Team –

Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in what seems to be our mundane routine. Some of you work on the inserters for the mail team, some of you are searching for federal property to transfer to agencies who need supplies on a budget, and some of you are making sure the state vehicles are safe and in good repair. What I want to remind you is that all of these things that might seem like just another day doing the same thing, actually save lives and help Missourians live better every day!

We are part of the Office of Administration. It is our job to provide those administrative services so that all of state government can work well for our citizens. We may not get to see that foster child find new parents, issue checks to families in need, or clean up our environmental resources, but we do the behind the scenes work that makes those things happen! That’s a really important job.

When I served as the Finance Director in ITSD, I was having a conversation with the Chief Information Security Officer just as we were really building up our capabilities. I sat there in awe as Mike explained more about why we needed the money we were requesting from the legislature. I made a comment that I wished my days were as cool as what he and the team were doing. Without missing a beat, Mike quickly replied, 'Yeah, but you all enable the coolness.' I’ll never forget that.

It's funny how one passing comment like that can stick with a person, but it really underscored the talents of our team and all of the financial and administrative work they did for the state. General Services provides similar assistance. It is very rewarding getting to be a part of this fabulous team of individuals helping enable the coolness of the state.

Have a great week….and stay cool!

Edward has been with General Services for four years after a career in news media. In October 2019, he started his state career at the Missouri State Agency for Surplus Property and the Missouri State Recycling Program as the Senior Public Relations Specialist.

He is passionate about both programs as they share his values of reuse and stewardship of resources. His primary duties include telling the agency stories and sharing them with the world. Travelling the state has allowed him to discuss the program with people, especially during conferences.

“We have a great mission here at Surplus! Our name is sort of misleading, since our goal is to help those who would otherwise not have the resources. In a sense, we help organizations realize what is possible with their budget,” Edward said.

One of Edward’s fondest memories is working with the surplus family to make it possible to get resources to an organization that’s mission includes helping the homeless.

“We provided sleeping bags, tents, and other supplies for these people who had nothing to shield them from the elements during the winter months,” Edward said.

Stephanie Woodruff and Edward traveled to Springfield to help New Life Evangelistic Center hand out these supplies.

“It was an eye opening experience. If there was any time that we questioned what we were doing, that moment was the time we knew we were doing something good and amazing for these people. They were truly grateful and we were overjoyed we could help them, even save their life,” Edward said.

A Boonville native and resident, Edward makes the daily drive up and down 179/87, which he uses as a time to enjoy nature along the river. At home, Edward likes to spend time with his family, especially his sister, Margaret, and niece, Layla (pictured above with Edward). Each weekend, they like to spend a day at the farm as they conduct numerous projects. In addition, they are also spending their time with four cats: Ana, Cocoa, Pumpkin, and Togo, and their dog, Rascal. Outside of family time, Edward is relentlessly restoring his home to the original 1850s period, while also keeping modern items in the home. He also attends a church in Jefferson City, which he serves on the Prayer Team.

While growing up on a farm, west of Boonville, Edward also enjoys the outdoors. This has made him a fan of adventure, which includes travelling the country and abroad, including several trips to Israel. While Europe is pretty, Israel has been a favorite of his since his first trip in 2007.

Thank you, Edward, for all of you do for the division and for the State of Missouri. We are happy to have you as part of the team!