2023 Board of Director Nominees

The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce has one Board of Directors position to fill for 2023.  
The following three nominees were selected from a highly qualified field of candidates:  Nicole Desmond, Steve Underwood, and Shelley Vollmer

Ballots will be mailed to members by November 15 and are due back to the Chamber Office by December 1.

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Nicole Desmond is employed at Deppe Farms, a family-owned business established right here in Washington in 1950.  She is a graduate of Washington High School earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Economics from the University of Missouri before returning to the family farm.
Nicole enjoys being involved in the community and volunteering her time. She served 9 years on the Washington Town and Country fair board and still continues to volunteer her time there whenever needed. She coached basketball for 12 years, served 5 years on the Athletic Board, and volunteered on the Auction Committee at St. Gertrude School.  Currently, Nicole is serving on the board for the FFA Foundation which helps all our surrounding High School FFA chapters. She has joined the Washington High Athletic Association auction committee and is in her 2nd year as an assistant coach for the WHS girls varsity basketball team.
Nicole is married to JJ Desmond. They reside on the family farm with their 5 kids. Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and friends.  Her hobbies include gardening, spending time outdoors, and cycling.

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Michel "Shelley" Vollmer is a lifelong Washington resident who for the past 23 years has been the owner of Wimpy's Sandwich Shop on Jefferson Street.
Shelley is a graduate of Washington High School, East Central College, and Missouri Baptist University.
For the past 10 years, she has been on the Board of Public Water District #1 and she is active in the day to day operation of American Legion Post 218, serving as bookkeeper.
She has been responsible for the management of the Main Lunchstand at the Washington Town & Country Fair for the past 2 years and serves on the planning committee for the annual GoFund Charity Golf Classic. 
Shelley and her husband, Joe, have two sons, Colton and Connor.  In their free time, they enjoy all outdoor activities, especially camping and vacationing.

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Steve Underwood graduated with a Finance Degree at Missouri State University, formerly Southwest Missouri State University, in Springfield, MO. 
Upon moving to Washington, MO in 1997, Steve began working at what is now United Mutual Insurance Company, formerly St. Johns Mutual Insurance. 
Steve has served in many trade and professional organizations including several terms on the Missouri Association of Mutual Insurance Company board and currently serves on the Grinnell Mutual Board of Directors, a regional property and casualty insurance provider.  Steve is the incoming President of the Rotary Club of Washington.
Steve is married to his wife, Kathy, of 33 yrs.  Steve & Kathy have two children, ages 25 & 27.  Steve says that raising his family here in the Washington community is one of the best decisions he has made.  The opportunities and friendships this community offers has been a tremendous blessing.  

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