SMCOG Staff

Our Staff

Jane Hood joined SMCOG in 2009 as Associate Director. Jane's responsibilities include administrative work for SMCOG Board Meetings, training sessions, etc. and Economic Development Administration activity. She has 23 years experience in Economic Development, retiring in 2004 from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Jane is a 1000-hour/ year employee.

Lexi Mason joined SMCOG in 2020 as the Grants Administrator. Her responsibilities include grant writing, grant administration, and managing the Community Block Development Grant (CBDG) projects as well as state and federal grants. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Geography and Spanish from Missouri State University in 2018, she worked for local government and the non-profit sector administering state and federal grants.

Jason brings many years of experience to SMCOG from his previous role as Deputy Director of the Harry S Truman Coordinating Council (HSTCC) in the Joplin area and as a Springfield Planning & Zoning Commissioner. Jason is experienced in managing regional transportation and economic development planning programs and has written several small-town comprehensive plans, managed land use studies, environmental planning programs, and disaster recovery projects. Jason serves as Executive Director.

1/8

Our Staff

Jane Hood, EDFP

Lexi Mason

Jason Ray

Thomas Cunningham