ABOUT US

Leaders for Ozarks Region Evolvement (LORE) is a nonprofit organization bringing together business and civic leaders to build a vibrant future for the Ozarks region. LORE addresses critical challenges across Southwest Missouri.

Our strategic approach focuses on three core priorities: workforce attraction, community quality of life, and regional identity. Through innovative partnerships and shared expertise, LORE aims to inspire sustained growth and transformation for future generations in the Ozarks.

HOW WE STARTED

In 2022, the Hatch Foundation and Community Foundation of the Ozarks engaged area economic leaders to develop ideas for enhanced regional collaboration and leadership in the broader Ozarks region. A study commissioned by the group recommended the formation of a nonprofit focused on regionalism development, led by industry and community leaders.

Read the study

Who We Are

STAFF

Allison Cash
Executive Director

Allison Cash is Executive Director of LORE (Leaders for Ozarks Region Evolvement), where she is leading the organization’s next phase of growth, focusing on regional identity and long-term economic vitality across the Ozarks.

A lifelong Ozarks resident and Missouri State University graduate, Allison brings deep local roots and extensive leadership experience. Prior to LORE, she served as Chief Commercial Officer for Finlays Solutions, a global beverage innovator, where she led commercial strategy, marketing, business development, and innovation across multiple markets.

Allison’s leadership is grounded in collaboration, people-centered strategy, and strong stakeholder engagement. She currently serves on the Nixa Education Foundation Board and is active in nonprofit efforts focused on education, workforce, and quality of place.

Outside of work, Allison enjoys time with family and friends exploring the Ozarks, celebrating local traditions, and experimenting with gluten-free baking.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Max Buetow
CoxHealth
Erin Danastasio
Hatch Foundation
Shane Cowger
Arvest Bank
Dwayne Fulk
City Utilities
Rob Fulp
Great Southern Bank
John Griesemer
Erlen Group
Hal Higdon
Ozarks Tech
Winter Kinne
Community Foundation of the Ozarks
John Myers
Mercy
Keith Noble
Commerce Bank
Shari Reaves
O'Reilly Auto Parts
Gary Schafer
Forvis Mazars
Krisi Schell
SRC
Brad Thomas
Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts
Richard B. Williams Ph.D, ATC
Missouri State University
Paula Adams
Penmac Staffing

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Erin Danastasio
Chair
Hatch Foundation
Gary Schafer
Chair Elect
Forvis Mazars
Shane Cowger
Treasurer
Arvest Bank
Dean Thompson
Secretary
City Utilities
Max Buetow
At Large
CoxHealth
Shari Reaves
At Large
O'Reilly Auto Parts

Members

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

VISIONARY MEMBERS

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

We are blessed to live in an exceptional part of the country, where the natural beauty of the Ozarks is only matched by the wonderful and warm people who call this place home.

At CoxHealth, we truly care for the communities we serve, and we are thrilled to partner with LORE to invest in making our region the best place for all of us to live, work, and grow together.”

Max Buetow
CoxHealth

“We believe that our region can be stronger and do more if we work together to achieve common strategic objectives. ”

Brad Thomas
Silver Dollar City

We see in LORE a unique opportunity to facilitate building consensus for positive action that will move our region forward.

There are so many incredible non-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, governmental entities and economic development organizations serving the Ozarks.  LORE’s goal of aligning the efforts of these stakeholders around implementing data-driven collaborative solutions is inspiring, and we hope this will benefit of each of the very special communities our team members and their families call ‘home.’

Gary Schafer
Forvis Mazars

I am proud to be part of LORE. Before relocating to the Ozarks, I had the opportunity to witness the work of the Northwest Arkansas Council over the past 30 years, which opened my eyes to the transformative power of regional collaboration, partnership, and strategic planning.

Arvest Bank has consistently invested in the Ozarks region, celebrating the unique contributions of individual communities while embracing the opportunities we share collectively.

Looking ahead, I believe the most effective way to ensure our region's long-term success for future generations is to continue our support of LORE.”

Jason England
Arvest Bank

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