Administration

Bost Administration

Kent C. Jones

Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., Kent has been the Executive Director for Bost since May 1986.

He received his B.S. in Social Work in 1973, and M.S. in Community Services Planning in 1984 from the State University of New York at Buffalo.  With education and work in residential settings, special education, and human services administration, Kent’s career has included direct-care work and managing services for individuals with disabilities in prior organizations.

With his wife, Mamie, and four boys, Kent moved to Arkansas believing they would move on in a few years.  After 20 years they are still here, due to “the excellent family life environment and tremendous support from the community.  Arkansas provides a much greater level of disability services and programs with fewer resources than most regions because of the systemic efficiencies and local community support.  It has been rewarding to see the development of services and programs that Bost has experienced.  We are proud that over this period and due to the leadership from the Board of Directors and excellence of employees Bost has grown from a single county program to a presence in 34 counties of Western Arkansas with a full array of children and adult services for individuals with developmental and related disabilities.”

Kent continues to be involved with local, state and national civic groups and associations related to the field of disabilities.  Currently he is Treasurer for the State Developmental Disabilities Providers Association (DDPA), and on the boards of the Fort Smith Area Manufacturing Executives Association, Workability Americas, and the Sparks Hospital Advisory Trustee Board.  He also serves as CEO of the Bost Foundation and Bost’s related employment company, Westark Diversified Enterprise.  Previous experiences include Fort Smith Chamber Education Committee chairperson, Arkansas Governors Developmental Disability Council, Leadership Fort Smith and President of the Fort Smith Southside Rotary Club.

Susan A. Steffens

Susan Steffens serves as Assistant Executive Director over Agency Operations/ CFO, for Bost, Inc. She has four (4) years experience with the Agency.

She is married to Charles Steffens, has one daughter & son-in-law, Megan and Josh, and two grandchildren.

She attended the Cleveland State College and the University of Tennessee. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Accounting from Covenant University, Lookout Mountain, Georgia, and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Webster University, Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Steffens is a certified payroll administrator and a certified mentor. She is currently working toward a Human Resource Professional Certification as well as a CARF Surveyor Certification.

Her affiliations include: the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce Heath Care Committee, National Association for Female Executives, Network of Executive Women, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and American Payroll Professionals. Steffens has served on the board of the Mount Magazine Girl Scout Council and on the board for the Fort Smith Art Center. She has also served as with the Junior Civic League and as Director of Women’s Ministries for a local church. Steffens co-led Bost Inc., to achieve a three-year CARF Accreditation.

Jeffrey R. Lambert

Originally from Austin, Texas, Jeff began his career with Bost, Inc. in 1994 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and has been the Assistant Executive Director of Program Services for Bost, Inc. since June of 2006.

Jeff received his A.A. from University of Arkansas Fort Smith (formerly Westark Community College) in 1994, and B.S. in Organizational Management from John Brown University in 2008.  His career has included direct service provision and managing services at all levels for individuals with disabilities for Bost as well as other organizations.

He has been married to his lovely wife, Angelisa, for 13 years.  They have two beautiful children, Hannah and Christian.  He is no stranger to individuals with disabilities, as he is a father and a brother to a child and sibling with developmental disabilities.  He also recently served on the Arkansas Waiver Renewal Committee, advocating for changes in Medicaid Waiver Services, which will benefit his community as well as recipients all over the state of Arkansas.

Amongst family as well as professional activities and obligations, Jeff continues to find time to be involved in local, state and national organizations which demonstrate his commitment to serving people with disabilities.  Jeff is an avid runner, and competes each year in the 5K run as part of the Fort Smith Celebrity Classic, of which Bost is a beneficiary.  He has placed either first or second in this event during the last three years.  At the state level, Jeff is a member of Arkansas Waiver Association (AWA), as well as a member of Arkansas Advocates for Equal Access (AAEA).  He is also currently serving as a national surveyor for Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International.  The mission of a CARF surveyor is “to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of service through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served,” which falls directly in line with his own personal and professional philosophy.  Jeff’s vision is parallel to the vision of both Bost and CARF, which is that “through responsiveness to a dynamic and diverse environment, CARF serves as a catalyst for improving the quality of life of the persons served by CARF-accredited organizations and the programs and services they provide.”

In addition to his current involvements, Jeff is a past member of the Greenwood Public Schools Child Find Committee 2006-2008, ARC for the River Valley Board Member 2001-2004, Arkansas Disability Policy Consortium (ADPC) Board Member 2001-2003, and was a Special Olympics Coach 1990-1993, 1995 and 1996.

Mike Burdick

Originally from South Dakota, Mike has been Director of Manufacturing for Bost since June 2008.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City.  Hired by Whirlpool Corporation’s Saint Paul, Minnesota division, his career spanned thirty years of equal parts of operational and administrative experience.   Most of his work life has been spent in either Human Resources or Manufacturing.

With his wife, Mary, and two sons, Mike moved to the Alma area in 1984, leaving his oldest child, a daughter, to finish college in Minnesota.  After 26 years, the birth of 12 grandchildren, half who still live here, and 3 great grandchildren, they are permanently rooted in Arkansas.

Mike continues to find satisfaction, challenges and good people on daily basis in the Bost family of consumers and employees.

James A. Harris

Jim Harris is the Director of Human Resources. He is responsible for all aspects of human resources functions at  Bost, Inc. Jim is a 1972 graduate of Northside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Retired from the US Navy as a submarine qualified, Senior Chief Petty Officer and former officer-in-charge of the Reserve Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, detachment 0328, a Seabee detachment, where he earned the distinction of being the only ‘non-occupational field 13” enlisted member to serve in this capacity and was recognized twice as the RNMCB 28 officer-in-charge of the year. Jim has earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the College of the Ozarks and a master’s degree in human resource development from Webster University. Jim’s other certifications/license include Arkansas state license for disability and life insurance and he has been certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) by the Human Resources Institute, the licensing body for the human resources profession. Before working at Bost, Inc. Jim was responsible for setting up from scratch, the Human Resources Department for a local bank with 10 branches and setting up from scratch the Human Resources department for a local community college, he also served as an adjunct instructor at Arkansas State University, where he taught Organizational Behavior,  spent 2 years performing human resources for an out-sourcing firm and 15 years with Hiram Walker in various capacities, including engineering, production and finance.

In his community, Jim serves as a board member for the Society for Human Resources Management Western Arkansas and the River City Safety and Environmental Council. He is also a national member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the American Society for Training and Development. Jim and his wife Leslie attend First Baptist Church in Fort Smith. In his personal time, he enjoys riding his Harley-Davidson with his wife and playing the drums with the Community Band of Western Arkansas.

Sylvia Robinson

Originally from Lonoke, Arkansas, Sylvia has been the Director of Personal Care since September 2005.  She was child of a military family and consequently, she lived in many states and two foreign countries.  As an adult, she lived in California, Tennessee and Arkansas.  While she loves the beauty of California, Arkansas is her home.

She received her B.S in Business and her RN license in Fort Smith, Arkansas.  Sylvia has had many years experience in the business community.  Prior to working for Bost, Sylvia was responsible for meeting regulatory guidelines at a local psychiatric hospital.  Most of her nursing career was spent as Certified Psychiatric Registered Nurse.

Sylvia considers her children, Carman Young (son-in-law Todd Young) of Van Buren and Robbie Robinson of Fort Smith, her greatest accomplishments.  In addition, she has a ready photo and story about any of her four granddaughters.  Her hobbies include needle work, farming, estate sales and having fun with granddaughters.

Over the years, Sylvia has been involved in many volunteer organizations including working as an RN at the free medical clinics, AARP, Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair, Mental Health programs, PTA and has established support groups when a need was recognized.

She is licensed in Arkansas and Oklahoma

Lesa A. Fuller

Originally from Booneville, Arkansas, Lesa has been the Director of Clinical Services since September 2008. She previously was employed by Bost as Coordinator and then Director of Clinical Services from May 1990 until October 1999.

Lesa received her Associate of Arts degree in 1983 from then Westark Community College in Fort Smith, Arkansas. After this she attended University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas for the next 4 years. While attending college she worked fulltime at the Conway Human Development Center and then several years at the Booneville Human Development Center, serving in both direct care and supervisory positions. After college continued working in the human services field to include working with individuals with developmental disabilities and working with individuals in the nursing home setting.

Lesa has resided in Charleston, Arkansas for the past 20 years and now, along with her companion, assists with raising 3 teenage girls. “I left Bost in 1999 after 9 years of employment to try to make a change in the nursing home industry. Although I did enjoy working with the elderly and spent 9 years at the nursing home as Assistant Administrator, my heart and purpose remain with working with individuals that are developmentally disabled. Bost offers so much to these individuals and I am proud to a part of this organization.”

Lesa currently holds a Nursing Home Administrator’s license. She continues to be active with Special Olympics and other volunteer programs within the school system.

Shannon Fawcett

Shannon Fawcett, Events Coordinator, has been with Bost since 2008.  Mrs. Fawcett graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of the Ozarks and attended graduate school at the University of Arkansas.  Shannon is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Fort Smith, a former board member of The American Heart Association, a former Co-chairman for the American Heart Association's Heartwalk, and former board member of Heart to Heart Pregnancy Support Center and a volunteer for the same.  Shannon and her husband, Chuck have 4 children and 5 grandchildren.

Lindsey C. Gipson

Born and raised in Arkansas, Lindsey has worked for Bost, Inc. since February 2008.

She received her B.S. in Psychology in December 2007 from Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. After graduation, Lindsey moved back to Fort Smith and began her career with Bost as a Case Manager in the Medicaid Waiver Department. While working as a case manager, Lindsey gained her M.S. in Psychology from University of Phoenix and continued on for her Master’s in Counseling Psychology at Forest Institute. She transferred to the Harrison office to continue to work for Bost while going to school in Springfield and while attending Forest, she got accepted into the Doctorate of Clinical Psychology program. Although this was an amazing opportunity, when the position for Director of Mental Health Services opened in Fort Smith, Lindsey felt this was an opportunity to begin a role in the mental health field in Arkansas now and gain experience that would develop on her current skills. Arkansas’ mental health population is struggling to find assistance because of the lack of available services and she felt this was the perfect opportunity to help with a current issue. Lindsey accepted the position as Director of Mental Health Services with Bost, Inc. February 2010 and moved back to Fort Smith to help build on this developing department in hopes of providing a solid foundation for the future in mental health services in Arkansas.

Lindsey is a member of the local NAMI group as well as the American Psychological Association. She is certified as a “Within My Reach” group facilitator, which is a program to help develop healthy relationships and open communication among individuals, and served as an advocate for the Victim’s Advocacy Center in Springfield.

Roy Thompson

Roy Thompson, Director of Children’s Services, has been with Bost, Inc. in various positions since 1990.  Mr. Thompson received his Bachelors of Arts in Sociology/Psychology and was selected as a Senior Fellow in Sociology from All Sociology Majors.  Roy has been involved with many community organizations including:  ARC of the River Valley (Association of Retarded Citizens), Fort Smith Art Center, Mayor’s Commission for the Arts, Fort Smith Down Town Rotary International Club, National Committee on Planned Giving, Roundtable for Alliance for Charitable Giving, Fort Smith Advertising Club, Arkansas Volunteer Coordinators Association, Certified Volunteer Manager, Certified Volunteer Managers Association Member, City of Fort Smith Arts Alliance Member, Chamber of Commerce/Fort Smith Quality of Place Commission Member, Arkansas Special Quest Initiative:  Northwest Arkansas Team.  Mr. Thompson is also an alumnus of the 2001 Leadership Fort Smith class.

Leigh Ann Tippit

An Arkansas native, Leigh Ann attended Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business Admin/Marketing, and Webster University in Fort Smith, Arkansas, receiving a Master’s Degree in Business Management.  Leigh Ann has years of various financial and healthcare experiences gained from working for Aegis Therapies (a subsidiary of Golden Living) and Sparks Medical Regional Center.   She also spent 6 years as an adjunct faculty member in the Business Department for the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

For her local community, Leigh Ann serves as a volunteer each year for the Old Fort Days Rodeo and the Arkansas/Oklahoma State Fair; both held at Kay Rodgers Park in Fort Smith, Arkansas.   She attends St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Fort Smith and raises and trains Missouri Fox Trotter horses.

Brett W. Chumley

Brett comes to Bost, Inc. as Regional Waiver Director with over 15 years experience working with adults and children with developmental disabilities.

Growing up all over the country, Brett graduated with a degree in History and Political Science from Ouachita Baptist University. While in college, he worked as a part-time direct support professional for an agency in Arkadelphia. During his career, Brett has held a variety of positions as a direct support professional, transportation consultant, waiver coordinator, case manager and compliance officer.  He worked for over 3 years with DCFS foster child system and is a Guardian for a foster child who aged out of the DCFS system.

Brett and his wife, Nikki have been married for 15 years and have two beautiful daughters, Caroline and Kate. When not working, Brett enjoys cheering on his beloved Chicago Cubs and since moving to Arkansas has become a fan of Razorback Football. A history buff, Brett can often be found reading or watching WWII films. He and his family recently moved to the Benton/Bryant area and are active members of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Little Rock.

Amy Montgomery

Amy divides her time between her residence in the small town of Story, Arkansas, in which she grew up, and Fort Smith, Arkansas, which she now calls home.  Amy has two sons, Ryan and Tyler.

Amy first began her career in the human services field in 2000.  She began working at the Mount Ida Public School System, working in the classroom setting with teens with behavioral challenges through the Alternative/In-School Suspension Classroom.  Amy’s experience expanded to include working with children with disabilities in the Self-Contained Classroom, as well as curriculum planning and development for children with disabilities.

Amy began working in Early Childhood Education for Stepping Stone School in Alma, Arkansas in 2006.  She quickly progressed into managing the Medicaid Waiver Services Program there, serving as both the Case Manager and Service Coordinator for children and adults with disabilities.

In 2008, while still serving as a member of management at Stepping Stone, Amy began performing direct care services for adults with disabilities through the Bost, Inc. Medicaid Waiver Services Program.  Not only has Amy served individuals with disabilities in the public at large, she has also provided care for a close family member through this program.

Laura Golden

Laura Golden attended Hutchinson Community College and Tulsa Junior College in 1993.  In 1994 she started my journey working with the DD population.  Laura worked at Kansas Elks Training Center for 5 years as a direct care support staff then in a coordination position.  Laura then got married and moved to Topeka, KS.  While living in Topeka, she worked for the Topeka ARC as the Respite/Events Volunteer Coordinator for 2 years.  During her time at TARC Laura was very involved with the TARC Board.   When Laura and her family moved back to the Wichita, KS area she worked for ResCare Life Choices as the Assistant Director of Community Living for 2 years then was promoted to Director of Day/Health Services 3 years.  Laura volunteered and coached Special Olympics for 5 years.  Laura then spent 6 years as a stay at home mother with her son.

In January 2010, Laura and her family relocated to Arkansas from Kansas to be closer to her parents.  In August 2011 Laura was very happy to go back to work as a part of the BOST team.  She really enjoys working with the DD population and is very happy to be part of their lives every day!

Dalton Meyers

Dalton was born in Pontiac MI.  He moved to Florida in 1998 with his family and attended high school at Lecanto High School in Lecanto, Fl.  After high school he accepted a baseball scholarship to Morningside College in Sioux City, IA.  After graduating from Morningside college with a Bachelor of Arts in Photography, he signed a professional baseball contract to play with the Texas Heat of the Continental Baseball league.  After being released from baseball, he moved back to Sioux City where he began working in the transportation industry.  After a year, he accepted a job at a trucking company in Van Buren, AR.  In the summer of 2009, Dalton decided to head back to school and earn his M.B.A. He is now currently the Director of Property Management with Bost Inc.