LORE announces Allison Cash as first full-time Executive Director

LORE (Leaders for Ozarks Region Evolvement) is pleased to announce the appointment of Allison Cash as its first full-time Executive Director. Cash will officially step into the role in early 2026, marking an important milestone in LORE’s evolution as a regional organization focused on collaboration, strategy, and shared vision for the Ozarks.

Cash succeeds Dean Thompson, who has served as LORE’s Interim Executive Director since the organization’s founding phase. Thompson has played a critical role in guiding LORE from concept to a functioning regional organization, helping establish its mission, early membership, and strategic foundation. He will continue to support LORE through the leadership transition.

“LORE was created to bring people and ideas together around the future of our region,” said Erin Danastasio, Chair of the LORE Board of Directors. “Hiring our first full-time Executive Director is a major milestone for LORE, signaling our transition from launch to long-term impact. Allison’s combination of global leadership experience and deep local roots makes her uniquely suited to lead this next chapter—particularly as we focus on strengthening and clarifying a shared regional identity.”

Until December of last year, Cash served as Chief Commercial Officer for Finlays Solutions, a global beverage and ingredients company. Her career spans senior leadership roles across commercial strategy, marketing, business development, and operations, with experience leading both North American and global teams. She has a strong track record of building organizations during periods of growth and transition, including developing marketing and commercial functions from the ground up.

In addition to her corporate leadership background, Cash brings significant experience in strategic planning, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement, including working closely with boards and executive leadership teams. She is widely recognized for aligning vision with execution and for fostering strong organizational culture—capabilities that align closely with LORE’s current stage of development.

A lifelong resident of Southwest Missouri and a graduate of Missouri State University, Cash has long been invested in the success of the Ozarks and the communities that call the region home. She currently serves on the Nixa Education Foundation Board and has been actively involved with a range of civic and nonprofit organizations across the region.

“I am energized by the mission of LORE and am excited about the potential to enhance how we market the region in an effort to grow together,” said Cash. “As a lifelong resident of the area, I know the Ozarks is a special place. I think we can work collaboratively to share this story to drive long-term economic health.”

LORE’s initial focus under Cash’s leadership will center on regional identity, helping communities, organizations, and leaders align around a clear and compelling narrative for the Ozarks that supports long-term economic vitality and quality of place.

Reflecting on the leadership transition, Thompson emphasized both the significance of the moment and his confidence in Cash’s ability to lead LORE forward.

“Serving as LORE’s Interim Executive Director has been an honor,” said Thompson. “This organization was built with the belief that the Ozarks is stronger when we work together across communities and sectors. Allison brings the right mix of strategic leadership, collaborative spirit, and deep Ozarks roots to help LORE take its next step. I’m excited to see the impact she will have as LORE enters this new chapter.”

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