Board and Staff

2023 Board Members

Officers

Kristi Johnson-Ware, Chair

Kristi Johnson-Ware, Chair

Central Bank

Kirby Asplund, Chair-Elect

Kirby Asplund, Chair-Elect

The Asplund Group, LLC

Laura Maxwell, Treasurer

Laura Maxwell, Treasurer

Apricus Communications

Carson Graff, Chair Emeritus

Carson Graff, Chair Emeritus

Bank of the West

Vice Chairs

John Coleman

John Coleman

Coleman Equipment

Rachel Dyer

Rachel Dyer

Dyer Oil Graphics

Rick Smetana

Rick Smetana

University of Central Missouri

Board Members

Nikki Beard

Nikki Beard

Saint Luke's Health System

John Beaudoin

John Beaudoin

KC Communications & Media Matters

Jennifer Craig

Jennifer Craig

ReDiscover

Chad Dumas

Chad Dumas

ReeceNichols Lee's Summit

Gina Goodwin

Gina Goodwin

GEHA

Lynn Hinkle

Lynn Hinkle

Great Southern Bank

Bev Howe

Bev Howe

B & T Specialties

Laurie Johnson

Laurie Johnson

John Knox Village

Jason Langston

Jason Langston

Farmers Insurance - Jason Langston Agency

Kelley Manning

Kelley Manning

Beyond Wealth Advisors

John McDonald

John McDonald

Lee's Summit Medical Center

Kevin Oldham

Kevin Oldham

Diffactory

Drew Reynolds

Drew Reynolds

Edward Jones

Lauren Sobaski

Lauren Sobaski

Fisher Phillips LLP

Joey Zarrillo

Joey Zarrillo

ReMax Heritage

Greetings from the 2023 Chair of the Board:
Kristi Johnson-Ware

As your 2023 Chair of the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce, I look forward to a successful year of networking, exciting events and the growth of this wonderful organization. I want to take the time to reach out to our membership, both new and longstanding, to thank you for making the Lee’s Summit Chamber a continued success. As I begin my term as Chair of the Board, I am excited for what 2023 holds.

This year, the Chamber has a host of objectives which include:

  • Be the catalyst and business leader in our community and Eastern Jackson County
  • Advocate for area businesses at the local, state and national levels
  • Expand our educational opportunities for personal and professional growth
  • Achieve budgeted goals for new members as well as achieve the high retention rate surpassed in 2022
  • A successful year of events including the Annual Gala, our annual Golf Classic, annual Women’s Conference; Mega Chamber Party and Oktoberfest just to name a few.

I am excited to build on our successes and continuously look for new opportunities for growth. If you are a new Chamber member or have not been to an event in some time, I encourage you to make the most of your membership. Seek out a Board Member or Chamber Staff and introduce yourself. Explore the many opportunities the Chamber has to offer. In addition to our annual events, the Chamber offers educational seminars, monthly luncheons, and various networking opportunities. I challenge you to get involved.
The Chamber presents an opportunity for all members to grow their network, and in turn, grow their business. It can allow you to forge professional and personal relationships which can last for many years. I invite all of you to make connections and be active in what I believe is one of the best resources our community has to offer. If you want to get involved in making the Chamber a continued success, please join one of our committees, attend an event, sponsor an activity, volunteer or invite a guest.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as the Chair of the Board, I look forward to seeing you throughout 2023.

Yours Truly,

Kristi Johnson-Ware

Central Bank of the Midwest

2023 Chair of the Board

Meet The Chamber Team

The Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce staff is made up of a group of professionals dedicated to sharing their knowledge, vision, and goals with the business and community leaders of Eastern Jackson County.

Baird-website

Matt Baird, IOM

President

Contact →

Frogge_Lisa

Lisa Frogge

Director of Membership & Ad Sales

Contact →

Gray

Megan Gray

Director of Special Events

Contact →

Gray

Denise Elam

Director of Marketing & Communications

Contact →

Cathy-web

Cathy Young, IOM

Director of Operations

Contact →

Linda Driskill

Member Service Coordinator

Contact →

Josh Lowe

IT Specialist 

Contact →

Isabelle Rogers

Marketing Coordinator

Contact →

Cathy-web

Janet Shelman

Admin. & Events Coordinator

Contact →