Meet The New Board Member:
Jason Martin
Blessings to you, all my fellow Co-Mo members! My name is Jason Martin, and I am the new director representing District 2.
My wife Katie and I were born and raised in Tipton, and that is where we have decided to raise our three children, Grady (11), Levi (9), and Cora (7). Rural Missouri is what has made us who we are today and the values we place in raising our kids and building their futures. In small communities such as Tipton, if you want to know who someone is, you just ask, “Who are their parents”? Bob and Mary Martin raised their three boys just east of Tipton. Bob is a Retired Highway Patrolman, and Mary retired after 30 years with Co-Mo Electric. Richard and Kathryn Williams raised their three girls just South of Tipton. Richard and Kate have a successful Cow/Calf operation, owning Heart of Missouri Red Angus Farms.
After we were married in 2004, Katie and I purchased a small plot of land in Cooper County. Nine years later, we moved south to Tipton, where we built our home on 18 acres of my family farm. We spend our days off tending to our “hobby” farm, from grapes and winemaking to our fruit trees and homemade peach pies. The kids are not far away, running with our Red Poodle Ginger or tearing up the yard on their Go-Karts. We are members at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in California.
After graduating from Tipton High School, I achieved an AAS and BS degree in Culinary Arts/ Food Service Management at Johnson and Wales University, Charleston, SC. After spending a brief period on the East Coast, I quickly returned home to the Midwest. In 2004 I began work at the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel Boonville as a Chef. During my time at the Casino, I held the role of Sous Chef, Chef De’ Cuisine, Executive Chef, and Food and Beverage Manager. In 2015 I accepted the role of Director of Dining Services with Lutheran Senior Services- Lenoir Woods, Columbia. My oversight is for 75 employees and over 550 residents living in a Continuing Care Residential Community. Older adults and ensuring their care and rights are met quickly become a passion of mine. I have gained my Nursing Home Administrator License and enjoy doing my part to make sure Older Adults live life to the fullest.
As I stated before, my mother retired after 30 years with this company, so Co-Mo has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I remember stories of Co-Mo and the men and women my mom worked with. The leadership and direction of Vernon Gage. The brilliant unique mind of Chuck Teagarden The love and compassion of Mary June Hecht. The shenanigans and jokes of Kenny Long and Bud Robertson. Oh, and I cannot forget Mary Martin herself, or the “Lil General” as I think she was called. These are the individuals who help make Co-Mo what it is today. These are the individuals I have looked up to. This is what drives me to be part of such an organization.
Thank you all for your vote, and I look forward to serving on your Co-Mo Board of Directors for District 2.