- Date published
New directors bring expertise in healthcare strategy, intellectual property law and community leadership to support Missouri State University's innovation and economic development efforts.
Springfield Innovation Inc. recently appointed three new members to its board of directors:
- Cheryl Hertel, CoxHealth
- James Jeffries, Kutak Rock
- Carrie Richardson, Leadership Springfield
The board also recognized two outgoing board members for their service and leadership:
- Amanda Hedgpeth, CoxHealth
- Sarah Hough, Bass Pro Shops
New Board Leadership
Officers for the Springfield Innovation Inc. Board include:
- Chair: Erin Danastasio, Hatch Foundation
- Vice Chair: Chris Kleinfeld, SRC Technologies Group
- Treasurer: Andrea Brady, Great Southern Bank
“The best work happens when the right people come together around a shared purpose. Amanda and Sarah helped us build something special, and I am incredibly grateful for their leadership. Cheryl, James, and Carrie bring the experience, relationships, and fresh perspective to help us connect more ideas to action and create even greater impact,” said Rachel Munday, CEO of Springfield Innovation Inc. and Assistant Vice President, Economic Development at Missouri State University.
Amanda Hedgpeth
Springfield Innovation Inc. recognized Hedgpeth for her six years of service on the board, including her past year as board chair.
Throughout her tenure, Hedgpeth helped guide the organization through continued growth while strengthening the partnership between CoxHealth and Missouri State University. Her leadership supported initiatives including the CoxHealth Innovation Accelerator, nationally recognized healthcare innovation efforts and collaborations that have positioned southwest Missouri as a leader in advancing innovative ideas and technologies.
“Serving on the Springfield Innovation Inc. board reinforced something I believe deeply: innovation isn’t a tool or a technology. It’s a mindset that has to be built into an organization’s culture,” Hedgpeth said. “Watching this board bring together research, entrepreneurship and industry gave me a front-row seat to how that mindset takes hold across an entire region, not just a single institution. I’m proud of what we accomplished together and excited to see how the board continues to shape Springfield’s future.”
Sarah Hough
Hough recently completed three years of dedicated service on the board.
Representing one of efactory’s corporate partners, Hough helped strengthen relationships between the university, the regional business community and entrepreneurs while supporting initiatives that support innovation and economic growth.
“It has been an honor to serve alongside leaders who care deeply about creating opportunities for businesses, students and our community,” Hough said.
Cheryl Hertel
As vice president of strategy at CoxHealth, Hertel brings extensive experience leading strategic initiatives, innovation, and organizational growth. Her work advancing partnerships that improve healthcare delivery and strengthen regional collaboration will provide valuable perspective as Springfield Innovation Inc. continues expanding its impact.
“As I step into this role, I look forward to being part of what JVIC and efactory can do to propel our region forward,” Hertel said.
James Jeffries
Jeffries brings decades of legal and business experience advising organizations through governance, strategic planning, and organizational growth.
“I look forward to using my intellectual property law experience to support Springfield Innovation Inc. as it continues advancing innovation-driven economic development initiatives,” Jeffries said.
Carrie Richardson
Richardson has deep roots with efactory. She participates in the Corporate Partner Program, facilitates professional development programs and partners on initiatives that connect business and community leaders.
“The best ideas rarely happen in isolation. They grow when people, organizations and industries with different perspectives come together around a shared purpose. That’s one reason we’ve worked so closely with efactory through the years,” Richardson said.
“We’ve collaborated on initiatives like Rosie before it transitioned under our umbrella and with Missouri State University’s Graduate College to offer graduate-level credit for Leadership Springfield’s Signature Program. I love that Springfield Innovation Inc. brings together entrepreneurs, educators, employers and community partners to create opportunities that strengthen our entire region. I’m honored to join the board and excited to help strengthen the partnerships, talent and entrepreneurial spirit that will shape Springfield’s future for years to come.”
Supporting Innovation and Economic Development
Springfield Innovation Inc. provides strategic oversight for the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center and efactory, two cornerstone organizations within Missouri State University’s economic development ecosystem.
Together, JVIC and efactory help move research from the lab into industry, support entrepreneurs and growing businesses, connect students with hands-on learning opportunities, and strengthen Missouri’s innovation economy through collaboration among higher education, industry, and community partners.