Morrison Returns to Mizzou Athletic Department 

After nearly two decades in the Columbia financial and banking community, former Mizzou Athletics administrator Eric Morrison is returning to serve as the university’s deputy director of athletics/chief of External Relations, Mizzou Director of Athletics Laird Veatch announced in a news release on July 19. Morrison officially began his new duties on August 1. 

Morrison, a Mizzou graduate who worked in the athletics department from 1998 to 2007 in various roles, has served as the president of Sundvold Financial for the last two years, overseeing the Columbia investment firm’s daily operations and staff. Morrison recently finished his one-year term as board chair of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and also serves on the board of directors for Shelter Insurance Companies, the Regional Economic Development Inc., and the Columbia Area Jobs Foundation.  

“Our family is beyond excited to join the Mizzou team,” Morrison said in the release. “We are thankful to Laird and the institution for the opportunity and look forward to the work of supporting Mizzou’s student-athletes, coaches, and fan base.” 

Veatch said he has known Morrison for many years and that the two have stayed in touch since their days working together in the Mizzou athletic department. 

“He also remained closely engaged with Mizzou Athletics and his passion for the people and programs at Mizzou never wavered,” Veatch said in the release. “I am confident that Eric’s relationships within the Mizzou community will prove to be a unique advantage for our athletics programs and there could not be a better fit to lead our External Relations efforts, which will provide many returns for years to come. A warm welcome back to Eric, Amy and their son Evan to the Mizzou Athletics family.” 

Morrison joined the Mizzou athletics department shortly after earning his undergraduate degree in communications, first serving as a media relations associate before becoming the department’s coordinator for suite operations at Memorial Stadium and other athletics facilities. As the department’s director of External Relations under longtime athletics director Mike Alden, Morrison worked on multiple special projects, including parking allocations, facility seating plans, and the construction of Mizzou Arena. 

Currently, Morrison is also a member of the Missouri 100 that advises and assists University of Missouri President Mun Choi as well as the Mizzou Alumni Association. Morrison is also a member of the COMO Business Times advisory board and is an alumnus of CBT’s 20 Under 40 Class of 2015.

Columbia College

Columbia College Board of Trustees Chair Rev. Dr. Brad Stagg has announced the appointments of two new members to the board. Dr. Michael Kateman and René Massey will serve four-year terms as trustees through 2028.   

Kateman brings more than 38 years of experience in communications, constituent relations, and  fundraising to Columbia College’s governing entity, including nearly nine years as the college’s executive director of Development, Alumni and Public Relations. Most recently, he served as assistant vice chancellor for Advancement at the University of Missouri.   

Massey has been a part of the Columbia College community since enrolling as a student in 1980. She first served the college as a work-study student in Academic Affairs. She then began work full-time in the adult learning division, now known as Columbia College Global. She was associate dean for Adult Higher Education and served in that capacity until she retired in 2015.  

Chris Smith

President Mun Y. Choi has appointed Chris Smith as interim vice chancellor for advancement. Smith currently serves as assistant vice chancellor and oversees advancement for colleges, schools and divisions at Mizzou. Smith has 20 years of advancement experience in education and health care. Her appointment follows the news that Jackie Lewis is stepping down as vice chancellor for advancement for a position at Marts & Lundy.    

The Pecks

Broadway Christian Church announces the appointment of its new lead pastor, Sarah Taylor Peck, and associate pastor, Andrew Taylor Peck. Sarah has more than twenty years of ministry experience. Andrew complements Sarah with community engagement and spiritual development. Church officials say the couple create a vibrant and nurturing atmosphere for all members of Broadway Christian Church. Their first worship service was Sunday, July 14.  

Stacey LaFehr-Yoder 

Columbia Insurance Group (CIG) has announced that Stacey LaFehr-Yoder joined the executive team as vice president of corporate governance and administration on June 24. She will lead enterprise risk management, internal control, and the strategy management functions. Todd Ruthruff, CIG president and chief executive officer, says LaFehr-Yoder “helps bridge gaps, drive efficiency, and develop pathways for all those around her to deliver exceptional value.” LaFehr-Yoder has built a twenty-five-year career in accounting, auditing and operations. She joins CIG after serving most recently as the vice president of claim operations at a large US based property and casualty insurance carrier.  

Valorie Livingston 

First State Community Bank welcomes Valorie Livingston to its team as the assistant vice president business development officer. Livingston brings twenty-nine years of business management and development experience to FSCB, with three years in banking. Beyond her professional achievements, she is an ambassador of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and she played a significant role in The Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbia.   

Michaela Flores 

The Columbia Housing Authority’s (CHA) Moving Ahead after school and summer program coordinator, Michaela Flores, has been selected as an ambassador for the Missouri After School Network (MASN).  She stepped into the role of MAP program coordinator in May 2024.  The MAP after school and summer program serves over 100 CHA youth annually. Flores has been part of CHA’s leadership for seven years.