvis Mazars Private Client. Travis began his career with the CFO and returns to serve on the board representing Springfield.
Dr. Judith Martínez-García is an associate professor of languages, cultures and religion at Missouri State University in Springfield.
Louise Secker is a real estate professional and chair for the Joplin Regional Community Foundation.
The board will be led by these members of the Executive Committee:
- Chair: Roy Hardy Jr., Ozark (Associated Electric Cooperative)
- Vice chair: Jimmy Liles, Nixa (City of Nixa)
- Treasurer: Greg Hoffman, Nevada (retired financial professional)
- Secretary: Gary Garwitz, Springfield (retired partner at BKD, now Forvis Mazars)
- At-large: Sarah Honeycutt, Cabool (accountant)
- Investment Advisory Board chair: Kari Creighton, Springfield (financial professional)
- Audit/Operations Committee chair: Barb Houser, Springfield (KPM nonprofit practice)
- Chair emeritus: Anne E. McGregor, Branson (The Neighbor Company)
— Winter Kinne is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. This letter is featured in the summer 2025 edition of Passion & Purpose.
