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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2026
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced seven gubernatorial appointments to various boards and commissions.
Joseph Blanner, of Eureka, was appointed to the Regional Convention and Visitors Commission.
Mr. Blanner is an attorney with McCarthy, Leonard & Kaemmerer, LC. He is an active member of the FOCUS St. Louis Board, the St. Louis Sports Commission, and serves as vice-chairman of the University of Missouri–St. Louis Chancellor’s Council. He also previously served as chairman of the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority. Blanner holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, as well as a master’s degree in public administration and a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University.
Beth Knes, of Weldon Spring, was reappointed to the Public School Retirement System of Missouri.
Ms. Knes worked in the Parkway School District, serving as an administrator for McKelvey Elementary School before retiring from public education in 2014. She later served as executive director of student services for the Rockwood School District. She is a member of the International Reading Association and Alpha Delta Kappa, a professional organization for women educators. Knes holds bachelor's degrees in both education and psychology and a Master of Special Education from Washington University. She has also completed the principal certification program at Lindenwood University.
Jennifer McCurrach, Ph.D., of Florissant, was appointed to the Committee for Professional Counselors.
Ms. McCurrach serves as a professor and program director at Urshan University. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and the Association for Counseling Education and Supervision. McCurrach holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lamar University, a master’s degree in psychology from Houston Baptist University, a master’s degree in Christian ministry from the Urshan Graduate School of Theology, and a doctorate in counseling education and supervision from Regent University.
Steve O’Loughlin, of Webster Groves, was appointed to the Regional Convention and Visitors Commission.
Mr. O'Loughlin is the president of Lodging Hospitality Management and currently serves as the chair of several organizations, including Explore St. Louis, the St. Louis Aquarium Foundation, and the Greater St. Louis Area Boy Scouts. He is also a member of CEOs Against Cancer, the Mercy Hospital Board, and the St. Louis Area Hotel Association. O'Loughlin holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
Ann Stackle, of Fenton, was appointed to the State Rehabilitation Council.
Ms. Stackle currently serves as an operations coordinator for Missouri Parents Act. She previously served as the director of operations for NAMI St. Louis, the regional affiliate for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Stackle has served on school and district parent advisory councils and completed the Partners in Policymaking program.
Phil Torrisi, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Regional Convention and Visitors Commission.
Mr. Torrisi previously served as the owner of Torrisi Plumbing Services, Inc., before retiring in 2023. He has remained active in his community, serving on the boards of Enterprise Bank, the Italian Open, and The Piazza on the Hill. He also coaches Spensa Soccer for children with special needs.
Kurt Witzel, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Missouri Wine and Grape Board.
Mr. Witzel is a recently retired executive at Anheuser-Busch, Inc. During his 35 years at the company, he was responsible for wine and beverage sales in five Midwest states, including Missouri. He is currently the chairman of the Missouri Athletic Club's Wine Society. Witzel holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Missouri.
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