Gov. Mike Kehoe
58th Governor of Missouri
Mike Kehoe was sworn in as Missouri’s 58th Governor on January 13, 2025. Guided by a lifelong dedication to public service and a commitment to Missouri families, Governor Kehoe has made public safety, education, economic development, and agriculture the cornerstones of his administration.
Raised as the youngest of six children by a single mother who worked tirelessly to support her family, Governor Kehoe learned the value of hard work and resilience at an early age. Starting his career washing cars at 15, he advanced through the automotive industry to become one of the youngest Ford dealers in the nation. Later, he turned around Osage Industries, a struggling ambulance manufacturing company in Linn, Missouri, transforming the business into one of the largest ambulance manufacturers in the nation.
The Governor’s entrepreneurial success and leadership skills in his early career naturally drew him to public service, where he could use his experience to improve the lives of Missouri families and strengthen the state’s economy.
During his four-and-a-half years on the Missouri Highway & Transportation Commission, Governor Kehoe’s leadership played a critical role in improving the state’s infrastructure and elevating Missouri’s road system from among the worst in the nation to one of the best. In 2010, he was elected to the Missouri Senate, where he worked to balance budgets, fully fund schools, and champion laws protecting Missouri’s children and seniors. As Senate Majority Floor Leader, he advocated for reducing regulatory burdens, cutting taxes, and creating jobs.
Throughout his term as Missouri’s 47th Lieutenant Governor, Governor Kehoe highlighted Missouri’s businesses, agriculture, and tourism while serving as a voice for veterans and seniors.
As a first generation-farmer and passionate champion of Missouri agriculture, Governor Kehoe owns and operates a 700-acre cattle farm in Phelps and Pulaski counties with his wife, Claudia. The Kehoes are proud parents of four adult children and soon-to-be-grandparents.
Governor Kehoe’s priorities reflect his unwavering commitment to the people of Missouri: ensuring safe communities, advancing education, fostering economic growth, and supporting the backbone of the state’s economy—agriculture.
Becca Chapman
Becca Chapman has served at Wheeler Mission for nearly 10 years and is the Director of Women's Philanthropy and helped procure the first 7-figure gift in the the mission's 130 year history. She is passionate about activating donors through increased understanding and education of the work being done on the front line. She has over 15 years of experience in areas of nonprofit ministry including giving circle development and implementation, portfolio management, donor stewardship, and volunteerism. Becca is also the owner of 12 Baskets Consulting, LLC where she is able to walk alongside clients in their fundraising journey.
Becca attended Indiana Wesleyan University for her undergraduate degree and double majored in Business Administration and Adolescent Ministry while playing soccer and went on to receive her MBA at the University of Sioux Falls where she was the assistant soccer coach. She is now washed up and enjoys long distance running to stay active. More important than any professional endeavor, Becca is the proud wife of Jordan and mom to Whitaker, Wellington, and a baby girl on the way. She now enjoys playing monster trucks, cheering on her Indiana Hoosiers from afar, and intentional conversations.
Bob Priddy
Zederic Crawford
Zederic Crawford was raised in St. Louis, Missouri, until he turned 16, when a single poor choice transformed into God's purpose for his life. After being released from prison nearly a decade ago, having served 22 years of a 60-year sentence, he utilized the valuable lessons he learned during his incarceration to thrive as a successful business professional and an inspirational mentor for young people.
Zederic's journey from adversity to empowerment has inspired countless individuals who face their own challenges. Through his mentorship, he shares his story of resilience, emphasizing the importance of personal growth, accountability, and the power of redemption. Zederic believes that every setback can be a setup for a comeback, and he is committed to guiding others on their paths to success and fulfillment.
Julian Jackman
Julian Jackman dreamed People Embracing Another Choice Effectively (P.E.A.C.E.), a non-profit with a mission,
“to reach into our communities and help the process of healing from hurt that was caused by criminal behavior. To educate young people on how their choices can either destroy or bring us together in the future. To work side by side with criminal justice agencies to help break down barriers with at-risk individuals and communities.”
while in prison. He spent 17 years of his incarceration preparing to lead a mentorship and training program for vulnerable young men, preparation that began shortly after he arrived, when he attended mandated Victims Awareness Classes. The peer-led workshops were good, but Julian also saw ways they could be better.
In his second year, he rose to a peer facilitator and was asked if he had input on how to improve curriculum during an upcoming rewrite. Julian’s curriculum, his teaching, and his facilitator training drew people in. In collaboration with men who served time with Julian, P.E.A.C.E. was off to a fast start, returning home to face consequences and reaching a community that others could not.
Alex Dempsey
Alex Dempsey was born in Kokomo, Indiana, but moved to Missouri as a child. He went to high school in Saint Louis and graduated from the University of Missouri - Rolla (otherwise known as the Missouri University of Science and Technology). Alex eventually ended up in Washington, DC before attending Georgetown University Law Center. Since becoming an attorney, he has worked as a senior associate at a DC law firm, Defender, Assistant United States Attorney, and currently works in the Criminal Division at the Department of Justice. This is Alex’s 20th time attending the Governor’s Forum (first as a student attendee and later as a facilitator).
Travis Fitzwater
Travis Fitzwater is a husband, father and business professional who started his career in politics knocking on doors for local campaigns in mid-Missouri. Once then-Rep. Jeanie Riddle decided to run for the Senate, Travis ran for and won her House seat in 2014, serving in the chamber for eight years. Consequently, upon Sen. Riddle’s much-deserved retirement after a long career of public service as a teacher, House and Senate member in 2022, Travis ran for her Senate seat and won a close primary, subsequently going on to win the general election in November.
He has spent his life outside the Capitol serving God and community, working in college ministry, serving thousands in nonprofit management, investing in real estate and starting small companies while also administering his wife’s counseling business.
He graduated from Presbyterian College in South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in political science with an emphasis on international relations. Travis has also attained a master’s degree in Atlantic history and politics from the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy at the University of Missouri.
He and his beautiful wife, Amy, and three daughters live in Holts Summit with their beloved dog. His wife is a licensed professional counselor committed to serving children and families in mid-Missouri. They homeschool their daughters who love ice skating, playing, reading, traveling, being outside and spending Friday nights over pizza and movies.
Amanda Mitchem
Amanda has always been passionate about causes rooted in justice, getting to know people deeply, and stepping out boldly in faith despite what it might look like to the 'world'! Amanda lived in Melbourne, Australia, where she grew up, graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Criminology and a Bachelor of Laws (Honors), followed by completing her certification to be admitted as a lawyer, lived close to family and childhood friends, danced and coached dance, and worked for Legal Aid as a lawyer specializing in criminal and family violence. She is now married to her amazing husband Braden (American), has a Great Dane puppy named Sadie, works as a Sales Representative at Toast Inc., and lives in St Louis, Missouri in a close community (as close as living on the same street) with friends pursuing meaningful and intentional relationships!
Amanda grew up holding various leadership positions throughout different parts of her life which led to stepping into more coaching and mentoring roles! Amanda worked for the National Student Leadership Forum in Australia in 2018, as well as completing a year long internship program focussed on faith, values and relationships! She has since attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. and the National Student Leadership Forum held in D.C. Amanda loves searching for good coffee, spending time with friends and family, going for walks anywhere and everywhere in nature, and traveling to new places!
Justin Campbell
Justin Campbell is the Regional Director for Young Life in the Mid-America Region. He has served in various leadership roles in Young Life for nearly 30 years working with adolescents and young adults. He has lead and supervised many full time staff as well as hundreds of volunteers of all ages. Justin has spoken at many different types of events and conferences. He currently lives in Smithville, Missouri just north of Kansas City. He is married to Mellissa and they have one daughter Bella.
Riley Thompson - Emcee
Riley Thompson is from Dallas, Texas! She studied Theatre and Psychology at the University of North Texas. A few of Riley’s favorites are being with friends, game nights and experimenting with new recipes. Riley is currently in a fellowship program in Washington DC, spending the year deepening her faith and my relationships.
Jack Casper - Emcee
Jack Casper hails from Parker, Colorado. Jack attended Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona earning his bachelors degree in Psychology. He has been involved in several different leadership opportunities through church and outreach programs working with refugee families through his university. Jack is currently in the Fellows Program with National Student Leadership in Washington D.C. He loves serving people, watching movies, and getting way too intense in card games and is excited for this the 2025 Missouri Forum!