By The Boone County Historical Society is proud to announce the addition of new trustees and officers to its esteemed board of directors, marking a significant chapter in its rich history of preservation and promotion of local heritage.
Earl Coleman has been appointed as the society’s board president for the years 2024 and 2025. David Wilson, a fourth-generation Columbian and co-founder of both the Ragtag Film Society and the True/False Film Fest, will serve as the society’s board vice president during the same period. Additionally, Nancy W. Thomas and Elizabeth Watkins, returning directors, have been re-elected for three-year terms.
The BCHS also welcomes Jerry Benedict and Jolene Schulz to its board of directors for three-year terms, running from 2024 to 2026. Benedict retired from his family business, Central Brace Company, and is bringing a wealth of entrepreneurial skills and local business knowledge. While Schulz has 34 years of experience as a teacher and administrator for the Columbia Public Schools.
The board of directors proudly appoints Melissa Applegate to the organization’s board of endowment trustees. With her extensive background as the former co-owner of Jack’s Gourmet Restaurant and her current role as a senior customer service representative at Central Bank of Boone County, Applegate brings a unique blend of business skills and community engagement to the society’s endowment initiatives.
