Christopher S. “Chris” Patrick has been named the new Executive Director for Jobs for America’s Graduates-Missouri, Inc., known as JAG-Missouri. In that role, Patrick, who lives in Lockwood, will oversee the more than 100 JAG-Missouri programs located in middle schools, high schools and alternative schools across the state.
He officially begins his duties July 1 after a month overlap with the current Executive Director, Paul Kincaid. Kincaid announced in October that he would step down June 30 after eight years in the position.
“The Search Committee was unanimous in its support of Chris Patrick,” said JAG-Missouri Board of Directors Vice Chair John Sondag, who chaired the search committee. “He has successfully led organizations and has a strong passion for working with youth. We are confident he is a great fit for JAG-Missouri.”
JAG is a 40-year-old national nonprofit organization with 40 state affiliates, including Missouri. JAG works with students who have great potential, but who are facing significant challenges in their lives. JAG helps ensure the students graduate from high school and are prepared to be successful at whatever career they choose after graduation. JAG is an in-school program with the course being counted as an elective toward graduation.
JAG was founded in Missouri in 1979 with the first classes offered in 1980. The program grew for several years, but the budget problems of 2008 caused most schools to put the program on the shelf. In 2014, there was an effort to revitalize the program. JAG-Missouri has grown from six programs in six schools serving about 225 students in 2014-15 to 98 programs in 67 schools serving nearly 3,500 students in 2021-22. In 2022-23, those numbers are expected to grow to about 106 programs in 72 schools.
Over his career, Patrick has led several service organizations serving youth, seniors, and the public. Most notably, during 2014-18, he was the Unit Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ozarks. In that role, he had responsibility for the operations, employees, training, budget, and programming.
Most recently, from 2020-22, he was the Executive Director of the Montclair Senior Living Community. In that role, he has responsibility for all aspects of the facility, from daily operations to resident satisfaction.
In addition, Chris has managerial experience working in the hospitality industry in the Branson area.
Patrick is a member of the Springfield North Rotary Club and previously served as President of The Professional Association (Southern Missouri chapter) for the Boys & Girls Clubs.
Patrick received his B.S. degree in organizational management and ethics in 2014 from Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as the new Executive Director for JAG-Missouri,” said Patrick. “I look forward to getting to know all of the wonderful people that have helped make this organization the impactful program that it is today. Mr. Paul Kincaid has done an astounding job over the last several years. I have some big shoes to fill, and am excited to get to learn from him, as I step into this next chapter for both JAG-Missouri and myself.”