Staff Members

TOM BLISS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tom joined the Mo-Kan Regional Council in April 2003. He formerly served as the Assistant Director for the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments in Maryville, Missouri. Prior to this position he served as the Assistant City Administrator/ Economic Developer for Richmond, Missouri. Mr. Bliss has also worked for the United Way of the Ozarks in Springfield, Missouri. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from Southwest Missouri State University. tom@mo-kan.org

GARY MILLER, FISCAL OFFICER / COMMERCIAL LOAN OFFICER
Gary joined the Mo-Kan team in February 2005, working primarily with the 504 Loan Program. In April of 2007, he assumed the responsibilities of Mo-Kan's Fiscal Officer. His previous experience includes 14 years as an accountant in the non-profit environment and 15 years in the restaurant business. Gary holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Missouri Western State University. His primary responsibility is to maintain the accounting system for Mo-Kan Regional Council, Mo-Kan Development, Inc., and the Circle of HOPE program. He is also involved in the Mo-Kan loan programs.
gary@mo-kan.org

JON ECKER, SENIOR LOAN OFFICER
Jon originally joined Mo-Kan in January 2005 through an internship program offered by Missouri Western State University. He became a part of the team as a loan officer upon graduation in June 2006; and in October 2009, he became the Senior Loan Officer. Jon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. His primary responsibilities include working with entrepreneurs in the Mo-Kan region and connecting them to the SBA 504 and 7(a) loan programs and the revolving loan fund. jecker@mo-kan.org

RONI MAUER, COMMERCIAL LOAN OFFICER
Roni joined the Mo-Kan staff in November 2009. She works with businesses seeking to procure funds through the SBA 504 Loan Program and Mo-Kan's Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). In addition, Mo-Kan utilizes her skills to market their programs to prospective clients and private lenders. Roni brings 20 years experience in owning and managing small businesses as well as 10 years experience in residential lending. She has been an active volunteer with local non-profit organizations for the last five years. roni@mo-kan.org

CASSIE WHITE, GRANT ADMINISTRATOR / COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Cassie joined the Mo-Kan staff in March 2008. She is the first point of contact for visitors to Mo-Kan, and also answers and directs incoming calls. She is responsible for Community Development Block Grant administration and compliance, as well as administrative support duties for the office. Cassie brings with her five years in loan servicing experience from SST, Inc. where she worked as a Loan Closure Specialist. She is currently working on Bachelor of Science degrees in both Management and Business Administration with a minor in Human Resources from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.cassie@mo-kan.org

CONNIE HEARD, DIRECTOR OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: DISLOCATED WORKER PROGRAM
Connie joined Mo-Kan in May 2008 after serving as an Employment and Training Coordinator with Experience Works. Prior to that, she worked over 15 years at Nestle Purina PetCare PTC in St. Joseph. She brings with her years of experience in Human Resources and serving others at work and in the community of St. Joseph. Her primary responsibilities include supervision of the Dislocated Worker Staff; assisting Dislocated and WIRED clients with skills assessment, training, and employment; managing the daily Dislocated Worker budget; and as a Director, is a Management Team member of the St. connie@mo-kan.org

MELISSA WHITAKER, CAREER COUNSELOR: DISLOCATED WORKER PROGRAM
Melissa joined the Mo-Kan staff in July 2008. She comes to Mo-Kan from the Missouri Career Center in Cameron where she worked for several months as a part-time receptionist as part of a paid work experience. She brings with her 10 years of experience in the hotel industry. Melissa possesses a lot of energy and is passionate about helping others. Her primary responsibilities include assisting Dislocated Workers with skills assessment, training, and employment. She also assists with training at the Career Center by doing Orientation sessions and WIN and WorkKeys training. Melissa also assists in the Resource Room and at the Front Desk as needed. melissa@mo-kan.org

JANICE SPEARMAN, CAREER COUNSELOR: DISLOCATED WORKER PROGRAM
Janice joined the Mo-Kan staff in September 2008. She comes to Mo-Kan from the Missouri Career Center in Kansas City where she worked for the Full Employment Council. Prior to that, she worked over 20 years as a Corrections Officer for the Atchison, Kansas Juvenile Correctional Facility. Her primary responsibilities include assisting Dislocated Workers with skills assessment, training, and employment. She implements training at the Career Center by conducting WIN, WorkKeys, and Orientation sessions. Janice also assists in the Resource Room and at the Front Desk as needed. janice@mo-kan.org