NECAC held its Annual Meeting and Installation of Officers and Directors Dinner on Oct. 28.

   NECAC President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Page gave an update on significant progress made during the year and offered praise to board members, staff and volunteers. The agency is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025.

   For the coming year, Page said “financial health remains a goal” and that he wants to “continue to strengthen” the board.

   “While today’s meeting is a time of celebration, and we should celebrate the wins, it doesn’t mean there aren’t difficult days ahead,” Page noted. “I trust I can depend on each of you to support my efforts as the entire NECAC staff and I take this agency forward.”

  Mike Bridgins of St. Charles County was re-installed as board chairman, with Glenn Eagan of Shelby County as vice-chairman and Lowell Jackson of Ralls County as secretary. Trustees are Troy Dawkins of Shelby County, Curtissa Kerr-Hunter of Lincoln County and Mickey Shipp of Macon County.

   The guest speaker was Community Action pioneer Charles McCann of St. Joseph, former director of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) with the Missouri Department of Social Services and a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) with the National Community Action Partnership.

   McCann, who performed the installation ceremony, has a national reputation for excellence in the Community Action movement. After more than 50 years of service, he is still offering his assistance.

   “You have the elements of success – leadership, dedication and compassion,” McCann said. “What you do is really, really important.”

    Also sworn in were the following board members:

    Lewis County: Craig Redmon and Simon Thrower.

   Lincoln County: Matt Bass and Jere Burkemper.

   Macon County: Matt Shoemaker and Jean Jones.

   Marion County: David Lomax, Jim Miller and Roy Hark.

  Monroe County: David Hays, Tonya Pryor  and Harold Long.

   Montgomery County: Dave Teeter, Mike Dorlac and Carole Weeks.

  Pike County: Tommy Wallace, Lori Smith and Curt Mitchell.

   Ralls County: John Wieczorek and Janet Hoyt.

   Randolph County: Jason Lowry, Lorna Miles and Mahala Dixson.

   Shelby County: Melissa Killen.

   St. Charles County: Alex Reichert and Diane Hileman.

   Warren County: Fred Vahle, Mary VanBibber and Angie Light.

CUTLINE FOR PHOTO:

   NECAC President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Page delivers his address at the agency’s Annual Meeting and Installation of Officers and Directors Dinner on Oct. 28.