Lori Brandow helps events come together as committees, programs manager
Lori Brandow is the committees & programs manager for The Missouri Bar.
Tell me about yourself and your background
I was born and raised in Mexico, Missouri. I also raised my three children in Mexico. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Education degree from Columbia College.
Most of my career has been spent working in public service. I worked for the YMCA for 14 years and served in the role of CEO of the Mexico Area Family YMCA for six years prior to relocating to Kansas City to be near my grandchildren. While in Kansas City, I worked for the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association as the director of membership and communications.
In January 2023, I relocated back to mid-Missouri and began my role as the member services manager with The Missouri Bar. In March of 2024, I transitioned to the role of committees & programs manager.
Tell me about your job – what kinds of tasks do you do on a day-to-day basis?
I serve as the main point of contact for all open enrollment committees and divisions. I facilitate the recruitment of committee members to serve in leadership positions, as well as the retention of current committee leaders to serve consecutive terms. I provide orientation to incoming committee chairs and provide organizational support to all committees on a continual basis.
Some of the primary responsibilities of my current role are to facilitate Fall and Spring Committee Meetings, gather and develop data for annual committee assessments, and serve on the planning team for The Missouri Bar’s Annual Meeting.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Obviously, there is a lot of preparation work involved with Spring and Fall Committee Meetings, as well as The Missouri Bar’s Annual Meeting. My favorite part of this job is seeing everything come together during these events, observing the enjoyment and appreciation of those attending, and celebrating the success and hard work of everyone involved in the planning process.
Another part of this job that I enjoy most is working with our volunteer members. These board members, committee leaders, etc. are offering their time and efforts, as well as their expertise, to provide resources for their colleagues in the Missouri legal community.
Why are the bar’s committees important?
Committee membership offers numerous benefits to Missouri Bar members. Each open enrollment committee has their own online community group through connect.MOBAR. This platform offers networking opportunities, as well as serving as a resource for questions and inquiries that can be answered by fellow colleagues in the legal community. It also offers access to CLE programs and leadership and professional development opportunities.
What do you like to do outside of work?
My family is the most important thing to me. I love spending time with my adult children and spending as much time with my five grandchildren as possible. My goal is to miss as little as possible. Every track meet is important, every tee-ball game is essential, and trips to the zoo or larger vacations are at the center of my heart.
When I am not spending time with my family, I am also blessed with great friends to attend sporting events with (huge Chiefs fans), concerts, and the beach is my happy place.
Editor’s note: These answers have been edited for style and clarity.