Organization also Extended the Appointment of Existing Board Members and Elected Officers at Annual Meeting
The Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) – the state’s transit advocacy organization – has named Jay Hardenbrook, Associate State Director for Advocacy for AARP Missouri, as its newest board member. He was elected during MPTA’s 2025 Annual Meeting, held the first day of the Midwest Transit Conference, Sept. 3-5 in Kansas City. He will serve a two-year term.
Hardenbrook has been serving in his current capacity with AARP Missouri for nearly a decade. He has 25 years of public policy experience, extensive knowledge of Missouri’s Budget process and expertise in health care, consumer and utility related issues. He has spent years building relationships with legislators and other like-minded advocates in the Capitol. He resides in St. Louis.
During the annual meeting, the MPTA extended the appointment of several board members for an additional two-year term. This included Janine Clampitt of Ray County Transit, Chance Gallagher of the City of St. Joseph, Shannon Hemenway of GoCOMO, David Knaut of Ozark Transportation Organization, Rachel Pawlak of East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Ginny Smith of Cape County Transit and Frank White, III, of KCATA.
The following officers were also appointed for a one-year term: President – Matt Crawford of City Utilities of Springfield, Vice-President – Cindy Baker of KCATA, Secretary – Chance Gallagher of the City of St. Joseph, Treasurer – Tracy Jones of SMTS, Past President – Taulby Roach of Bi-State Development and At-Large – Dorothy Yeager of OATS.
“The strength of the MPTA relies greatly on the dedication and vision of our leadership,” said Kim Cella, executive director of the MPTA. “This mix of leaders brings both experience and passion to the table, well-positioning us to champion public transit and drive progress for communities across Missouri. This is especially important as we work to secure additional state funding for transit providers.”