From the Communications Office of Governor Mike Kehoe





Mike Kehoe Missouri Governor
Governor Kehoe Announces Nine Gubernatorial Appointments





*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

*September 11, 2026*

*JEFFERSON CITY, MO *– Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced nine gubernatorial appointments to various boards and commissions.

*Eric Bruder*, of St. Joseph, was appointed to the *Missouri Western State University Board of Governors.*

Mr. Bruder serves as the senior vice president and chief financial officer for Herzog Enterprises, Inc. He previously served on the Missouri Western State University Foundation Board of Directors, the Missouri Western State University Craig School of Business Advisory Board, and the St. Joseph School District Board of Education. Bruder holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology from Missouri Western State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Rockhurst University.

*Michkeal Cross*, of St. Louis, was appointed to the *Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.*

Mr. Cross is an assistant teacher at Atlas Public Schools–Union Station. He mentors at Saturday Boys Academy, is a former board member of St. Louis Arc, and serves as an emcee and committee member for Disability Rights Legislative Day. Cross is currently completing his associate degree in general transfer studies at St. Louis Community College.

*Jennifer Friedrich*, of Perryville, was reappointed to the *Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.*

Ms. Friedrich is a current member of the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council and the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy from Southeast Missouri State University.

*Gerard Grimaldi*, of Kansas City, was appointed to the *Mental Health Commission.*

Mr. Grimaldi was the chief health policy officer for the University Health hospital (formerly Truman Medical Center) before retiring in 2025. He previously served on the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce board, the MO HealthNet Oversight Committee, and was chairman of the Jackson County Mental Health Levy Board of Trustees. Grimaldi holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri–Columbia.


*Erica Missavage*, of Carl Junction, was appointed to the *Missouri Statewide Independent Living Council.*

Ms. Missavage is the vice president of Firefly, formerly Preferred Family Healthcare. She is a member of the Zero Suicide Academy and the national and Missouri chapters of People Supporting Employment First (APSE). Missavage holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from Missouri Southern State University.

*Elise Moore*, of Wildwood, was appointed to the *Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.*

Ms. Moore's career spans 17 years in advertising and technology, during which she has designed digital experiences for brands in agriculture, finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and mobility. She is a senior product designer at Enterprise Mobility, where she promotes accessible design across applications and web products. Moore holds a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Webster University.

*Kristen O’Brien*, of Boonville, was appointed to the *Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.*

Ms. O'Brien is active in her community and volunteers extensively with organizations, including the Cooper County Board of Sheltered Services, the DESE Blind Task Force, the Boonville Parks and Recreation Accessibility Committee, Happy Hearts Foster Pantry, Boonville Special Olympics–Young Athletes, and the Boonville Adaptive Playground Project with the SuperFinn Autism Foundation. O'Brien holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Quincy University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mortuary Science from Mid-America College of Funeral Services.

*Christian Powers*, of Pacific, was appointed to the *Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.*

Mr. Powers is an administrative receptionist for Prometric Testing. He is a member of the Eureka Masonic Lodge and a former member of the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council. Powers holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Maine at Machias, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Southern Maine, and a Master of Legal Studies degree from Webster University.

*Anthony Taylor, D.M.*, of Raytown, was reappointed to the *Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.*

Mr. Taylor is an IT manager for Practical Project Solutions, LLC. He serves on the boards of directors for Hulme Resources, Inc., and the Insurance Regulatory Examiners Society. Taylor holds a bachelor's degree in management and computer information systems, a Master of Business Administration from MidAmerica Nazarene University, and a Doctor of Management from the University of Phoenix.

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Governor Mike Kehoe


About Governor Mike Kehoe

Mike Kehoe was sworn in as Missouri’s 58th Governor on January 13, 2025. Guided by a dedication to public service and a commitment to Missouri families, Governor Kehoe has made public safety, education, economic development, and agriculture the cornerstones of his administration.






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Contact: Gabby Picard

Communications Director

Mobile: 573-536-6566 [ tel:5735366566 ]

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.governor.mo.gov [ [link removed] ]







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