The North Central Missouri College Foundation Board of Directors met on August 24th to elect officers, appoint a new board member, hear committee updates, and conduct other business. The quarterly meeting was held in Cross Hall with a meal provided by Great Western Dining. Members of the nominating committee proposed an officer slate that included, Allan Seidel – President, Seth Cox – Vice-President, Cathy McKay – Treasurer and Tricia Key – Secretary (non-voting position). After board approval of the proposed officers, the nominating committee recommended and the board approved the appointment of a new director, Mike Gallagher.
“Being nominated for the NCMC Foundation was an honor,” remarked Mr. Gallagher. “I accepted the position on the Foundation because of what I have learned so far about NCMC. I knew very little about NCMC in the beginning and I have found it to be a top notch organization, full of top notch people and I have been proud to be a part of something that will be so beneficial to our region in the future.”
Mike Gallagher graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ag-Business in May of 1981. He grew up raising hogs, cattle, corn and soybeans on his family’s farm located 6 miles southeast of Maryville, MO before leaving home.
After working in banking in Northwest Missouri for 30 years, the opportunity for private bank ownership was realized in March of 2011 when Mike and a small group of investors purchased the Citizens Bank in Oregon, MO. The group purchased the UMB branch in Savannah, MO in 2012. After which, the investors sold the two banking centers to the Wells Bank in Platte City. The group purchased Mainstreet Bank in Ashland, MO, which changed its name to Connections Bank when it acquired American Trust Bank in Kirksville, MO approximately five years ago. Both Wells Bank and Connections Bank share common management and some common ownership. After the merger of Wells Bancshares and Connections Bancshares in 2023, Wells Banks in Maryville, Oregon, Savannah, and locations around Missouri, changed their name to Connections Bank.
Mike has lived in Savannah, MO since 1987 and works as a Senior Vice President for Connections Bank in Savannah, MO. Mike and his wife Susie have 2 children and 5 grandchildren.
“Mike has been a great asset to the Foundation as co-chair of the Transforming Lives, Empowering People campaign executive committee,” commented NCMC President Allan Seidel. “We are thrilled that the nominating committee recommended him and saw the value in having representation from Savannah on the Foundation Board of Directors.”
Allan Seidel of Trenton and Distinguished Alumni Class of 2018 has served as President since May 2018 and was first elected to the Foundation Board in 2013. Cathy McKay of Trenton joined the Board in 2018 and is serving her second year as Treasurer. Cathy was honored as a Distinguished Alumni Class of 2013 honoree. Seth Cox of Laredo is serving his first year as Vice-President and has been a board member since 2016.
The NCMC Foundation, a 501(c)3 IRS-approved organization, works with North Central Missouri College to Transform Lives, Empower People. From new programs to the latest technologies to emergency assistance funds for students, gifts are able to broadly support students and College programs. Unrestricted gifts address the most pressing needs of the College, and investors understand that the institution will put those dollars where they are most needed. Those wishing to invest to help advance, assist, and support the growth of North Central Missouri College or learn more about the NCMC Foundation are encouraged to contact Alicia Endicott at 660-357-6403 or [email protected].
Photo: Mike Gallagher, Seth Cox, Cathy McKay, Allan Seidel