Two Cole County residents were appointed to Missouri's Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board, Gov. Mike Parson announced Tuesday.
Mark McCarter, of Wardsville, and Mary Deeken, of Jefferson City, were appointed to the board, which provides an independent review of child abuse and neglect cases when the alleged perpetrator disagrees with determinations reached by the Department of Social Services Children's Division.
McCarter, a retired colonel of the Missouri Army National Guard, most recently served as director of plans, operations and training for the agency. He has served in various leadership positions throughout his 27 years with the Guard and has also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and member of the Jefferson City Kiwanis Club.
McCarter earned degrees in aviation technology and safety from the University of Central Missouri and later attended the National War College to earn a master of science in national security strategy.
Deeken, a retired pediatrician, served at St. Mary's Pediatrics from 1998 until her retirement in 2018. Her medical career began in 1993 as an active duty U.S. Airforce Captain and General Medical Officer at Whiteman Air Force Base. Deeken is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a board diplomat with the American Board of Pediatrics, a board member of Cole County Special Services, Cole County Residential Services, and Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association.
Deeken earned a biology degree from Lincoln University and a doctor of medicine from the University of Missouri.
The Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board, made up of nine members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Missouri Senate, meets for seven hours in Jefferson City 12 times per year. Members are expected to read eight to 10 cases of varying complexity and volume prior to meeting, according to the board's website.
Along with McCarter and Deeken, the governor appointed Christina Combs, of Kansas City, to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board, according to Tuesday's announcement.
Members serve three years and are not paid but may receive reimbursement for necessary expenses.
The governor made three other appointments to various boards and commissions Tuesday and named a new Cedar County coroner.