Newsmakers: April 21-27, 2025

Education
Jason Steele was promoted by Branson Public Schools to director of technology and digital learning from assistant principal at Branson High School. With 19 years of experience, Steele has his undergraduate degree from Missouri State University, a master’s in administration from William Woods University and a specialist degree in educational leadership from Arkansas State University.

Branson Public Schools announced the promotions of Nate Moore, Jack Harris, Tara Roberts, Byron Richardson and John-Paul Williams effective with the 2025-26 academic year. Moore, currently the district’s assistant superintendent and chief financial officer, has been tapped as the district’s next superintendent. With 25 years of public education experience, Moore has his undergraduate degree from Missouri Western State University, graduate degrees from Southwest Baptist University and William Woods University and his doctoral degree in educational leadership from Lindenwood University. Harris, who has been named assistant superintendent of business services, has a bachelor’s from College of the Ozarks, a master’s from Lindenwood University, a specialist degree in educational administration from Missouri State University and a doctorate in education from Lindenwood University. Currently superintendent of Taneyville R-II School District, Roberts has been appointed as executive director of instructional services at the Branson district. With 17 years in education, Roberts has a bachelor’s from Drury University, a master’s from William Woods University and an education doctorate and specialist degree from Lindenwood University. Richardson joins the Branson district as assistant principal at Branson High School, after currently serving as a physical education instructor and head baseball coach at Forsyth R-III School District. Richardson earned a bachelor’s from College of the Ozarks and a master’s from Lindenwood University. Williams, who has a bachelor’s from College of the Ozarks and master’s from Lindenwood University, is slated to join the Branson district as assistant principal at Cedar Ridge Intermediate after working for six years as an art teacher for the Reeds Spring School District.

Government
Springfield resident Michael Grose was selected as the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ team member of the month for February for his efforts in collaborating with a public water system in Taney County. Grose, an environmental engineer with the department’s Division of Environmental Quality, has been employed by the state DNR since 2006.

Law
The city of Branson promoted Solon McGee to city attorney from litigation attorney. A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, McGee has private practice experience as an associate attorney at Rooney McBride & Smith LLC.

Public Service
The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau partnered with the city of Branson for the joint hiring of Kody Petersen as veterans initiatives manager. The role, funded by tourism tax dollars, is designed to foster collaboration between the Branson chamber and city and veteran-focused groups. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Petersen has a bachelor’s in business administration from Park University.