July: Movers & Shakers

Mark Bauer

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce announced the hiring of Mark Bauer as its first vice president of workforce development. Mark has made a career of assisting the administration of Missouri’s public workforce system, contributing to the successes of both the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development by maintaining an active role in developing policies, procedures, and workforce solutions. Mark began work at the chamber on May 17.

Curtis Smith

American Outdoor Brands announced that Curtis Smith has been named chief marketing officer. In this newly created role, Curtis will lead the company’s marketing, brand management, creative, e-commerce, and customer service teams. Curtis joined the company as a divisional vice president of marketing in October 2017. He currently serves on the board of regents for the American Knife & Tool Institute.

Jerrell Morton

Job Point announced that Jerrell Morton, director of YouthBuild, has been appointed chair of the membership committee for the YouthBuild USA Affiliated Network. For the past decade, Jerrell has been a leader in this program for the community, and he and his team have set the standard for how to connect, inspire, and encourage students. Jerrell will serve a two-year term and may be re-elected to serve for up to four years. 

Taylor Drennan

Taylor Drennan will be recommended to the Columbia Board of Education to become the principal at John Warner Middle School for the 2021-2022 school year. Taylor served as the school’s interim principal during the spring semester. Taylor was born and raised in Columbia and is a proud product of CPS. Taylor began his career with CPS as a fourth‐grade teacher at Derby Ridge Elementary School.

Abra Spisso

Abra Spisso, of Klingner & Associates P.C., has become a registered engineer intern with the Missouri Division of Professional Registration. Abra is a water and wastewater engineer based in the firm’s Columbia branch. Abra holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Arts in physics from Duquesne University.

La Toya Stevens

La Toya Stevens and Heart of Missouri United Way have been selected to participate in United Way’s Fellowship Program. This fellowship program is an accelerated year-long development course designed for core leaders of United Way who are high performers with proven capacity for leadership. United Way Worldwide’s 2021 Fellowship Program runs from March 2021 to October 2021.

Noah Manring

Noah Manring has been named the new dean of the MU College of Engineering. Noah has served as the interim dean of the college since May 2020. Before he was named interim dean, Noah served as the Glen Barton professor and chair of the department of mechanical and aerospace engineering. He also served as chair of the former electrical and computer engineering department and served twice as the college’s associate dean of research.

Welcome Home Inc.

Welcome Home Inc. announced the election of three new members to its board of directors as well as new officers for the year. These newly elected members joined the board in January 2021: Vernette Smith, Marcus Glover, and Jason Gruender. Board members serve three-year terms at Welcome Home and officers are elected annually. Welcome Home’s executive director, Megan Sievers, said: “We are thrilled to welcome our three newest members to our board of directors. They each have a unique background with diverse experiences that make them an asset to the Welcome Home Board of Directors and to the organization as a whole.”