Governor Parson Makes Six Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions, Fills One County Office Vacancy

JEFFERSON CITY — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced six appointments to various boards and commissions and filled one county office vacancy. 

Allen Blair, of Parkville, was appointed to the Missouri Real Estate Commission. 

Mr. Blair has been a Partner with Stinson LLP since 2002, where he advises on business, tax, and real estate transactions. He has nearly 45 years of experience in business and real estate law. He is a member of the Missouri Bar Association, Kansas Bar Association, and Kansas City Bar Association. Mr. Blair serves on the Greater Kansas City YMCA Board of Directors and has served as the Chair of the Kansas City Bar Association's Real Estate Committee. Mr. Blair earned a Bachelor of Science in public administration and Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

Christina Combs, of Kansas City, was appointed to a Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Combs serves as the Deputy Juvenile Officer and Program Coordinator for the Platte County Juvenile Office, a position she has held since 2016. Previously, she was a Support Service Coordinator for the Platte County Board of Services for the Developmentally Disabled. Ms. Combs earned a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and criminology from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. 

Colonel (retired) Mark McCarter, of Wardsville, was appointed to a Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Colonel McCarter served as the Director of Plans, Operations, and Training for the Missouri Army National Guard until his retirement. He held various leadership positions within the Missouri Army National Guard, a career spanning more than 27 years. Colonel McCarter has been an active member of the U.S. Army since 1985. He has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and is a member of the Jefferson City Kiwanis Club. Colonel McCarter earned a Bachelor of Science in aviation technology and Master of Science in aviation safety from the University of Central Missouri. He later attended the National War Collège where he earned a Master of Science in national security strategy.

Dr. Mary Deeken, of Jefferson City, was appointed to a Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Dr. Deeken was most recently a Pediatrician with St. Mary's Pediatrics from 1998 until her retirement in 2018. She began her medical career as an active duty U.S. Airforce Captain and General Medical Officer at Whiteman Air Force Base in 1993. Dr.  Deeken is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is a board diplomate with the American Board of Pediatrics. She also serves as a board member for the Cole County Special Services, Cole County Residential Services, and the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association. Dr. Deeken earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lincoln University and Doctor of Medicine from the University of Missouri–Columbia School of Medicine. 

John Mulvihill, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority. 

Mr. Mulvihill is Chief of Staff for the Office of CEO at VMLY&R, a global advertising and marketing agency based in Kansas City. He has been with the company since 2007 and in his current role since 2016. He also serves as Executive Director of the VMLY&R Foundation, the company’s charitable outreach organization. Mr. Mulvihill is the co-founder of the annual TEDxKC conference, a former board member of the Kansas City Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority, and former chairman of the Kansas City Board of Zoning Adjustment. Mr. Mulvihill is a former board member of the KCMO Police Athletic League and recipient of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Frank Cramer Award for lifetime service to the NAIA. Mr. Mulvihill earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication and political science from Rockhurst University.

Megan Word, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Clay County Board of Election Commissioners. 

Ms. Word currently serves as the Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network for Kansas and Nebraska. Previously, she was a legislative coordinator for the Missouri Housing Development Commission and has also served as the Director of Government Relations for The Salvation Army for Western Kansas and Missouri. Ms. Word earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and communications from William Jewel College and a Master of Public Policy from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.  

Dr. Andrew Wyant, of El Dorado Springs, was appointed as the Cedar County Coroner. 

Dr. Wyant is currently a Family Medicine Physician at Cedar County Memorial Hospital and CCMH Medical Mall Clinic. Previously, he was an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies with the University of Kentucky's Department of Clinical Sciences. Dr. Wyant earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Evansville and a Doctor of Medicine from the Indiana University School of Medicine. He later earned a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary.