The Foundation is pleased to welcome five new members to our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors and Advisory Boards are integral parts of the work of the Foundation. Members of our Board and Advisory Boards make up the committees that review and score hundreds of grant and scholarship applications each year, fundraise for our annual Gala, provide strategic direction for our community initiatives such as our Affordable Housing Initiative, and oversee the finances and investments of the Foundation. We are grateful for their commitment to our community.
Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) Savidge served 17 years as a high school teacher and administrator in the Blue Springs School District before returning to the Independence School District to serve as a middle school principal and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development for the remainder of her 34-year career. Presently she serves as a Leadership Specialist for the Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS) through the Kansas City Regional Professional Development Center and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In her spare time, Beth mentors new school principals, teaches graduate level education courses and serves on the boards of nonprofit organizations that are working to improve the lives of children in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Charline Gray is the proud owner of a thriving commercial cleaning business, The Cleaning Crew of KC, located in Independence MO. Charline is deeply committed to providing top-notch cleaning services to businesses in our community. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to excellence, Charline ensures that every client receives the highest standard of cleanliness and professionalism.
Beyond her role as a business owner, Charline finds immense joy in her roles as a mother and grandmother. Raising her own child has been one of life's greatest blessings, and now seeing her two grandchildren grow brings her endless happiness and fulfillment.
Liesl Hays is an author, entrepreneur, and human resources strategist. For over seventeen years, Liesl has provided strategic direction to small, medium, and large businesses on their human capital needs. Most recently, Liesl was a Human Resources Strategist at one of the largest global Healthcare IT companies in the world. After leaving her corporate job in 2016, she opened her own Human Resources Consulting business called Aligned Talent Consulting.
In 2021, Liesl released her first book through Morgan James Publishing, “Broken, Changed & Rearranged.” This self-development book shares her journey of chasing the traditional paths towards success to discover she was woefully unhappy locked inside her 60-hour-a-week grind.
Dan O’Neill has been a real estate agent for Reece Nichols Realtors in Blue Springs for 21 years. He has worked in industrial sales for 30 years, territorial sales for 14 years, and has 16 years of sales management experience. He has earned several awards for his realty experience. Dan has served on non-profit and civic boards throughout his career.
Kim Roam is an Executive Vice President for Blue Ridge Bank and Trust Company and is the Division Manager of its Trust Department and Wealth Management Group. He also serves on the Bank’s Board of Directors. Prior to managing the Trust Department, Kim practiced law in Blue Springs for 34 years and served as the firm’s managing partner for 25 years before retiring from the private practice of law. Kim has been an active leader in Eastern Jackson County civic affairs his entire professional career.
