GREITENS SEEKS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF WOMEN ON STATE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Springfield, MO-- Women’s Foundation and Rosie are proud to announce the appointment of Missy Gelner to the Missouri State Board of Education. Gelner was appointed by Governor Eric Greitens.
“Missy has a demonstrated history of both community service and educational experience,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women’s Foundation. “We are pleased to continue to partner with Rosie to promote talented women into positions on boards and commissions. It is also encouraging to see Gov. Greitens appointing more women to Missouri’s boards.”
Gelner currently serves as Chief Kinship Officer at Askinosie Chocolate and is the executive director of Askinosie's Chocolate University. She has served on Junior League of Springfield Board and on committees supporting Isabel’s House, Care to Learn, The Park Board and the YMCA.
Missy Gelner
“I am honored to serve the administration and state's children on the Board of Education. As a mother of two elementary age children, I hold the value of education in very high regard,” said Gelner. “I look forward to contributing and supporting a bright future for Missouri's students.”
Gelner will be the only woman on the State Board of Education, where all other appointees are currently men. Her appointment was made possible with the assistance of Rosie, the Springfield extension of the Women’s Foundation Appointment’s Project.
“We are so excited for this appointment and know Missy will be an advocate for all Missourians. We hope that we continue to see women from southwest Missouri step in to fill these important leadership roles at a statewide level,” said Paige Oxendine and Rachel Anderson, co-founders of Rosie. “Rosie is committed to continuing to promote opportunities for service at the local and state level and to celebrating women's successes.”
The Missouri State Board of Education is comprised of eight citizens who serve eight-year terms. The board is responsible for supervising Missouri’s public schools at all levels including post-secondary and adult education.
The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy, and policy solutions to make meaningful change. Through its Appointments Project, Women’s Foundation serves as a talent bank, advisor, and supporter for women seeking positions in local government. More information about the organization can be found at www.womens-foundation.org.
Rosie, a local initiative designed to support, assist and serve as an advocate network for current and prospective female founders, business owners and leaders in the Springfield region, is made possible by a grant from the Women's Foundation to the Missouri State Foundation. For more information about Rosie and their work, including efforts to place local women on boards and commissions, visit www.rosiesgf.com.
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