Cana, a Fayette native, is an alumni of both FHS and CMU, where she graduated with her BS in Biology, Secondary Education. She spent the first 6 years out of college teaching high school science in both New Franklin and Fayette. In 2016 she opened her own business, Gold Apple Boutique, which is now a retail space for women in downtown Fayette. In 2019 she received the “Women Who Own It” female entrepreneur award. In 2022 she helped re-open the local Fayette Chamber of Commerce, and served on the CID Board from 2020-2023.

“I am passionate about the community and businesses here in Fayette. It’s a special place to live and raise a family. I am excited to step into this next level of community and economic development, and support our downtown!”

Cana and her husband, Kyle, are raising their two sons in rural Fayette where they enjoy spending time together outdoors: hunting, fishing, gardening, swimming and playing sports.

“I have and will always hold rural communities and the community values they share close to my heart. They are a part of Americana and seeing small communities rebound and thrive is energizing.”

Deanna has served eight years as a development professional, nearly nine years in a County Assessor’s Office and about two years as a County Administrator. She became acquainted with Fayette in 2010 while working with the American Red Cross Blood Services.

According to Deanna, “Fayette has been a community that has been easy to bond with and one we eventually, were thankful to be able to call home.”

Serving as a member of the Downtown Fayette (formerly Fayette Main Street) organization since 2019, she is glad to see where the organization is today. She says it is the goal of the many who serve the organization and the community, to be able to preserve the piece of Americana that Fayette so wonderfully represents, while also seeing the area thrive with new businesses and solid collaboration between the Fayette, Howard, and Central Methodist University communities. She is the current Director of Development for Advancement and Alumni Relations at Central Methodist University. Together we move Fayette forward!

Denise is a lifelong Howard Countian. She is happy to be welcomed into the Fayette community and working with others to move Fayette forward. She holds undergraduate degrees in History and Sociology and a Master’s degree in History from the University of Missouri, Columbia. Denise’s work history includes nearly 20 years at CMU as a professor and as Curator of The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art. Denise is currently chair of the Downtown Fayette Design Committee. In the past she has served as a board member and president of the Glasgow Community Museum, Secretary of Lewis Library of Glasgow, Glasgow Sesquicentennial Celebration, and Secretary of Boonslick Historical Society. She is a current member of the City of Fayette Tree Board, and a board member of International Educational Resources for Rural Missouri. Denise has produced podcasts pertaining to Women’s History for KPIP radio 94.7. She is passionate about historic preservation, flower gardening, social justice and environmental concerns and animal welfare.

Angi earned her Master's of Science in Clinical Counseling from Central Methodist University. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Missouri and has recently earned her National Certified Counselor standards in 2021.

“I am from Fayette, Missouri and have a passion for small town living. As a therapist I have come to fully understand the importance of a support system. Having been raised in Fayette, I knew growing up that I was safe and always knew people around me. People that would help direct me in the right way, and would hold me accountable to do what is right. What a wonderful system to grow up in! I now have an opportunity to impact this for my grandchildren. I want them to have the fond memories of growing up in a small town that is supportive of their wellbeing. A place they can feel safe and find amazing memories. By helping those in my county with their mental health, I am supporting that mission. I’m helping those that will in turn be able to help my grandchildren. My goal is to do whatever I can to educate and help anyone in need in Howard County and elsewhere if asked. I choose Fayette as my base and in turn have chosen Fayette as my epic center.”

Michelle grew up in Fayette, MO and graduated from Fayette High School in 1977. She then attended Central Missouri State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts/Public Relations degree.

Michelle went on to become owner of Express Personnel Services in Columbia - an international franchise – for 25 years and operated 5 offices. During that time, she “was humbled to receive some of the highest honors this franchise awarded. I earned such honors as the Mass Mutual Blue-Chip Award, The Franchisee of the Year Award, and President's Award, to name just a few.”

After selling her business, Michelle “tried to retire but my mind and heart had a different path. I went to work for many years as Director of Jenny Craig, where I oversaw 3 territories and excelled with the company in many ways.”

In 2020, with Covid being a challenge, she and her husband decided to relocate and chose to “move back to Fayette primarily to be closer to family! We did just that! Now, I am working for a local dental office and thoroughly enjoying my involvement with my hometown! I'm proud to serve on the Main Street Board, Fayette Rotary, and numerous local clubs and organizations. I also have the privilege of serving as a Fayette Councilwoman.

Michelle truly takes pride in her hometown and strives to make “Fayette memories” for local youth and pledges to help create local leaders for tomorrow. For Michelle, it’s “an extreme honor to give back to my beloved hometown and to help move Fayette Forward!”

“I am involved with Downtown Fayette because I know how important the downtown area is to the economy of Fayette and Howard County”.

Kyle currently works for Commercial Trust Company on main street. He has been employed by Commercial Trust for 30 years and current serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Co-CEO. His other role includes being a Financial Advisor for Commercial Trust Financial Services.
As a graduate of the University of Central Missouri, Mr. Elliott holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Missouri and a degree from the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. He has also served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Economics at Central Methodist University.
A lifelong resident of Howard County, Mr. Elliott is also actively involved in a wide variety of community and philanthropic activities in the area and is the past president of Fayette Main Street.

Alissa works in the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office at Central Methodist University. She has worked in higher education for over ten years, and shares, “there is certainly something special about CMU and the Fayette community. My family and I have lived in Fayette for almost five years and love it! We enjoy eating at local restaurants and attending events downtown & in the city park. Fayette has been such a welcoming community to me and my family and I am excited to see it grow, while maintaining all the charm of living in a small town!”

Wanda relocated to Fayette in 2013 with her husband, Rusty, to focus on their retirement dream of raising registered Shorthorn cattle. Prior to moving to Fayette, they worked and raised their family in Columbia. Once their farming business was established in Howard County, Wanda felt compelled to become more involved in the Fayette community. Wanda’s work experience includes banking and small business ownership. “I fell in love with Fayette immediately. It’s such a welcoming and inclusive community that I knew I wanted to be a part of!”

Wanda is passionate about serving her community and hopes her small business experience will play an important role in Downtown Fayette’s continued growth. She is eager to recruit additional volunteers and feels that within the Downtown Fayette organization there is a perfect fit for everyone who wishes to volunteer their individual skills and experience. She has enjoyed witnessing the progress Fayette has made during her time here and is eager to contribute to its advancement.

When she’s not farming or volunteering, Wanda enjoys “porch time” with her family and friends, reading, horseback riding, and playing pickleball.