New Main Street Chillicothe Director Announced

MAIN STREET CHILLICOTHE ANNOUNCES
MCKENSIE SAUNDERS AS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CHILLICOTHE, MO – [12/18/2025] – Chillicothe Main Street is pleased to announce the appointment of McKensie Saunders as its new Executive Director. Saunders brings extensive experience in community leadership, financial management, event planning, and strategic communications to the role, drawing on her history with various national and regional organizations.

Saunders previously served as the NextGen Program Director for Radius Church LA from July 2020 to January 2022, where her responsibilities included managing the operations and budget. In this management capacity, she also oversaw 25 volunteers and an executive assistant. During her tenure, she was responsible for planning community events and fundraisers.

A significant focus of Saunders’ professional background is strong public outreach and development skills. As Miss Missouri 2015 for the Miss America Organization, she served as the State Goodwill Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. During this time, she successfully raised funds needed through event planning and multiple fundraising efforts.

Saunders brings specialized expertise in digital strategy and communications, having served as a Digital Marketing Specialist for VanDOit Camper Vans and Social Media Specialist for First Entertainment Credit Union in Los Angeles. Her experience in content creation and building partnerships with media outlets, brands, and creators will be valuable in promoting Chillicothe Main Street initiatives.

Her communication expertise is supported by her academic achievements. Saunders earned a Bachelor of Science in Convergence Journalism with a Writing Minor from Oral Roberts University (2012-2015), graduating Summa Cum Laude and participating in the Honors Program. She was recognized as the Outstanding Senior in Convergence Journalism and the Overall Outstanding Senior in Communication Arts & Media in May 2015.

Please join us in welcoming McKensie back to our community.

About Main Street Chillicothe
Main Street Chillicothe is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, revitalizing, and enhancing downtown Chillicothe. By fostering community pride, supporting small businesses, and celebrating our rich history, we are building a stronger and more vibrant future for our community. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.downtownchilli.com/partnership/ or contact us at 660-646-4071.

As a Missouri Main Street Accredited program, MAIN STREET CHILLICOTHE is a recognized, leading program among the state network of more than 50 districts and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.

As a Main Street America Accredited Program, Chillicothe Main Street, Inc. is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America Accredited Programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standard of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.

Special thanks to our current partners, many "Friends of Main Street" supporters, and our volunteers who make it all happen. This place matters and so do you.