Leadership

Derek was born and raised in the Northland.  After graduating from Oak Park in 1996, he obtained his Business degree from Mizzou in 2001.  He currently  lives in the Northland and has run a real estate advising company since 2009.

Allison is a longtime Northland educator, business professional, and community volunteer. She spent 16 years with Henry Wurst, Inc., progressing from customer service to Senior Sales Executive, and later served the Park Hill School District’s Professional Studies program as a facilitator and business development lead connecting students with real-world learning opportunities.  A former elementary and special education teacher, Allison holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Kansas. She has served the community through elected service on the Park Hill School Board and through volunteer or board roles with St. Luke’s Hospital Cardiology Consultants, the Kansas City Zoo marketing committee, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City, and Hillcrest Platte County.

Jeff retired from Ford Motor Company after more than 32 years as a financial analyst/supervisor.  He has lived in the Northland since 1994.  He enjoys playing golf and spectator sports of all kinds.  He and his wife Teresa have two sons and reside in Parkville.

Owner of Miller-Donnelli Agency Inc. where he has worked for over 30 years.  Is a life-long Platte County resident and active community supporter of a variety of causes.  He lives in Platte City with his wife and 3 children.  He enjoys Rotary and spending time on the family farm.

Jean has been a resident of Gladstone since 1975.  She is a former aid to the late Congressman Jerry Litton and late Senator Tom Eagleton. She has served on the board of Directors for the Kansas City Ronald McDonald Houses, including a term as President of the Board.  She owns a market research consulting business that has been in operation since 1992.  She has served on the Gladstone City Council since 2011, including 3 years as Mayor.  Jean has volunteered for 20 years as a Youth Friend in the North Kansas City School District, and is a former member of the Advisory Board for the Kansas City Assistance League.

Maggie is a lifelong resident of Clay County and a graduate of Smithville High School. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Truman State University and a master’s degree from UMKC. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador and was a teacher at North Kansas City High School before running for office. She represents District 17 in Clay County in the Missouri Senate. Maggie lives in Kansas City with her husband Gregg and their three kids.

Martin handles the behind-the-scenes work with our social media presence and assists with the website as needed. Married and living just east of Gladstone, Martin works for Northwell Health and has volunteered with Feed Northland Kids since close to its inception.

Jodi grew up in Northern Minnesota but has called the Northland home since June 2013. She spent 27 years in Wisconsin raising three sons while serving as Vice President of Sales for a petroleum equipment company, building a career grounded in leadership, relationship-building, and results. She recently completed her term as District Governor for Rotary District 6040, deepening her commitment to community service and nonprofit leadership. Today, she works as an Independent Brand Representative for Blue Dog Merch. A longtime volunteer with Feed Northland Kids, she brings both business acumen and hands-on dedication to the organization's mission of ensuring no child in the Northland goes hungry. Outside of work and volunteering, she enjoys traveling, golf, reading, and spending time with her family.

Isaac is a lifelong Northlander and a Liberty High School grad. After getting his degree in International Relations from Brigham Young University, he received his law and business degrees from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, and now practices law in Liberty. He enjoys running, reading, and movies, but most of all spending time with his wife and three sons.

Chad was raised in Monett, MO and then moved to Kansas City in 1993 to attend William Jewell College where he graduated with a degree in education in 1997. He was a long time teacher and administrator in the northland. After 20 years in public education, Chad retired in 2026 and is currently a district improvement consultant for UMKC. He currently lives in Platte City with his wife and two school aged daughters. Chad enjoys spending time with his family at the ocean, worshiping at church, and relaxing on his back deck.