2025 Most Influential Women: Callie Carroll-Swafford

Two distinct roles occupy the time of Callie Carroll-Swafford: She is vice president of business development and shareholder relations at OMB Bank, and since April 2023 she has been a member of Springfield City Council, holding General Seat C while serving as chair of its Community Involvement Committee and member of its Plans and Policies Committee.

At OMB Bank, Carroll-Swafford says her role is to raise capital by developing and maintaining relationships throughout the community. She adds she has been an integral part of the bank’s substantial growth over the last five years, with a total assets rise of roughly 160% to nearly $2 billion.

She notes her experience with relationship-building informs her council service.

“My biggest role on City Council the last two years has been bridging the gap between the public and private sectors in order to create incredible partnerships that are transformational for our community,” she says.

This year, Carroll-Swafford is serving as chair of The Network, a Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce organization that she says aims to connect the area’s young professionals with nonprofit board service and volunteerism.

“My thought process is that if we get young people involved with the community and serving in ways that make them feel like they are making a difference, then we have a better chance at keeping their talents here in our region,” she says.

As for her own service, Carroll-Swafford is board president of Champions Committed to Kids, a nonprofit that provides children with disabilities a chance to be part of an athletic team. She says she is passionate about helping children with disabilities. For the past seven years, the organization has held a Fall Signing Party, where approximately 30 young people sign autographs for the nearly 300 guests that show up to cheer them on.

Carroll-Swafford says that at the event, each participant has a solo moment on stage to sign a letter of intent to join the bench of a college or high school team. Meanwhile, members of the team they are joining surround them and cheer them on.

She adds that she has a unique vantage point as the party’s emcee.

“The goal is to change these kids’ lives who are battling chronic illnesses or diseases, but it also changes the lives of everyone who has the honor of being around these kids and watching them blossom with confidence when they are surrounded by people who are lifting them up,” she says.

Carroll-Swafford has been recognized by her alma mater with the Missouri State University Young Alumna Award, given annually to a person who has achieved success early in their career while making a meaningful impact in their profession and the community.