Board of Directors
George Mitchell - Chair
Occupation/Professional Background
Hospital Director of Performance Improvement and Risk Management
Personal Experience with Developmental Disabilities
My daughter has an Intellectual Disability. Also, I spent my college years working as a Direct Support Professional as well as with the Department of Mental Health upon graduation.
Personal Philosophy about I/DD services
Inclusion rather than exclusion.
What impact do you hope to make by serving on the eitas Board?
To advocate for those citizens of Jackson County to assure that they have the opportunity to live their best lives.
What do you feel is your number one responsibility to the citizens of Jackson County?
To be responsible with the charge of overseeing this organization and the funds associated with it..
Favorite Quote .
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Dr. Eve McGee - Secretary
Occupation/Professional Background
Social Worker/grant writer/consultant/administrator
Personal Experience with Developmental Disabilities
My granddaughter has a developmental disability
Personal Philosophy about I/DD services
My personal philosophy regarding intellectual and developmental disabilities is deeply rooted in a strengths-based, person-centered approach, acknowledging the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. I believe that all people, regardless of their abilities, possess unique strengths, talents, and aspirations that should be recognized and celebrated. This philosophy guides my practice as a social worker and informs my interactions with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
What impact do you hope to make by serving on the eitas Board?
I hope to leverage my passion for person-centered practices and my commitment to social justice to amplify the voices of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, promoting their full inclusion in the community. By collaborating with the dedicated team at EITAS, I aim to contribute to the development of innovative programs and services that empower individuals and families to reach their full potential
What do you feel is your number one responsibility to the citizens of Jackson County?
My priority is ensuring accessible, high-quality services that enhance the well-being of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. This includes responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and maximizing the impact of every dollar.
Ben Kisner - Vice Chair
Occupation/Professional Background
I work with a team to provide wealth management solutions to a select group of individuals, families, and institutions.
Personal Experience with Developmental Disabilities
My wife, Alli, and I have twins with developmental disabilities.
Personal Philosophy about I/DD services
I believe that providing resources to individuals and families that are impacted by having a loved one with disabilities is paramount to ensuring that everyone is awarded the same opportunities to reach their full potential.
What impact do you hope to make by serving on the eitas Board?
I hope to be a strong advocate for everyone with disabilities and their families. I will strive to maximize the level of support that eitas and partnering organizations provide while continuing to create awareness and find solutions to the many complexities our disability communities face.
What do you feel is your number one responsibility to the citizens of Jackson County?
To ensure that the citizens of Jackson County receive the highest level of service and are provided with every opportunity by utilizing every tax-payer dollar in the most efficient manner.
Stu May - Treasurer
Occupation/Professional Background
Broker/Agent for commercial and residential real estate. Formally, Vice President Sales for Whirlpool Financial Corporation.
Personal Experience with Developmental Disabilities
Father, caregiver, and advocate to an adult daughter with severe Developmental Disabilities.
Personal Philosophy about I/DD services
IDD services are a critical need for people with DD, their families, and their caregivers. People with DD deserve the opportunity to be the best they can be.
What impact do you hope to make by serving on the eitas Board?
I want to focus on engaging other board members and eitas management to maximize the services currently being provided by the agency. I also hope to explore new areas where eitas’ resources can be effectively employed to meet the unique needs of the citizens of Jackson County with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What do you feel is your number one responsibility to the citizens of Jackson County?
Ensure the organization efficiently and effectively provides relevant services to meet the needs of our Jackson County citizens with developmental disabilities as defined of our charter, and ensuring that we are good stewards of the taxpayer funding entrusted to eitas.
Susan Borgmeyer
Occupation/Professional Background
Speech/language pathologist, special education teacher, administer and consultant
Personal Experience with Developmental Disabilities
I have been involved with individuals with developmental disabilities from childhood through my 37-year career in Missouri public schools. I also have experience working for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education/Compliance and UMKC Regional Professional Developmental Center.
Personal Philosophy about I/DD services
My belief is that all people should have opportunities to express themselves, make choices, be productive, enjoy family and friends and be as independent as possible. Services (along with accommodations and modifications) to help achieve these should be provided in an inclusive manner for our citizens with developmental delays.
What impact do you hope to make by serving on the eitas Board?
Sharing my experiences to assist with the provision of services for citizens with developmental disabilities residing in Jackson County. I do have a particular interest in transition from school to work.
What do you feel is your number one responsibility to the citizens of Jackson County?
My number one responsibility is to help ensure the funds made available to this Jackson County Board for the provision of services for our citizens with developmental disabilities are administered prudently and with foresight to future services.
Ed Van Haele
Occupation/Professional Background
Retired business executive
Personal Experience with Developmental Disabilities
A proud father of a daughter with developmental disabilities.
Personal Philosophy about I/DD services
I/DD services are vitally important to individuals and their family members in our community.
What impact do you hope to make by serving on the eitas Board?
To provide the absolute best services possible to our families with I/DD members.
What do you feel is your number one responsibility to the citizens of Jackson County?
My hope is to utilize every taxpayer dollar in the most efficient manner possible to provide best in class services to our community.
Favorite Quote
“I refuse to put DIS, in my ability.” Robert M. Hensel
Nick Pevato
Occupation/Professional Background
Case Administrator at the United States District Court for the District of Kansas
Personal Experience with Developmental Disabilities
I previously worked as a Social Services Specialist for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. I was privileged to be able to visit and work with Missourians who have developmental disabilities. One of my favorite parts of the job was to see the positive growth people make, whether that was getting the new job they wanted, studying at high school or university, or accomplishing life goals. Now that I am working in the federal judicial system, I want to maintain my engagement with social services and help to increase opportunities and accessibility for the citizens of my home - Jackson County. Alongside serving on the board of eitas, I volunteer weekly at Children’s Mercy Hospital and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Arts.
Personal Philosophy about I/DD services
Equal access and opportunity are essential pillars of a progressive society.
What impact do you hope to make by serving on the eitas Board?
By serving on the board, I want to contribute to the collective effort of making Jackson County a place that is inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all citizens and visitors.
What do you feel is your number one responsibility to the citizens of Jackson County?
I believe my number one responsibility to the citizens of Jackson County is to advance the opportunities and the interests of citizens with developmental disabilities and their families, while also being fiscally responsible and accountable in dispersing the funds to make those advancements possible.
Favorite Quote .
“I think, therefore I am” - René Descartes
Deborah Prior
Occupation/Professional Background
Extensive background in leadership and management. Board Certified Nurse Practitioner with a specialty in Family Practice. Small Business Owner.
Personal Experience with Developmental Disabilities
I have 2 sisters, one who is 18 months younger than myself and is intellectually and developmentally disabled. I have been involved and an advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities my entire life.
I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with education and clinical experience caring for all types and ages of people across the lifespan, including those with disabilities
Personal Philosophy about I/DD services
I believe that every person deserves the opportunity to be as independent as possible in an environment that provides the supports and resources
needed for them to thrive and live happy and productive lives.. I believe that every person regardless of their abilities has the inherent right to dignity, respect, and the opportunity to maximize their potential as a human being in creating a life worth living.
What impact do you hope to make by serving on the eitas Board?
I hope to share my experience to support eitas in ensuring Jackson County citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue to receive the services currently being provided. I also look forward to exploring new opportunities to support and maximize services for the intellectually and developmentally disabled persons of Jackson County
What do you feel is your number one responsibility to the citizens of Jackson County?
To be a strong advocate and voice for the intellectually and developmentally disabled citizens and their families. We also have a fiduciary responsibility as a board to the citizens of Jackson County.
Lauren Powell
Occupation/Professional Background
I have a career spanning twenty years in the legal field. I currently serve as the Executive Assistant to the Jackson County Executive, where I provide high level administrative and strategic support.
Personal Experience with Developmental Disabilities
My personal experience with developmental disabilities comes through my nephew, who has Down syndrome. Being a part of his life has given me meaningful insight into both the challenges and the incredible strengths individuals with developmental disabilities bring to their families and communities. He has filled our lives with so much love, joy, and laughter, and has truly been a blessing to our entire family.
Personal Philosophy about I/DD services
My personal philosophy about IDD services is rooted in dignity, inclusion, and opportunity. I believe individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve access to high quality services that promote independence, meaningful community involvement, and the ability to live fulfilling lives. Services should be person centered, focused on strengths and abilities, and designed to empower individuals while also supporting their families. Above all, I believe in treating every person with respect and ensuring they have the resources and advocacy needed to thrive.
What impact do you hope to make by serving on the eitas Board?
By serving on the board, I will contribute my professional experience, personal perspective, and passion for supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I aim to help advance policies and programs that promote inclusion, equity, and meaningful opportunities for those we serve. Additionally, I hope to be a voice that bridges understanding between families, professionals, and the community, ultimately helping create an environment where every individual with IDD can thrive, reach their potential, and experience a life full of dignity, joy, and purpose.
What do you feel is your number one responsibility to the citizens of Jackson County?
I feel my number one responsibility to the citizens of Jackson County is to ensure that their needs and interests are represented with integrity, transparency, and accountability. This includes making informed decisions, providing access to essential services, and advocating for programs and policies that improve quality of life, promote equality, and foster a safe, inclusive, and thriving community for all residents.
Favorite Quote .
“The true measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members.” Mahatma Gandhi
