Bill Watkins It’s safe to say that Bill Watkins knows his way around both the public and private sector. He began his 35 years in public service as a lifeguard at Hickman pool in the 1970s. Many years later, Watkins took the plunge as Columbia’s city manager, a job he held for five years. His knowledge and firsthand experience navigating the business environment has proven invaluable to a variety of local boards and commissions. Now a salesman at Maly Commercial Realty, he offers his expertise as a board member for Regional Economic Development Inc., where he served as its first director in 1988; the University of Missouri’s Truman School of Public Affairs; and the Boone County Fire District, among other organizations. He is best known for his ability to manage a wide variety of resources, both fiscal and personnel, and for building relationships that led to the community’s visioning process.
Wendy Noren Wendy Noren saw her name on the ballot for Boone County Clerk nine times — once for her initial term and eight more times for reelection. Her knowledge of the intricacies of the election process made her one of the nation’s leading experts. Noren served as a representative on an advisory board to guide the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, further solidifying her as a dedicated champion for voter integrity. By embracing new technologies, Noren was an innovative force in Boone County, improving the efficiency of elections on every level. Her commitment to adopting better, more effective ways to conduct elections has aided jurisdictions outside of Boone County, too. She helped draft Missouri election law reforms and assisted in the formation of the Help America Vote Act.
Bob McDavid Dr. Bob McDavid delivered thousands of Boone babies during his medical career. That alone would be an impressive feat, but his accomplishments did not end in the delivery room. He served as chairman of the Boone Hospital Center board of trustees, where he led a $125 million Boone Hospital expansion project. He served two terms as mayor of the City of Columbia where he oversaw projects that boosted employment and economic opportunity in the community and initiated a deal with American Airlines that brought service to the Columbia Regional Airport. McDavid never viewed himself as a politician, but ran for mayor as a way to give back to the community he has called home for the last several decades. He emphasizes transparency, engagement and fiscal responsibility in all he does in service to his community.
DECEMBER 2017 INSIDE COLUMBIA
101