MO Council on Aging Staff
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Anna Thomas
Interim Executive Director
For 25 years, Anna worked in the Criminal Justice system as an investigator and victim advocate. Before her current role, she served as a Forensic Specialist and Manager with the Division of Aging Services; Forensic Special Initiatives Unit, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crimes Against the Elderly and Disabled Adults Task Force.
That work centered around training primary and secondary responders how to recognize and respond to elder and disabled adult abuse, researching gaps in current victim services, developing new laws to protect vulnerable adults, and public outreach, and launching Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs).
Anna is a POST-Certified Instructor, holds undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Gerontology.
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Julia Vargas
Senior Fund Manager
Dr. Julia Vargas brings deep experience in nonprofit and higher education leadership with expertise in professional development, program management, evaluation, coalition building, and leadership development—skills that directly support the mission of the Senior Fund. Her background in building strong communities and empowering organizations aligns with the Fund’s commitment to improving the quality of life for older adults.
Julia has demonstrated her dedication to civic engagement through board service with Missouri Connections for Health, Jewish Family Services of Kansas City, Revolución Educativa, and Swope Health Centers, as well as past leadership with Guadalupe Center Charter Schools.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from William Jewell College and both a master’s and doctorate in Educational Leadership from Baker University.
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Courtney Hall
Advocacy Manager
Courtney Hall brings a diverse background in development, healthcare advocacy, and business to every endeavor. As a Director of Development for a national nonprofit organization, she successfully lobbied for cardiovascular health initiatives at the Missouri State Capitol, resulting in the passage of Senate Bill 68. Her ability to engage and coordinate with leaders demonstrates her commitment to community health and education.
Courtney's active involvement as a speaker and volunteer, sharing her personal story as a stroke survivor, showcases her dedication to raising awareness and supporting others.
With a strong foundation in business development and advocacy, Courtney combines her experiences to drive success and make a meaningful impact in her community.
Outside of work, you can find Courtney cheering on her state champion archer daughter, going on nature walks with her one-year-old son, traveling with family, and singing karaoke!
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Erika Saleski
Interim COO
Board Members
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Cathy Boyer Shesol
Missouri Council on Aging, Board President 2026, Governance Chair
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Bill Achor
Missouri Council on Aging, Board Member
Board Chairman, Christian County Senior Services Tax Fund
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Chris Baechle
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Lisa Baron, JD
Missouri Council on Aging, Finance Chair & Treasurer
Retired Founder, Memory Home Care Solutions
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Kelli (Barton) Zerr, Ph.D.
Missouri Council on Aging, Board Member
Director, Health and Aging, University of Missouri-Kansas City Institute for Human Development
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Greg Burris
Missouri Council on Aging, Board Member
Executive Director – Give 5 Program
United Way Ozarks Region
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Carla Gibson
Missouri Council on Aging, Board Member
Vice President of Programs, Reach Healthcare Foundation
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Andy Jackson
Missouri Council on Aging, Policy and Programs Chair
Board President, Northeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging
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Juli Jordan
Missouri Council on Aging, Board Member
Director of Marketing, Empower Abilities
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Lisa Knoll
Missouri Council on Aging, Board President - Elect
CEO, Aging Ahead
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Jamie Opsal
Missouri Council on Aging, Board Member
Retired Executive Director, St. Louis Senior Fund
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Melissia Robinson
Missouri Council on Aging, Board Member
Executive Director, St. Andrew’s Senior Solutions
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James Stowe, PhD
Missouri Council on Aging, Past President 2024
CEO/President, Center for Practical Bioethics
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Tina Uridge, MS
Missouri Council on Aging, Immediate Past President 2025
Executive Director, Clay County Senior Services
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LaDonna Williams
Missouri Council on Aging, Board Member
Executive Director, Rural Advocates for Independent Livings (RAIL)