Mike James

Vice Chair

Mike James is an attorney and partner at James Hutchison & Forth, P.C., a general civil practice law firm located in St. Louis, Missouri. He represents individual, business and institutional clients in litigation matters in state and federal courts in a variety of circumstances including business and commercial disputes, family law, personal injury, employment and real estate matters. In addition, Mr. James represents public school districts as general counsel and in litigation matters. Representative clients include physicians, lawyers, business owners and businesses engaged in a wide variety of concerns, including manufacturing, financial services, real estate, construction, health care services and environmental services.
In addition to his law practice, Mr. James is actively involved in civic and charitable endeavors. He currently serves as Chair of the Economic Development Commission of the City of Maryland Heights, Missouri and as Chair of the Board of Directors of DaySpring School of the Arts. In the past he served as Mayor of the City of Ferguson, Missouri and was a representative on the City's Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. James is a past President of the St. Louis County Bar Association and is a recipient of the Association’s Outstanding Young Lawyer Award. Mr. James has also served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce. Finally, Mr. James volunteers as a soccer, softball and basketball coach for CYC athletics.

Christian Boden

Board, Treasurer

Watching his two sons perform their first musicals, Christian quickly developed a deep appreciation for DaySpring’s educational excellence that not only nurtures talent, but also develops strong character. His own education focused on technology, achieving an undergraduate degree in computer science and a graduate degree in information systems engineering. Christian’s professional career includes nearly 25 years identifying, analyzing and managing risks to achieving corporate objectives. When he is not carrying out his role as Risk Analysis Manager at Bunge North America, an agribusiness and food ingredient company dedicated to improving the global food supply chain, Christian enjoys hiking, traveling, playing games and relaxing with his family.

Claudia Alexander

Immediate Past/President Chair

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Mary Vaughn

Secretary

Mary worked for the City of Maryland Heights for 29 years until her retirement in 2016. She served as the original Recreation Supervisor when the department was developed in 1987. She was promoted to the Superintendent of Recreation and served for 6 1/2 years as the department head. In 1997, she was promoted to serve as the City’s second Director. Her full-time duties included overseeing the Parks and Recreation Department in conducting the planning and organizing of recreational opportunities, facility development, and maintenance of all building and grounds owned by the City.
She earned her bachelor's degree in Leisure Management and Recreation from Missouri Western State College and a Master's degree in Public Policy Administration at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Mary served as President of the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association during 2000-2001 as well as many other positions on the Board of Directors.
Mary is also very active within the Kiwanis International Service Organization and the Missouri Arkansas District where she now serves as District Secretary overseeing the organization. She has also served with the Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce and the Pattonville Education Foundation. She also continues to serve on many committees to provide quality recreation opportunities to residents of all ages.

Susan Prichard

Board Member

Susan Prichard is the Department Leader for the Branch Team Learning and Development ((BLD) department at Edward Jones. Susan has over 20 years of experience in organizational learning and development. Susan is a wife and mother of four children and leads worship and the children's Wednesday night program at her church. Susan is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the St. Charles City-County Library Foundation.