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Parson Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions, Fills County Vacancy

JEFFERSON CITY, MO. – Today, Governor Mike Parson announces five appointments to various boards and commissions and a county office.

William M. “Bill” Abbott, of Tuscumbia, was appointed to the Petroleum Storage Tank Insurance Fund Board of Trustees.

Mr. Abbott served as the Miller County Sheriff for over 16 years. During his time as Sheriff, he was instrumental in forming the Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force and establishing policies and procedures for deputy conduct. Before his election as Sheriff, Mr. Abbott served in the Missouri National Guard for 22 years. He held a variety of positions in the Guard, including as a motor vehicle operator, materials handler, and as the Armory Sergeant for the 135th Maintenance Unit.

Aimee Agderian, of Kearney, was appointed to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.

Ms. Agderian is currently a Deputy Sheriff with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. She has been with the sheriff’s office for over 23 years. She has served in a number of different assignments across all divisions of the office, including helping to create and implement the office’s current training program. Ms. Agderian currently holds the rank of Sergeant in the Training and Career Development Unit. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs from Park University and a Bachelor’s Degree in the Administration of Justice from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.

Benjamin C. Jones, of Gideon, was appointed to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.

Mr. Jones is currently a Captain with the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) and serves as the Director of the Career Recruitment Division. He has been with the MSHP for 18 years, including time as a Sergeant and Lieutenant before being promoted to Captain in 2018. He spent the first several years of his career with MSHP assigned to Troop E, including as a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Trooper.

Michele Murrell, of Linneus, was appointed as the Linn County Assessor.

Ms. Murrell is currently an employee of the Assessor’s Office and has been trained in both the Real Estate and Personal Property offices and works as the Field Appraiser for Linn County. Ms. Murrell holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Missouri Western State University. Her community involvement includes serving as the President of the PTO of the Linn County R-1 School.

Richard C. Peerson, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the Petroleum Storage Tank Insurance Fund Board of Trustees.

Mr. Peerson spent the majority of his career in the insurance business before retiring in 2018. He was a Managing Partner at Wallstreet Insurance Agency for the last decade of his career. Before entering the insurance field, he spent time as the Executive Director of the Missouri Jaycees. Mr. Peerson has also owned and operated a small family farm. His community involvement has included time with the Jefferson City Area Chamber and the Cole County Planning and Zoning Commission.

John Worden, of Columbia, was appointed to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.

Mr. Worden is currently the Director of the University of Missouri Extension’s Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI). Prior to joining LETI, he had a 21-year career with the Columbia Police Department, rising to the rank of Sergeant. Mr. Worden was also recently named as the Senior Director of the MU Center for Excellence in First Responder Education. He holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Missouri.