Recap: MASWM Spring Conference in Jefferson City

May 22, 2026

Ballroom with over 100 Attendees of MASWM Spring 2026 Conference

MASWM held its annual conference April 26-28, 2026, in Jefferson City, Missouri.

This year’s meeting featured a leadership transition, the unveiling of a new logo, annual awards, and several sessions to keep directors of 86 Extended Employment Sheltered Workshop in Missouri informed and ready to provide even better services for people with disabilities.

New Leadership

Outgoing President Tim Poepsel, Director of EMPAC from the St. Louis area, handed leadership over to Kimbal Mothershead, director of Vocational Services, Inc.(VSI) in Liberty/North Kansas City.

New MASWM President Kimbal Mothershead (left) presents a plaque on behalf of the association to Immediate Past President Tim Poepsel for his leadership at the MASWM Conference in Jefferson City.
New MASWM President Kimbal Mothershead (left) presents a plaque on behalf of the association to Immediate Past President Tim Poepsel for his leadership at the MASWM Conference in Jefferson City.

Rebranding a tradition

Updating or rebranding a logo that has stood as a symbol of support for people with disabilities for over 60 years is not an easy task. Over the past year, MASWM leadership embraced a fresh look for our logo, aiming to better connect with a wider audience through a lively design that celebrates both industry and Missouri’s vibrant disability community.

Tanner Mothershead, Special Projects Manager at VSI, crafted the logo, and with the incredible support of Rachel Hiles, owner of nth Degree Media & Design, who is creating an exciting new MASWM website, the launch was warmly received by our members.

It’s a wonderful step forward in showcasing our collective spirit!

Celebrating the people who make a difference

Every year MASWM recognizes the legislators and leaders who support people with disabilities and champion Employment Choice.

This year’s selections were:

Legislator of the Year: House Representative Sherri Gallick
Manager of the Year: Charlie Fischer, Director, Canterbury Enterprises, Inc.
New Manager of the Year: Scott Shelton, Lafayette JeffCo
Advocate of the Year: Sue Bianchi, parent, and Kit Brewer, Director, Project CU
Legacy Award: Eric Giebler, retired director from EMPAC
President’s Award: Tom Miller, Opportunity Workshop, Inc., who retired after 47 years of service at that shop.

On behalf of MASWM, the CEO of CASCO, Robert Greenwood, and the Executive Director of Project CU, Kit Brewer, present Representative Sherri Gallick with MASWM’s Legislator of the Year
Two men posing for a photo, the one on the left is holding a plaque
MASWM past president Tim Poepsel (right) presents Charlie Fischer (left), Director of Canterbury Enterprises, as MASWM’s Workshop Manager of the Year.
Two men shaking hands
Scott Shelton (right) Lafayette JeffCo, accepting the MASWM New Manager of the Year award
Man and woman holding a plaque in front of a painting
On behalf of MASWM, the Executive Director of Project CU, Kit Brewer, presents Sue Bianchi with MASWM’s Advocate of the Year
MASWM past president Tim Poepsel next to Rob Libera, former CEO and Director, who is holding the presents the MASWM Workshop of the Year award for Lafayette Industries. Standing with Rob are Vicki James and Jeff Shelton, both of Lafayette Industries.
MASWM past president Tim Poepsel presents the MASWM Workshop of the Year award to Lafayette Industries. Rob Libera, former CEO and Director, accepts the award. Standing with Rob are Vicki James and Jeff Shelton, both of Lafayette Industries.

Photo Gallery

The MASWM 2026 Spring Conference saw 110 registered members, one of our largest meetings to date!

Ballroom with over 100 Attendees of MASWM Spring 2026 Conference
Attendees listening and taking notes at the MASWM 2026 Spring Conference
Attendees listening at the MASWM 2026 Spring Conference
Attendees listening and taking notes at the MASWM 2026 Spring Conference
Attendees sitting around a table at the MASWM 2026 Spring Conference
Attendees sitting around a table at the MASWM 2026 Spring Conference
Attendees conversing the MASWM 2026 Spring Conference
Attendees sitting around a table at the MASWM 2026 Spring Conference
Attendees sitting around a table at the MASWM 2026 Spring Conference
Attendees sitting at a table at the MASWM 2026 Spring Conference
Attendees sitting around a table at the MASWM 2026 Spring Conference
Attendees sitting around a table at the MASWM 2026 Spring Conference
Attendees sitting around a table at the MASWM 2026 Spring Conference
Attendees sitting around a table at the MASWM 2026 Spring Conference
Attendees sitting and standing in a hall at the event hotel
Attendees sitting and standing in a hall at the event hotel

Thank you for everyone who made our latest conference an amazing event!