BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION OF THE OZARKS
A former BCFO board member used to say “Individually, we are bright. Collectively, we are brilliant,” and today, those words still ring true. Valuing teamwork and community partnerships, BCFO hopes that anyone who encounters our organization – whether it be a patient, volunteer, or donor – has an experience that changes their world for the better.
Like many other nonprofits, our organization wouldn’t be what it is today without BCFO’s board of directors and staff. With a diverse array of backgrounds and experience, BCFO team members are uniquely prepared to address the situational poverty stemming from a breast cancer diagnosis. Whether you are a breast cancer patient, a donor, or a volunteer, we want to hear how we can best serve you. BCFO team members strive to ensure our patients get the services they truly need, donors’ contributions are used in the most effective manner, and our volunteers are directly involved in programs and community outreach efforts.
Mary Beth O'Reilly
FOUNDER & CHAIR
Mary Beth O’Reilly founded BCFO in 1999. She brought a group of friends together with a shared mission – providing real and practical help to local families facing breast cancer – after losing her friend Kristen O’Brien Hardy.
Mary Beth is a registered nurse with an extensive healthcare background. Prior to founding BCFO, she worked at St. John’s Health System, Community Hospices of America, and Oxford Health Care. One achievement in her nursing career is the development of the “Nurse On Call” program to provide immediate medical contact for patients at high risk for admission or readmission to the hospital. First implemented at St. John’s Health System, this program is still in use at Mercy today.
Mary Beth is married to Charlie O’Reilly, and the couple has three sons – Pat, Tim and Ryan. She and Charlie raised their kids in the early days of O’Reilly Auto Parts, long before the company went public. Juggling auto parts runs between Joplin and Springfield in an old station wagon with a hole in the floorboard (through which her children unloaded various items onto I-44), Mary Beth balanced a career, children and support for Charlie’s role with O’Reilly Auto Parts.
Mary Beth is a long-standing community volunteer, serving on various local and state boards including past service as a Missouri Foundation for Health board member. In the early days, she and Charlie were Jaycees, donating their time, as that was what they were able to give back to the community at that point. Now, Charlie and Mary Beth O’Reilly are noted philanthropists, choosing to use their resources to make significant impact on the southwest Missouri community through a number of charitable organizations including BCFO.
As a breast cancer survivor herself, Mary Beth understands the difficulties faced by families who encounter cancer. Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks provides vital services to those families to ease their journey through breast cancer.
Supporting Businesses
To help offset administrative costs, BCFO owns and operates supporting businesses throughout our region. These businesses aim to ensure that when someone donates to BCFO, their donation will go directly to local cancer patients.
Glenstone Title Office is Springfield’s most convenient way to process your Motor Vehicle Titles and Registration! Located on the corner of Glenstone and Grand, GTO is your new one stop shop for In-house Notary, PO Box Rentals, Copies, Printing, and so much more! Come see how GTO can make your life easier!
For more information: 417-507-1222 or cheryl.gto@bcfo.org
P.O. Boxes-Now Available!
Don’t miss out on our GRAND OPENING Special!
When paid in full, receive 15% off 6 Month or 20% off 12 Month P.O. Box Rentals!
With stores in Springfield, Ozark, and Joplin, Neat Repeats offers a luxury thrift experience that showcases carefully curated clothing, household items, and more! You can help support our mission by dropping off donations, volunteering, and shopping in our stores!
For more information: 417-485-4999 or jeremy.neatrepeats@bcfo.org
DMV License Offices
BCFO operates three area License Offices. Choose Republic, Ozark, or Nixa, for all your DMV needs!
Republic: 243 US Highway60 W, Republic, MO – 417-732-7557
Ozark: 103 W Church St, Ozark, MO – 417-581-2955
Nixa: 214 Village Center St, Nixa MO – 417-725-9697
Debi Murray Bennett, President
Debi is a Realtor with Murney Associates, The Office of Patrick Murney. She obtained her Missouri Salesperson License in 1995 and continued her focus in the Buyer Specialist area. Debi has multiple recognition awards of service from the Ozark Empire Fair Board of Directors;Vendor of the Year, Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield. She has also has served on the Ozark Empire Fair Board of Directors and Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield Charitable Foundation Board. She is a member of Second Baptist church where she works with special needs children through MOPS. She is the proud mother of two children and enjoys biking and walking.
John Russell, President Elect
John is Vice President of The Insurance Group in Springfield and serves as an advisor and consultant to many corporate clients throughout Southwest Missouri. His portfolio includes property & casualty insurance and employee benefits. He is also involved in the firm’s aviation unit. Prior to joining The Insurance Group in 2009, John served four years as Deputy Chief of Staff -Administration for Governor Matt Blunt. Previously he served as an assistant to Blunt when he was Missouri’s Secretary of State. John is also involved with a family manufacturing business in Springfield, L&W Industries. John is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in Business Management. Originally from Lebanon, he and his wife, Jenilee, live in Springfield with their daughter, Harper and son, Hudson.
Justin Patterson, Treasurer
Justin is a Certified Public Accountant and has served as the Chief Financial Officer of the Morelock-Ross family of companies since 2015. Prior to that, he worked in public accounting for 12 years working for both national and local firms. Justin graduated from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, with a degree in accounting. Born and raised in Springfield, Justin now lives with his wife, Bethany, and children Andrew and Norah in Mount Vernon.
Justin currently serves as the Treasurer for BCFO and, in addition to his role with BCFO, serves on the board of directors for Happy Hollow Bible Camp.
Brian Biggers, M.D.
Dr. Biggers is a surgeon with Crighton, Olive, and Dunn Surgical Group. He received his medical degree at Universtiy of Missouri Medical School and completed his residency at University of Missouri-Kansas City. He went on to continue specialized training at Baylor University Medical Center in breast surgical oncology. In addition, Dr. Biggers has participated in medical research projects and written various published studies.
Dan Cobb
Dan Cobb is a self employed entrepreneur that has more than 25 years experience in the extended care information systems. Dan is recognized for product innovation, research and development. His technical expertise enabled him to develop and co-found a leading electronic medical record solutions company.
Dan is the Chair of Mid-America Technology Alliance and is the past President of the National Association for the Support of Long Term Care (NASL). Dan is a 1984 graduate of Missouri State University, with a B.S. degree in computer information systems.
Maribeth Gardner
Owner and President of G5 Enterprises, Inc., an installed building products company, now with 13 locations throughout Missouri and Arkansas. Starting with insulUSA in 2012, the company has grown to Include Bolivar Insulation, Southwestern Professional Exteriors, Arkansas Insulation and Ballards Insulation. Maribeth takes the opportunity with the G5 family to advocate for breast care screening and proudly promotes BCFO at all locations where services overlap.
Maribeth earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Kansas and has spent most of her working career in the health care industry. Most recently (until 2013) she was employed with the Mercy system in hospice and oncology services. This is where she was introduced to BCFO and was able to see the tremendous benefit the organization brings to individuals and their families. She has served on the BCFO Financial Assistance Committee for the past 7 years.
Maribeth is also on the Springfield HBA Charitable Foundation Committee and often attends Home Shows and Trade Shows throughout the area.
She is married to Britt Gardner, who also works at G5, and they enjoy spending time with their 3 wonderful sons: Sam, Jacob and Zach.
Jon Fulp
Jon has four years of banking experience, after recently receiving an MBA from Missouri State University. Prior to that, Jon received his BS in Finance from Drury University, while also playing on the men’s golf team. He currently serves on the Campus Ambassador Work Crew Program through The Network, the Young Advocates Council for the Child Advocacy Center, and is also a member of the Springfield Roteract Club.
Roger Holden, M.D.
Dr. V. Roger Holden is an oncologist with Oncology Hematology Associates. Dr. Holden earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. He attended Louisiana State University in Shreveport, earning a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology before attending medical school. He completed an internship and residency at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and a hematology and oncology fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas – Parkland.
Board certified in hematology and oncology, Dr. Holden practices in the Springfield and Monett areas. He and his wife, Cynthia, have 2 children.
Brian McCracken
Brian is a portfolio manager at Pinnacle Family Advisors. Brian’s primary focus is on managing a total return investment portfolio for his clients. Prior to joining Pinnacle Family Advisors, Brian worked for Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch as a Vice President, Financial Advisor. Prior to entering the financial service industry, Brian was a CPA with Ernst & Young in Kansas City. Brian graduated from Drury University with a double major in accounting and business administration. Brian is married to Kelly and has two daughters and one son. In his spare time Brian enjoys just about anything outdoors.
Brian has been involved with BCFO since 2003. Brian currently serves on the investment committee.
Ryan O’Reilly
Ryan O’Reilly co-founded private equity firm Westward Alliance LLC. Westward Alliance LLC, a private equity venture launched in 2014 and has invested in 13 businesses from Springfield to Phoenix in industries as diverse as dining, construction and automobile financing.
Ryan, son of Mary Beth and Charlie O’Reilly, founders of the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, is the author of the travel novel Snapshot, and a free-lance contributor to various newspapers and periodicals throughout the country. He studied English Literature at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri and is a member of the National Writers Association and the Writers League of Texas.
Doug Parker
Doug Parker serves as Southwest Missouri President of Simmons Bank. He has over 20 years of banking experience, serving in leadership roles for both national and regional banks.
Prior to his career in banking, Parker owned a marketing company for 11 years with Walmart and other major retailers as clients. His company imported from Asia and was the largest broker of eggs in the United States.
Doug has served in the United States Army and Army National Guard, retiring in 2002. He has been married for 27 years and has two wonderful daughters, ages 20 and 22. Doug enjoys golf, running and fly fishing.
Gary Schafer
Gary Schafer is a partner at BKD. Gary has 15 years of experience providing audit and advisory services to manufacturers, retailers and service businesses. He coordinates the commercial audit practice for BKD’s Springfield, Joplin and Branson offices. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants and Institute of Certified Management Accountants.
Gary serves on the executive committee of Southern Missouri Region of American Red Cross and recently served on the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce as chair of The Network for Springfield young professionals. Gary is a 1996 graduate of the Honors College at Missouri State University, Springfield, with a B.S. degree in accounting and a minor in computer information systems.
Jami Skrade, M.D.
Dr. Skrade is Board Certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. She went to Medical School at University of Missouri – Kansas City and did her Pathology Residency at Truman Medical Center, St. Luke’s Hospital and Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. She did a Surgical Pathology Fellowship at Truman Medical Center and obtained an MBA at the University of Missouri Bloch School of Business and Public Administration. Dr. Skrade is the medical director of Chemistry and the Ferrell-Duncan Clinic Laboratory. She has a special interest in legislative and advocacy issues in healthcare.
Dr. Skrade has four children which keep her busy attending sporting events. If there are no games to attend, she enjoys spending time at the lake.
Anne A. Smid, M.D.
Dr. Smid is certified by the American Board of Radiology. She went to Medical School at University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine. She completed her Residency and was a Fellow and Lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Medicine’s Department of Radiology.
She Specializes in Vascular & Interventional Radiology at the Physicians for Breast Health. Dr. Smid’s professional societies include: Radiological Society of North America, American College of Radiology, American Medical Association, American Roentgen Ray Society, Society of Breast Imaging, Society of Cardiovascular & Interventional Radiology and American Association of Women Radiologists.
Jessica Snider, DO
Jessica Snider, D.O. is a medical oncologist with Mercy Oncology Hematology in Springfield. She attended medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Dr. Snider’s fellowship and residency were completed in Memphis at University of Tennessee. She boarded in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology.
Dr. Snider is passionate about improving cancer care and providing state of the art cancer care locally. She is married to Greg. The couple has three children, Kane, Owen, and Kendall. She enjoys spending time with her family.
Carlye Wannenmacher
Carlye Wannenmacher is the Vice President, Director of Marketing for Guaranty Bank (NASDAQ:GFED). She has over 25 years of marketing, communications, public relations, and product solutions experience with dynamic and growing companies.
Carlye has a B.J. from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Certified Financial Marketing Professional designation from the Institute of Certified Bankers. She serves as a Commissioner for the Mayor’s Commission for Human Rights and Community Relations; a Board Member for the Association for Women in Communications; and a Committee Member for the Leadership Springfield Signature Class program.
Carlye is married to Phil and has two sons. Her family and friends have been greatly impacted by breast cancer and she is passionate about the mission of BCFO.
BCFO Staff
Emily Carr
Brand and Experience Manager, 2023-present
Email: emily@bcfo.org
Emily is new to Springfield, but native to the Ozarks. She was born and raised in Bentonville, Arkansas and moved to Missouri for college. Emily obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design from College of the Ozarks in 2023. Throughout college she worked at 91.7 KCOZ FM as a radio host, graphic designer, and student manager.
Moving to Springfield post graduation, a family friend suggested she look into nonprofit work. A desire to do real, meaningful work brought her to BCFO. She loves interacting with BCFO’s clients and survivors and hopes to bring more awareness to BCFO’s services through social media and other marketing tactics.
Outside of work, you can find Emily and her husband walking in parks, sitting in coffee shops, and working on various art projects.
Ashley Carter
Patient Advocate, 2021-present
Email: ashley@bcfo.org
Ashley is a native to the Ozarks, born and raised in Springfield. She graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2023 from Missouri State University. She worked in the healthcare setting for 13 years in many capacities before coming to our organization.
Ashley was personally touched by her own battle with breast cancer in 2015. She found out firsthand what patients go through, at which time BCFO was able to help her family. She then began volunteering for the organization in 2016 to give back for the assistance she had received, and to help raise money for other families who are going through the battle.
Ashley loves to spend time with her daughters and can be found on the sidelines of sporting events most days of the week. In her spare time, she loves to read, craft, and spend time outdoors.
Ashley believes that working for BCFO is a blessing and allows her to support others through their breast cancer journey. She loves being able to advocate for those in her community for better opportunities in the future and ensuring they have access to resources to help relieve the stress that cancer brings to our lives.
Joe Daues
Chief Executive Officer, 2019-present
Joe Daues joined BCFO in July 2019 with a connection to breast cancer through his late Aunt Carol. Three weeks after his start date a close member of his family was also diagnosed with breast cancer, was treated and is now cancer free!
Joe enjoyed a career in broadcast news on the radio in Rolla, Lebanon and Springfield before moving to television in Springfield and in Tulsa. He also has experience working in the Missouri capitol under the State Treasurer and in two local start-ups before moving to the non-profit world. He’s a St. Charles, Missouri native and together with his wife Christine, spend most of their time outside work with their two children, Joey and Jude.
Joe considers his opportunity at BCFO a calling to help people at the time of their greatest need and an opportunity to grow the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks in order to help families for generations to come.
Debbie Donnell
Staff Accountant, 2019-present
Debbie Donnell is currently serving BCFO in the capacity of the Staff Accountant. This position handles all of the daily accounting needs as well as publishing the monthly and year-end financial reports for the Foundation and its five Vehicle License offices.
Debbie moved to the Ozarks in August of 1994. Her formal education and Accounting Management experience was acquired in her native state of California. Subsequently, she has held the position of Staff Accountant for two other non-profit organizations and enjoys the rewards of working while helping others.
Bringing over 30 years in Accounting and HR experience, Debbie is excited about implementing new ideas and procedures to further aid in the goals of the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.
Megan Garbee
Development Associate, 2024-present
Email: megan.garbee@bcfo.org
Originally from Republic, Missouri, Megan graduated from Missouri State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science, with minors in Nonprofit Leadership and Spanish. Megan is also currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration Degree from Missouri State. She is excited to make an impact for BCFO’s clients and bring out the generosity of others through her development role with BCFO.
In her spare time, Megan enjoys playing soccer, practicing her Catholic faith, being part of a book club, and spending time with family and friends.
Regina Hammons
Outreach Director Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, 2023-present
Email: regina@bcfo.org
Regina Hammons formally joined staff in 2023–but is no stranger to the BCFO family. She has worked with the BCFO for 8 years, including creating the Swinging for Pink event and being part of the Pink Ribbon Gala committee. She is honored to join the BCFO family as the Outreach Director in Joplin.
Regina has lived in the Joplin area for over 30 years. She attended Missouri Southern State University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance. She also attended Pittsburg State University and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing.
Before joining the BCFO family, she was in sales, marketing, and event planning for 13 years. Most recently, she was the Events and Marketing Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Missouri.
She is highly active in her community and is excited to share her passion for BCFO. When she is not working, you can find her on the golf course.
Sam Pippin
Senior Financial Director, 2015-present
A lifelong resident of Springfield, Sam joined BCFO in early 2015. He received his undergraduate degree from Missouri State University and his MBA from Drury University. Sam brings to BCFO over 25 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant in both public accounting and private industry.
While assisting with financial matters for BCFO, Sam works extensively in a grant writing capacity, as well as working to obtain various federal and state tax credit opportunities for BCFO donors. In addition, Sam works with the Executive Director and the Legacy of Hope Endowment Committee as BCFO strives to reach its long-term endowment goal to assure that support for patients is available in perpetuity.
Sam is honored to have an opportunity to play a part in helping those throughout the 31-county BCFO service area that benefit from the many programs BCFO provides to those that have had their lives affected by breast cancer.
Kristi Seibert
Outreach Director Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, 2011-present
Kristi and husband Michael are Joplin natives and have been extremely involved in the community. She graduated from Missouri Southern State College (now University) with a general business degree in 1980 while working full time at Freeman Hospital. Kristi began working for Freeman in 1978 while in college in various positions in business departments. She took a new position after her son, Jonmichael was born in 1990, with an anesthesia group. While working at Freeman Hospital, Kristi’s passion to help others through fundraising was sparked. She was recruited to co-chair FreemanFest 1990. The success of this event gave Kristi the encouragement to become involved in many other fundraising efforts. She chaired many school fundraising efforts, volunteered as treasurer for the areas swim team, and volunteered for Boy Scout Troop 39. Kristi changed careers in 2000 when the anesthesia group was dissolved. She worked at a local greenhouse/nursery and then as a tax preparer and office manager at Blood Tax Service. During this time in 2007 Kristi was diagnosed with breast cancer. She focused on recovering from breast cancer and giving back and helping others dealing with the disease. She got involved with local breast cancer efforts. Kristi volunteered for BCFO during this time and was asked to join BCFO’s staff in the Four State Area. Kristi began with BCFO July 1, 2011 and manages all fundraising efforts in the Four State Area including Pink Ribbon Gala and Swinging for Pink. Kristi serves as outreach director in the community to facilitate matching needs with resources and works closely with area hospitals, physicians and local breast cancer patients. Kristi has received these honors: Most Influential Women, American Red Cross Everyday Hero, 417 Most Beautiful Woman.
MEAGAN WALKENHORST
RN, Program Director, 2020-present
Meagan was born and raised in the Ozarks. A native of Aurora, MO she moved to Springfield when she started college at Missouri State University in 2004. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2009. During her 11 years as a nurse she has worked in many areas including inpatient nursing, home health, and telehealth.
Meagan enjoys spending time with her husband Tyler and their daughter Ellie outside of work. They spend most of their time focusing on family and finding their next adventure.
Meagan believes the work BCFO does is a priceless asset to the community and is proud to serve in a role to contribute to that mission. Getting back to her roots of serving others and helping people is what drew Meagan to BCFO and she is honored to be a part of it.
Allyson Tuckness
Chief Operating Officer, 2015-present
Allyson Tuckness joined BCFO in January 2015 as the PR Coordinator with a history of nonprofit work. Allyson graduated with a Bachelors of Art in Journalism from Indiana University, and returned home to Atlanta, GA briefly to work there before moving to Washington D.C. for 4 years where she worked at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She eventually relocated to Springfield, MO where she has served in different capacities for other local nonprofit organizations.
Although Allyson has been touched by breast cancer in her family, all early diagnoses thanks to mammograms, and none needing intense treatment, her real connection to the mission of BCFO came in 2016 when she was diagnosed herself with APL Leukemia while visiting family for Thanksgiving. After the extended hospital stays (a total of about 60 days), treatments, pokes and prods, as well as the time away from work and family, Allyson and her family had a first hand experience of what cancer patients and their families deal with on a daily basis. She truly believes that what BCFO saves lives and changes lives. Now, over a year in remission, Allyson is doing great and has a wonderful prognosis and is even more grateful for the time she has to spend with her husband Chris and 2 boys, Mason and Dylan.
Kathryn Wall
Chief Operations Officer, 2021-Present
Email: kathryn@bcfo.org
Kathryn Wall was honored and humbled to join the BCFO team in April 2021. A lifelong Springfield-area resident, Kathryn’s career has focused on giving back to her community. She is grateful that her role with BCFO allows her to be a small part of our client’s healing journey every day.
Kathryn graduated from Missouri State University first in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in print journalism, followed by a Master’s in Public Administration in 2019. She began her career with the Springfield News-Leader in 2009 as an award-winning journalist with a particular focus on combating child abuse and neglect.
In 2014, she joined the Springfield-Greene County Health Department overseeing communication and public information. While her most visible contribution at the department was during the community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, she is also proud of other department accomplishments during her tenure, including improving access to and combating stigma around mental health in the community, raising the minimum age for tobacco purchase to combat teen smoking, and responding to the local opioid crisis.
She has been honored as one of the Springfield Business Journal’s Most Influential Women, is a graduate of the Sue Shear Leadership Academy and a proud member of Leadership Springfield Class 34.
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ABOUT BCFO.org
Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks is a local 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization. BCFO reaches out to friends and neighbors who have been affected by breast cancer. BCFO offers personal support and comfort in real and practical ways, providing support networks, mentoring programs, a full range of resources regarding breast cancer awareness, diagnosis and treatment, where to find related community services, and more.