Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

Governor Mike Parson announced the appointment of three new members to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE) last week, and the Senate confirmed those appointments today. Anne-Marie Clarke, Hollie Elliot, and Phil Hoffman, will fill three currently vacant positions.

The CBHE members – one from each of Missouri’s eight congressional districts and one selected at large – are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. Board members are appointed to six-year terms. The CBHE oversees the Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development, which serves as the administrative arm of the board and is led by the commissioner of higher education.

“We are fortunate to now have a full coordinating board and look forward to the welcoming our three newest members,” said Joe Cornelison, CBHE chair. “Their experience will prove valuable as we continue to work toward empowering all Missourians with the skills and education needed for success.”  

Anne-Marie Clarke, St. Louis, will represent District 1. Clarke is retired, having most recently served as the 47^th Chair of the Judicial Council Division of the Missouri Bar Association. She previously served as judge of the Family Court, and as hearing officer for the 22^nd Judicial Circuit Court. Her more than 33 years of service made her one of the longest-serving judicial officers on the city bench. Clarke attended Forest Park Community College, and Northwest Missouri State University. She holds a Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law and was the first Black woman to serve on the Board of Police Commissioners for St. Louis City, also becoming the first woman to serve as its president.

Hollie Elliot, Fair Grove, will represent District 4. Elliot is the executive director of the Dallas County Economic Development Group with HME Consulting. She previously worked in public affairs for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Elliot serves numerous boards, including the Women’s Business Center, City of Buffalo Rotary, Dallas County Community Foundation, and University of Missouri Dallas County Extension, among others. Elliot holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications, and a master’s degree in administrative studies, agriculture advocacy from Missouri State University.

Phil Hoffman, Trenton, will represent District 6. Hoffman is the manager of the Hoffman Reed Corporation, a retail distributor of seed, feed, grain and agricultural chemicals. Hoffman has served on various boards including president of the Grundy County Fair Board, Trenton Rotary Club, and Trenton Board of Public Works. He attended what is now North Central Missouri College before earning his bachelor’s degree in agriculture and his master’s in agronomy at the University of Missouri.

Learn more about the CBHE at https://dhewd.mo.gov/cbhe/.