Board of directors

Daniel Strader, President:

Daniel Strader, Vice President at the State Bank of Missouri, has worked in the banking industry for over 15 years, the last 9 of which have been with his current employer. His banking experience has encompassed a variety of responsibilities including personal banker, loan officer, and currently manager of the day-to-day activities at the Grain Valley Branches. His career path demonstrates his ability to set and achieve personal and professional goals. Daniel earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, focusing on Finance, from the University of Central Missouri. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Melissa, and his nine-year-old daughter, Aliana. He enjoys fishing and coaching softball. He grew up in Warsaw, Missouri, where he participated in high school sports programs. Daniel and his family have lived in Grain Valley over 13 years, with plans to remain here for many years to come.

Dr. Cathy Dowd, Vice-President

Bio and photo coming soon!

Melissa Winston, Secretary:

Melissa Winston is a wife, a mom of two teenage sons and two ornery Havanese puppies, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Supervisor,  the owner of 510 Counseling Group, and an active member of the Grain Valley Community. Melissa brings 20+ years of non-profit leadership experience with her to the Chamber board and is an advocate for systemic change that makes the world a better place for our kids and families. Having a thriving business community means stronger families where kids are going to bed with their needs met. That’s what serving on the Chamber Board is all about for Melissa, and she is honored to serve among such passionate, excellent leaders here in Grain Valley.

Rod Nofziger, Treasurer:

Rod Nofziger serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), the largest organization representing the interests of small business trucking professionals and commercial motor vehicle operators. Over 50 years ago, OOIDA established its first office in Grain Valley and its national headquarters remains there today. Prior to his current role, Mr. Nofziger served as OOIDA’s Director of Government Affairs where he managed the Association’s federal legislative and regulatory lobbying efforts in Washington, DC.  Preceding his time with OOIDA, Mr. Nofziger worked for the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and was employed as a lobbyist for Washington, DC-based law firms.

Tyler Brown has served on the Board of Directors since 2020. He is the co-owner and founder of the Brown Agency of Farmers Insurance located on SW Eagles PKWY, which has been in existence since 2016 and has been in Grain Valley since 2018 after deciding this is where he wants to raise his family. Tyler's wife is a registered nurse and has two boys name Jack and Kylo. The boys will attend the Grain Valley School District when they start school. Before becoming an insurance agent, Tyler received his bachelor's degree in journalism at Northwest Missouri State University, was a missionary in rural Jamaica for 4 months and coached middle school football working for the Blue Springs School District. His passions include freelance writing, fishing, the Lake of the Ozarks, vacationing in Mexico, the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals. He is a member of Gateway Church in Blue Springs and enjoys sponsoring local youth sports teams. 

Kirk Lair moved to Blue Springs in 1990 and started as a volunteer Firefighter for Central Jackson County Fire Protection District.  In 1994 he was hired as a full-time firefighter.  Kirk worked my way up through the ranks as a Firefighter, Fire Apparatus Engineer, Captain, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, and then the honor of being selected as the Fire Chief in October of 2021. While Kirk was working full-time for CJC, he held several positions in the Firefighters union, including union steward, District Vice President, and then 16 years as the President. Kirk was appointed to the Grain Valley Chamber Board of Directors in 2022. Kirk is also involved with several other professional organizations which include President of Western MO Fire Chief’s, MO Fire Chiefs, Blue Springs Chamber Board member, Vice Chair for MO Fire and Ambulance Trust, Secretary/Treasurer for MO FF Critical Illness Pool and the Blue Springs Elks.  Kirk has been married to his wonderful supportive wife Shannon for 21 years and has two daughters (Kasey and Shelby) and three awesome grandkids (Kole, Karson, and Rylee).  In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and attending all the grandkids' activities.

Ken Murphy has served as the City Administrator for Grain Valley since 2020. Before accepting that position, Ken has held numerous roles within the City since he first began working in the Community Development Department in 2006. Those roles have included City Planner, Interim Public Works Director, Community Development Director, Assistant City Administrator and Deputy City Administrator for the City of Grain Valley.  Ken received his bachelor’s degree and Master’s in Urban Planning from the University of Kansas, is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners, and has completed the Heartland Economic Development Course.

Theresa Osenbaugh has served as the Deputy City Administrator for Grain Valley since 2020 and has worked for the city since 2017. Prior to working at the City, Theresa’s worked in the nonprofit field, primarily for Susan G. Komen where she oversaw health education, advocacy and grant initiatives for a region of 17 counties. Theresa attended the University of Iowa and the University of Kansas where she received her Master’s in Social Work with an emphasis on macro/administrative practices. She is a Certified Nonprofit Professional through Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and has completed the Heartland Economic Development Course. Theresa currently serves as the President for Downtown Grain Valley, Inc. and sits on the Grain Valley Assistance Council Advisory Board as well as the Bright Futures Advisory Board.

After finishing graduate school at the University of Central Missouri, Keith Stiffler moved to Grain Valley in 2010. For nearly 20 years, he has held a variety of roles working at various colleges and universities. He currently serves as the Enrollment Manager at the Metropolitan Community College – Blue River Campus where he oversees the admissions processes and testing services. In his downtime, he enjoys spending time with his wife and his two children.