FOCUS St. Louis is pleased to announce the incoming officers for the 2026-27 fiscal year, as well as 6 new board members. Board members are community leaders who demonstrate interest and commitment to FOCUS’ mission to educate leaders, connect leaders and facilitate important conversations in the St. Louis region.

Board Officers for July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027 are:

• Board Chair – Matthew Blakely, Vice President, Corporate Citizenship & Inclusion, RGA Reinsurance Company (Leadership St. Louis 2021)
• Executive Vice Chair – Missy Kelley, Chief Growth Officer, Anders (Impact Fellows 2016)
• Vice Chair – Stephen Lee, Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, Ameren (Leadership St. Louis 2023)
• Treasurer – John McClelland, Portfolio Manager, Acropolis Investment Management LLC (Leadership St. Louis 2014)
• Secretary – Sara Stock, CEO, Stock Legal, Co-Founder, Legal Back Office (Leadership St. Louis 2022)

New board members are:

• Jessica Erfling, Chief of Staff – Enterprise Leadership Team, Edward Jones (Leadership St. Louis 2020)
• Norma Jackson, Chief Opportunity & Attorney Development Officer, Thompson Coburn LLP (Leadership St. Louis 2022)
• Tim Jurado, Financial Advisor, Raymond James (Emerging Leaders 2025)
• David LaValle, Senior Vice President & Senior Partner, FleishmanHillard (Leadership St. Louis 2009)

In addition, FOCUS St. Louis^® welcomes to the board two youth members who are 2026 graduates of FOCUS’ Youth Leadership St. Louis program:

• Kate Cerny, Cor Jesu Academy
• Leon Nevils, St. Louis Internship Program / STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley

 

Executive Committee

As Vice President, Corporate Citizenship & Inclusion, Matt Blakely leads RGA’s global philanthropic, volunteerism, inclusion, and sustainability efforts, advancing initiatives that directly contribute to RGA’s business strategy by fostering inclusive workplaces, strengthening communities, and promoting long-term environmental responsibility. Matt joined RGA in 2020 and has nearly 30 years of experience working with private and corporate foundations and corporate social responsibility and inclusion programs.

Matt is a 2020-21 graduate of FOCUS Leadership St. Louis and has served on the boards and advisory committees of many large and small nonprofit organizations.

Missy Kelley is a seasoned professional with over 22 years of experience in strategic growth roles within Fortune 500 companies in the consumer-packaged goods and pharmacy benefits management sectors. Her expertise lies in driving innovation, market expansion and strategic planning. Missy’s strategic insights and leadership capabilities have been instrumental in creating lasting impacts on both the corporate and public sectors. Her unique blend of corporate experience and non-profit leadership has enabled her to approach challenges holistically, fostering innovation and growth across different contexts. The two pillars of her professional journey that she cherishes most are strategic planning and collaboration. Engaging with diverse minds, each contributing their unique expertise and insights not only enriches the strategic process but also fosters a sense of shared purpose and camaraderie, which Missy holds dear. In 2018, the St. Louis Business Journal recognized Missy as one of the Most Influential Business Women awardees.

John McClelland joined Acropolis in 2003 as a Portfolio Manager. He works directly with clients developing and implementing personal financial plans and investment strategies, as well as advising on estate and tax planning, retirement planning, insurance and banking needs, and trust administration. Prior to Acropolis, John worked for six years as a fixed-income research analyst at A.G. Edwards & Sons.

John holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale University and Master of Business Administration, with a concentration in finance and accounting, from Washington University. He earned his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation in 2006. John has served on the finance committees and board of directors at the Sheldon Arts Foundation and New City School. Originally from Bozeman, Montana, John has been a resident of St. Louis since 1998 and has three children. He is a 2014 graduate of Leadership St. Louis.

Sara Stock is founder and CEO of Stock Legal, and co-founder of Legal Back Office. Her legal practice focuses on general corporate work for small- to medium-sized businesses and commercial real estate transactions, advising clients in all aspects of the business lifecycle. Sara’s joint MBA and law degree uniquely position her to provide the highest quality legal advice seasoned with a solid understanding of her clients’ business objectives. She left an equity position at a large St. Louis law firm to join KWS Law, and later to form Stock Legal, because she felt she could better serve her target clients – small- to medium-sized businesses – from a small- to medium-sized law firm. In 2018, Sara cofounded Legal Back Office, which provides back office services to small- to medium-sized businesses. Sara is chair of the Middle Market and Small Business Committee, a committee of the American Bar Association, and sits on the YWCA Board of Directors, the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Development Board of Directors, and the Gateway 180 Board of Directors. She is also an active member of ACG St. Louis, and sits on the advisory board for a number of institutions, including banking organizations and local companies.

Stephen Lee is currently a Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Ameren Corporation leading the legal department of over 45 legal professionals in support of Ameren Corporation’s various power companies. Prior to joining Ameren in 2020, Stephen was a Managing Counsel at BP for over 19 years leading the downstream legal team in the Americas.

Stephen graduated with a B.S. in Business Logistics from the Pennsylvania State University in 1993 and a J.D. from Case Western Reserve Law School in 1996. He currently serves on the Board of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of St. Louis and is an Advisory Board member at the Pennsylvania State Law School. Stephen and his family currently live in Creve Coeur, MO.

New Board Members

Jessica Erfling is a strategic leader, community advocate, and relationship builder with more than 15 years of experience advancing people-centered initiatives, organizational growth, and cross-sector collaboration. As Chief of Staff to the Enterprise Leadership Team at Edward Jones, she’s a member of the Managing Partner’s Office and serves as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, shaping enterprise governance and decision-making. She leads the effectiveness of leadership forums across the Enterprise Leadership Team and Advisory Board, translating complex discussions into clear priorities, aligned decisions, and accountable execution that advances the firm’s long-term strategy.

Prior to joining Edward Jones, Jessica served as Chief Executive Officer of Covenant House Missouri, where she expanded services for youth experiencing homelessness and strengthened organizational sustainability and growth. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and her ability to connect people, ideas, and institutions to drive meaningful impact. A proud alumna of Leadership St. Louis, Jessica remains actively engaged in strengthening the St. Louis community through leadership and civic involvement.

Norma Jackson is the Chief Opportunity & Attorney Development Officer at Thompson Coburn LLP. Driven by passion, experience, and creativity, she leads the firm’s attorney professional development and diversity initiatives across all levels, working in partnership with clients, community organizations, and legal networks nationwide.  Norma is a strategic thought leader and trusted advisor who collaborates closely with practice group leaders, committee chairs, and the Management Committee to advance the firm’s talent development and diversity, equity, and inclusion priorities. With a strong background in human resources management, she plays a key role in the training, retention, and advancement of attorneys.  Her commitment to service extends beyond the firm. Norma serves on the Boards of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis and the Friends of the Kathy J. Weinman Shelter, supporting survivors of domestic violence. She is also a board member of the Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals (ALFDP), a national organization dedicated to advancing inclusion in the legal industry.

Tim Jurado is a dedicated financial advisor at Raymond James, committed to helping individuals and families build confident financial futures. He graduated from Fontbonne University, where he developed a strong foundation in finance and relationship-driven service. Tim further expanded his leadership and community impact through the FOCUS St. Louis Emerging Leaders program, gaining valuable insight into regional leadership and civic engagement. Passionate about giving back, he is actively involved with the United Way and participates in the American Cancer Society’s emerging leader initiatives. Through both his professional work and community involvement, Tim strives to make a meaningful difference by empowering others, fostering strong relationships, and supporting causes that strengthen the community.

David LaValle, a senior vice president and senior partner, leads FleishmanHillard’s Public Affairs practice at the St. Louis headquarters. He has developed and managed a wide array of corporate reputation, crisis, issue-based, and public affairs campaigns for a range of corporate and non-profit clients. David spent 10 years in Washington, D.C. in both the public and private sector beginning his career as deputy chief of staff and legislative director to two Members of Congress from Missouri. He received a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., and a master’s degree in international business from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. He lives in Kirkwood with his wife Tricia. They have two grown daughters living in Pittsburgh and New York City.

Youth Representatives

Kate Cerny is a dedicated student leader at Cor Jesu Academy with a passion for serving others and making a meaningful impact in her community. As a leader for the Pink Ribbon Good Fall Fundraiser, she helped raise both funds and awareness for individuals and families affected by cancer while strengthening her skills in collaboration, organization, and advocacy. Through her involvement in National Charity League, Kate has completed more than 100 hours of community service this year, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to supporting local organizations and charitable causes. She has also expanded her leadership experience through Youth Leadership St. Louis and by serving on the Engineering Club Board. Collectively, these experiences have strengthened her leadership, deepened her compassion, and reinforced her commitment to her community.

A St. Louis native, Leon Nevils is a Senior at McCluer South-Berkeley High School. With multiple leadership roles like President of Black Student Association, 12th Grade representative, MAHEC Certified Student, FOCUS Youth Leadership St. Louis Graduate, and 2025 St. Louis Internship Alumni. He is passionate about bringing change and help for those in need. Along with that change he makes sure no one is left behind or not allowed to show their ability to thrive in any environment and feel comfortable to express their opinions. These abilities through training have strengthened and brought out the ability to lead with communication and understanding in any situation with the ability to contribute to any idea for the betterment of everyone.