Our Board

J-Mo has been an advocate, educator, writer, and organizer on issues of poverty, health, disabilities, housing, racism, human rights, equality, tax policy, and campaign finance reform in Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri since 1983. Ze has been executive director of two statewide not-for-profits, and was State Representative for a portion of the City of St. Louis from 2005-12. Ze served as Ranking Member on the Children and Families Committee for most of that time, and also as Vice-Chair of Ethics, 2011-12.

Ms. Collier is a Business Development Specialist for the St. Louis Small Business Empowerment Center. She previously served as the Chief Partnership Officer for Justine Petersen. Her background spans over 25 years in the financial industry, working with customers to reach their personal and professional financial goals, supporting and helping small businesses from concept to viability, and working throughout the community with partners and collaboratives to improve the conditions in our communities.

Mr. Cannon has an MBA in finance and has worked as a bookkeeper, in addition to managing retirement and executive compensation plans. He served as the treasurer of the Westchester Elementary School PTO and is well versed in balance sheets, budgets, and tax forms. He has volunteered as a coach, classroom assistant, and parent assistant when needed.

Ms. Lynch has a master’s degree in social work. She works as the Policy and Advocacy Director for VOYCE. In her previous position, she spent four years working in a Residential Care Facility. Ms. Lynch found her passion for advocacy and grassroots organizing through internship experiences. During her final semester of graduate school, she worked as a full-time legislative intern for Empower Missouri.

Ms. Donahue is Director of Program Administration at Community Action Agency of St. Louis County. In this capacity she provides leadership and direction to various programs serving low-income families, including Case-Management, home-ownership, financial empowerment, LIHEAP and other services. Ms. Donahue serves as Co-Chair of the St. Louis Regional Financial Empowerment Coalition, and is a member of the state and national Community Action partnerships.

Ms. Gowans is a seasoned operations executive with over 15 years of leadership experience across mission-driven nonprofits and innovative tech companies. A Kansas City native, she is deeply committed to community impact, and served for five years as President of Social Heart. In addition to her professional roles, she actively volunteers with organizations such as the ASPCA, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, and Climate Changemakers.

Mr. Jones is a practicing attorney who specializes in corporate transactions, commercial real estate, and insurance defense. He also has Master's in Urban and Regional Planning and has worked on legislative reform efforts, social program design, labor organization and criminal justice reform. James is an avid runner who enjoys time with his family and likes to grow vegetables in his home garden.

Senator McCreery, a former businesswoman and lifelong community activist, served in the Missouri Senate from District 24 in St. Louis County. From 2015 to 2023, she served the 88th District in the Missouri House of Representatives. She has spent more than a decade working in Missouri state government in the executive and legislative branches, often assisting constituents with consumer-related issues. She is also on the board of Family Care Health Centers, and volunteers with Olivette In Bloom.

Ms. Schroeder is an experienced social worker who focuses time and energy in efforts that follow NASW ethical standards, including work to improve social conditions to meet basic human needs. She holds a both a Master's and a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and has worked in government, non-profit, healthcare, and corporate settings. She is currently employed at Washington University.

Mr. Umana holds a JD/MSW and has a background in law, social work, and education. He has experience with diverse populations including people with disabilities and physical challenges, older adults, and multiple racially and economically diverse communities. He has worked as an educational consultant, director of student services, director of guidance, teacher, and legal analyst/bankruptcy specialist. He chaired the board of Better Family Life, a nonprofit community development corporation that works to stabilize inner-city neighborhoods.

Ms. Armstrong is a founding member of Consumers Council of Missouri and its predecessor, the Utilities Consumer Council of Missouri. She retired from the board in 2023 and is the first Consumers Council board member to be awarded the status of "board member emeritus." A fearless advocate, she was the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri for 26 years. She has served on the board of the Great Rivers Environmental Law Center, and was a founding member and secretary/treasurer of the St. Louis Beacon, an on-line newspaper.