Springfield, MO — The Ozarks Literacy Council (OLC) is pleased to welcome three new board members: Brook Gipson, Senior Associate Attorney at Rooney McBride & Smith, LLC; Nathan Leonard, Manager of the Maritime Vertical for the Americas at Bender Inc.; and Shelly Burney, former teacher and current volunteer reading tutor for OLC, to its Board of Directors. All three board members bring a strong commitment to community service and a lifelong passion for reading and learning.
As an attorney, Brook helps individuals and families navigate important legal matters. Her professional experience, combined with her dedication to serving the community, makes her a valuable addition to the Ozarks Literacy Council’s Board of Directors.
Nathan brings extensive business experience and a love of studying a diverse array of topics to his service on the Board. He is passionate about expanding access to literacy and lifelong learning opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen families, and enrich the community he proudly calls home.
A former teacher, Shelly developed a passion for teaching that led her to join OLC as a volunteer reading tutor. Her experience in the classroom allows her to support struggling readers and students with dyslexia, while also providing valuable insight into techniques that can strengthen OLC’s tutoring program.
The Ozarks Literacy Council has served the Springfield community since 1968, providing free literacy services to children and adults through one-to-one tutoring, reading resource programs, and other literacy initiatives. OLC works to improve lives by helping individuals develop the literacy skills and confidence they need to reach their full potential.
“We are excited to welcome Brook, Nathan, and Shelly to our Board of Directors,” said Lori Beeson, Executive Director of the Ozarks Literacy Council. “They each bring a genuine passion for literacy and a deep commitment to our community, and together they’ll be a wonderful addition to our board. We’re confident their combined talents will strengthen our board and our mission to build a stronger, more literate community.”
For more information about the Ozarks Literacy Council and its programs, visit www.ozarksliteracy.org.
Media Contact:
Cassie Witt
Communications Coordinator
Ozarks Literacy Council
cwitt@ozarksliteracy.org