Dr. David Barbe of Mtn. Grove has been appointed to a three-year term on the Community Foundation of the Ozarks Board of Directors as the regional foundation enters its 2026–27 fiscal year.
Barbe, a retired physician, longtime chair of the Mtn. Grove Area Community Foundation and former board chair of the American Medical Association, began his term July 1. He is among seven new directors joining the board, which oversees the CFO’s network of affiliate foundations across southern Missouri, including the West Plains Impact Circle and local community funds throughout Howell and surrounding counties.
Other new directors taking office include Trenny Garrett of Osage Beach, Jim Grebing of Kennett, Dustin Kallmeyer of Hermann, Shannon McMurtrey of Springfield, Amy Wescott of Branson and Gabrielle White of Springfield.
The board also finalized its executive committee for the year. Jimmy Liles of Nixa will serve as chair, joined by Vice Chair Brad Erwin of Springfield, Treasurer Greg Hoffman of Nevada, Secretary Lynne Meyerkord of Springfield, Investment Advisory Board Chair Gary Garwitz of Springfield, Audit and Operations Committee Chair Barb Houser of Springfield, At-Large Member Travis Liles of Springfield and Chair Emeritus Roy Hardy Jr. of Ozark.
The appointments come as the CFO reported strong financial growth for its 2026 fiscal year, ending with $635 million in assets under management. The performance was supported by $84 million in total gifts and a 19% growth rate for funds invested in the foundation’s Diversified Growth Pool.
During FY26, the foundation distributed $64 million in grants, scholarships and charitable distributions across the region. That payout pushed the CFO past the $750 million mark in cumulative grantmaking since its establishment in 1973. Final figures will be published in the foundation’s annual report in December.
Looking ahead, the foundation recently launched a capital campaign titled “Creating a Front Door for Philanthropy” to fund renovations at its headquarters at 300 S. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Springfield. The board also approved a new five-year strategic plan aimed at expanding regional grant impact, enhancing support for its rural affiliate network, and strengthening operational capabilities across Ozarks communities.
