Our Team

Steve currently serves on the Spiva and Cornell Complex Boards. He has served as the Chief Financial Officer at Freeman Health System since 2002. In addition to Spiva and the Cornell Complex, he currently serves as a board member of the Joplin Chamber of Commerce, Joplin Metro Emergency Transportation System, and the Joplin Humane Society. He previously served on various boards including Access Family Care Community Health Center, Joplin R-VIII Board of Education.

Lance is the retired Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations at Leggett & Platt, Incorporated. He is very active in Joplin and the arts community along with his wife, Sharon Beshore. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Freeman Health System since 1988 and as Chairman since 1992.

Matt is the owner of MacCo Builders and has served on various Joplin Non-Profit and community boards in the past. Currently serving on the Harry M Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex Joint Executive Committee, he believes that the Arts are key to a successful community, and he is glad to serve Spiva as they continue to grow.

Kat DeGraff is a Private Banking Advisor with Arvest Bank and has worked in banking for more than 13 years. She is passionate about the Joplin community and has a special appreciation for the way art brings people together, creates connection, and adds to the vibrancy of a community. Her involvement with Spiva gives her the opportunity to support a place that brings creativity and culture to the community she loves. Outside of work, Kat enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband and two boys, and being involved in the community.

Angela A. Vorhees, J.D. is a past president of Spiva and served on the Harry M Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex Joint Executive Committee. She was appointed Family Court Commissioner of the 29th Judicial Circuit in January 2019. She served as a Family law mediator as well as an adjunct Instructor for Missouri Southern State University for more than ten years. She is a member of the Missouri Bar Association and the Jasper County Bar Association.

Kathy serves as the Treasurer of Missouri Walnut Group, Jia Communities, and is a long-time avid supporter of the community. She is a collector of contemporary art and, with her husband, Honghong Chen, is deeply involves in developing international art connections. She is passionate about discovering new talent and providing access to art and education. She enjoys sports and, is committed to promoting global sustainability.

Charlie was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from 2011-2019, and began his term as Jasper County Clerk in January, 2019. Mr. Davis served in the US Navy and is an active advocate for military veterans and veteran’s affairs. Along time business owner, he has been a member of area Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, the VFW, American Legion, and the Missouri Association of Military Organizations. Mr. Davis has been a Spiva board member since 2018.

Dr. Kennedy is the Assistant Dean of Curriculum and Integrated Learning at Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine and one of the founding 5 female members of the program in Joplin. She graduated from Ohio State and Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine, completed a general practice residency through the Veteran’s Administration, and earned her board certification in public health dentistry and an MMSc in Dental Education from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine; she also serves as an expert spokesperson for the American Dental Association.

Ann is an artist, writer, and community connector who believes art can awaken, heal, and bring people together. Her colorful mixed-media work includes spirit dolls, assemblages, fiber art, collage, and projects that invite others to discover their own creative spirit. Through her art and community work, Ann creates welcoming spaces where creativity, connection, and well-being can flourish. She founded the Peace Candle Project and has served the Spiva Center for the Arts in various volunteer and leadership roles. Ann is delighted to help imagine new ways the arts can enrich the Joplin community.

Fredrick works at Leggett & Platt as a Director of Human Resources. He received a bachelor’s degree in business management and MBA from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS. Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, he now lives in the Joplin area with his wife, Meaghan, and three children. Fredrick loves art in all its forms and is passionate about helping the arts flourish in our area and beyond.

Lauren is a long-time governing board member and volunteer for Spiva Center for the Arts. She uses her wonderful connection skills as chair for the Spiva Membership Committee. Lauren is an Independent Certified Public Accountant and does work for many companies and individuals in the community.

Chris is a graduate of Pittsburg State University, where he discovered his passion for contemporary jewelry art. He maintains an active studio practice in Joplin, Missouri, with the help of his husband, Garrett. Chris is dedicated to ensuring that the rigorous, experimental spirit of the mid-century American jewelry movement remains a vital and evolving part of our contemporary cultural conversation. Chris currently is very active on both the education and exhibits committees at Spiva.

Ann has served on many non-profit boards including St. Phillips Episcopal Church, the Joplin Museum, the YWCA and the Joplin Women’s Club. Ann has three children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She has lived in Joplin for more than 60 years, has had a long association with Spiva and is passionate about sharing Spiva’s programs and exhibits.