Resources and panelist bios
Dr. Carolyn Chrisman is the Director of Development for the Hannibal Regional Foundation, which is part of the Hannibal Regional Healthcare System and which supports the mission of the hospital and its clinics. Dr. Chrisman supports development activities in the Kirksville region, including fundraising for the annual campaign, and now the five-year capital campaign called Legacy of Hope.
In addition to her contract work with the Hannibal Regional Foundation, Dr. Chrisman owns and operates Chrisman Consulting, LLC, which is a strategic consulting firm focused on economic development planning and research, target industry analysis, marketing, and other facets to help communities, utilities, municipalities and all entities working on economic development
Recently, Carolyn worked 11 years as the Executive Director for Kirksville Regional Economic Development, Inc., a 501c3 public private partnership where she worked on business retention and expansion and business attraction. She worked with the major industries in town and was also a leader for workforce development, which included training, housing, childcare, and all facets affecting the workforce. Additionally, she served as the Executive Director of the Missouri Rural Enterprise and Innovation Center and was the Center Director for the Small Business Development Center.
Carolyn has a BA in Political Science from Truman State University; an MA in Education from Truman State University; an MA in History from UMSL; and a Doctorate of Education from William Woods University. She is an Economic Development Finance Professional as well. Carolyn is current President of the Missouri Economic Development Council, Past President of the Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation, a statewide women’s leadership organization, and has also been President of the Kirksville Kiwanis Club, and serves in her local church. Most recently, she graduated from the Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (A LOT) Class XIX.
Carolyn is married to Jason Chrisman and they reside in Kirksville. They have four children, boys ages 11 and 9, girls ages 8 and 5.
Lorrie Hartley is the Executive Director of the TKD Foundation, bringing over 20 years of experience in both public and private philanthropy. She serves as a board member of the Phelps County Community Foundation and provides specialized consulting services in board governance, strategic planning, and capital campaigns.
A proven leader in the philanthropic sector, Lorrie has driven substantial growth and strategic transformations in healthcare, education, and community development. She excels in building organizational cultures of philanthropy and fostering effective stakeholder engagements.
Lorrie holds a Master of Leadership Development from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Regent University. She is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) and a thought leader in philanthropy, sharing her expertise through speaking engagements and professional forums.
Based in her hometown of Richland, Missouri, Lorrie continues to impact the philanthropic landscape through her visionary leadership and commitment to community enhancement.
Originally from Appleton City, Jamie Oberly dedicated 15 years to community action, focusing on innovative, high-impact solutions that remove barriers for individuals and communities. As a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) and a National Trainer for Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA), she is committed to action-driven strategies that create lasting change.
She has taken Workforce YOU from concept to reality, fostering real collaborative impact—particularly in the child care arena. Through initiatives like Step Up to Leadership, she helps low-income individuals become engaged community leaders while also working to connect key stakeholders in strategic, innovative ways. Her work is rooted in a strengths-based approach, ensuring solutions are asset-driven and mission-focused. Above all, she is passionate about being a catalyst for change, driven by kindness and a deep commitment to making our communities stronger.
