MGC Commissioners
Jim Mathewson (Sedalia) was born and raised in Warsaw, Missouri. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he was first elected to serve in the Missouri House of Representatives in 1974, and was re-elected to the House twice. In 1980 he was elected as a state senator and served for twenty-four years. He served eight years as President Pro Tem of the Senate. Jim Mathewson has received many honors including the “Friends of Education Award” from the Missouri School Boards Association, an Honorary Doctorate from Missouri Western State College, and Missouri Valley College; and the James C. Kirkpatrick Excellence in Governance Award to name just a few. He is the past owner of National Valuation Services in Sedalia, Springfield and Independence, and the past president of Mathewson Broadcasting. He is active in the community and an avid sportsman.
Suzanne Bocell Bradley: Republican : Term 06/10/2011 to 04/29/2014
Suzanne Bocell Bradley is an attorney with Polsinelli Shughart, P.C. Ms. Bradley holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Kansas and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her experience includes a diversified general practice with an emphasis in civil litigation, wills and trusts, real estate and family matters. She has practiced law in Missouri since 1976 and has served as a Substitute Municipal Judge since 1986. Mrs. Bradley has had professional memberships and achievements with numerous organizations but most recently is a member of the Missouri Bar Board of Governors as well as President of St. Joseph Museums Inc. She is also a member of a number of civic organizations. Mrs. Bradley is married and has three children.
Darryl T. Jones: Democrat: Term 5/05/2005 to 4/29/2011
Darryl T. Jones (St. Louis) was formerly employed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, now known as SBC, for 15 years as a planning and design engineer and later as a financial analyst. After his career with Bell, Mr. Jones took the bold step in becoming an entrepreneur by forming his own foodservice management company known as TRI-TEC, Inc. Over the past 10 years, he has strategically formed joint-venture partnership with some of the giants of the foodservice industry: Levy Restaurants in operating the foodservice at Americas Center and the Edward Jones Dome; HMSHost in operating the foodservice for Lambert International Airport; and Aramark in operating foodservice for the St. Louis Public Schools. Mr. Jones is currently volunteering numerous hours with several non-profit organizations: Trustee with Fontbonne University, Chairman Garden District Commission; Board Director with Our Little Haven; and Board Director Epsilon Lambda Foundation of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Some of his former civic duties included: Secretary/Treasurer Missouri Housing Development Commission; Chairman St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District; St. Louis Public Schools Role Model Program; and Board Director of Inroads St. Louis. Mr. Jones and his wife, Villa, and sons are long time residents of St. Louis City.
Barrett Hatches: Democrat : Term 04/29/2010 to 04/29/2013
Dr. Barrett Hatches (Kansas City) is the owner of Hatches Consulting, LLC, and the president and principle owner of BHMM Energy Services. Dr. Hatches is a 1977 graduate of Jackson State University, a 1995 graduate of Webster University with a Masters of Arts in Management and a 2009 graduate of Jackson State University with a Ph.D. in Urban Leadership and Higher Education. Dr. Hatches serves as Chairman of the Board for the Full Employment Council. In addition he serves on the boards of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, Kansas City Hospice, and the Missouri Primary Care Association.
Jack L. Merritt: Republican : Term 04/29/2010 to 04/29/2013
Jack Merritt (Republic) is former Greene County Sheriff. During his two terms as sheriff, Jack Merritt obtained grants to fund mobile data terminals in all patrol vehicles, and grants to enhance DWI enforcement in Greene County. Jack Merritt is a former member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, achieving the rank of Captain and retiring after 27 years. He has also been employed by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office as a Consumer Fraud Investigator. Jack Merritt has served on boards for the United Way, the Victim’s Center, Family Violence Center, and the Child Advocacy Center.