Assistant Vice President/Auditor, Assistant Security, and BSA Compliance Officer, Boone County National Bank – Age: 32

After earning a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from Central Missouri State University in 1995, Jennifer Thoma worked as a senior mutual fund representative for DST Systems in Kansas City. She became an operations manager for Fabri-centers of America in 1997. In May 1998 Thoma moved to Columbia, where she joined Boone County National Bank. She earned a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia College in 2003.
Thoma and her husband of 11 years, Chris, live on 60 acres between Boonville and Columbia in a home they built together two years ago. The Thomas enjoy camping, hiking and hunting together and are in the process of adopting a child from China.
Thoma is an active member of the Faith Family Church in Fayette and an avid scrap booker. She has run in one marathon and one half-marathon. She also enjoys traveling and has been to 40 of the 50 U.S. states and has taken two mission trips to the Dominican Republic.
Thoma serves the community through her participation in the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network and Membership Committee; fund-raising efforts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, MS150, and the March of Dimes; and volunteering for the United Way Day of Caring, Speaking of Women’s Health and the Boone County National Bank mentor program. She is also the treasurer of the board of directors for the Missouri Court-Appointed Special Advocate programs and a founding co-chair of Emerging Professionals in Columbia (EPIC).
“Based on my involvement with the Emerging Professionals in Columbia program and the success of our events, there is a definite need for the growth and development of young professionals in Columbia,” said Thoma. “Although there are programs that cater to the underprivileged, to students, and even to recruiting retirees, there seems to be a lack of programs to recruit and retain young professionals. I would like to see the community take a more prominent position in celebrating the potential of the group and embracing the diversity they have to offer.”