Meet the Team

The Embassy is run by a small number of staff members and an amazing number of volunteers. Overseeing the entire operation is a board of directors which is also made up of volunteers. List below are the current directors:

  • Chairman:

    Ann has a total of 35 years of executive experience in the social services sector, serving homeless youth, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and people experiencing low income. Starting as a direct support professional, Ann’s career has included direct supervision of residential services, case management, human resources, expansion of services, 6 years as Executive Director of a Community Action agency, and 19 total years as CEO working closely with boards of directors.

    Ann holds a BSE in Special Education from the University of Central Missouri and an MA in Management and Human Resource Development from Webster University.

    Ann is married to Steve Graff, pastor of Antioch Fellowship, and has two children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

    Ann believes in people and has a passion for assisting them to become who God has designed them to be.

  • Vice-Chairman:

    Chad Jamerson served in the United States Air Force for a total of 16 years. Chad is the lead pastor of New Life Church Ministries with a total of 13 years of ministry experience. Chad possesses a great passion to reach, teach and disciple lost and broken individuals through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    Chad and his wife Ivory currently reside in Sedalia, MO with their 4 children, Taylan, Camille, Caleb, and King.

  • Treasurer:

    David Miller was born and raised in California. He is the second child of five children in a split family. David began serving in the U.S. Army two months after graduating high school. While in the Army David completed special assignments as an instructor and a recruiter.

    David served in leadership positions in the army for over 20 years, culminating his career as a First Sergeant of a maintenance company for a Patriot battalion. As a First Sergeant David was responsible for the welfare, training and development of over 140 soldiers. David oversaw the daily operations of organization that included the company headquarters, 10 maintenance sections, and a supply warehouse that supported 26 organizations. While serving, David completed an Associate of Liberal Arts degree from Barstow Community College, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science from Troy University. In 2017, David retired from the Army with 24 years of honorable service. Since that time,

    David has completed a Master of Divinity Degree in Discipleship Ministries from Liberty University.

    David is currently working as a delivery driver for O’Reilly while also serving as the Associate Pastor for Olive Branch Baptist Church. David made a career of leading, caring for and developing people. He has training, experience, and passion for helping people grow and a commitment to the commandment to make disciples.

  • Director:

    Mike Cook was born in Lancaster, California and graduated from Antelope Valley High School. Mike served the United States Army from 1989-1993 reaching a rank of E4 in the 63rd Bravo as a light wheeled vehicle mechanic.

    In 2003, Mike started his own business, MPS Motors LLC where he continues today. Mike plays on the worship team as well as runs the sound board at his home church, Katy Park Baptist, as well as served in many other positions over the past 20 years. Mike currently serves as Vice President of Citizens for Transparency PAC and in February of 2022, Mike joined the board of The Embassy.

    Mike and his wife Christine currently reside in Sedalia, MO and are proud parents of 5 children and 9 grandchildren.

  • DIrector:

    Daren Belardo was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in the suburbs of North East Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1989, Daren graduated from Bensalem High School and went on to serve in the United States Marine Corp during the Persian Gulf War and was later honorably discharged. Daren attended college at Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana and in 1996 graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and minored in Business Management and Physical Education.

    Daren began his professional career working in sales for a Christian-owned record label in Nashville, Tennessee which continued for 13 years and was greatly enjoyed. In 2010, Daren was ordained as a minister in the Southern Baptist Convention, beginning his ministerial journey as a children and youth pastor. Daren currently enjoys serving in various ministries within his community. In 2011, Daren began serving his community as a Missouri State Trooper and is currently assigned to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Investigation Bureau Division.

    In 2003, Daren married his sweetheart Vanessa (Grubb) Belardo in Nashville, Tennessee. Daren and Vaness reside in Sedalia Missouri, with their four children, Nathan, Grace, Luke, and Joshua, who are all homeschooled by Vanessa.

  • Executive Director:

    Jason McClain was raised just outside of Sedalia, Missouri, in a blended family, the middle boy of 4 siblings. Jason chose to move out of his home after turning 15 and quit high school a year later to join the U.S. Navy. Jason served at several locations throughout his training as a machinist, however his main duty station was in Scotland, where Jason also accepted Christ. Jason came home briefly, obtained his GED, and moved to Colorado Springs to attend Nazarene Bible College.

    Jason moved back to Missouri and apprenticed at a well-established cabinet shop. In 1998, he married his wife, Michelle, and began a family. Jason helped a friend and mentor build a cabinet shop from nearly the ground up and in 2000, Jason opened and built his own high-end cabinet shop, MayFlower Cabinets, completely from the ground up.

    Over the past 30 years, Jason has taken several college courses in social work and has faithfully served churches, ministries and programs through general membership duties such as work days, business meetings, serving at events, and being an assistant to others in various positions. In addition, Jason has served as youth leader, Sunday School teacher, bible study instructor, pulpit supply, and executive board member. Jason was the founding member of a motorcycle ministry, and over the years has been involved in nursing home church ministry, jail ministry and worship leading. In 2010, Jason became the Head Pastor of Olive Branch Church where he still serves.

    In 2019 joined the board of The Embassy and currently serves as the Executive Director.

    Jason and his wife Michelle currently reside just outside Sedalia, MO and have 2 children.