For those who don’t know me, allow me to introduce myself! My name is Lisa Durnell and I am a life-long south-central Missouri resident.

After attending Mountain View schools, I went on to graduate from the University of Missouri with Bachelor of Science in Ag Ed, but we won’t say how many years ago! I’ve worked privately as a residential appraiser, publicly as a certified right-of-way specialist for MODOT, and am currently holding a part-time position at the Howell County Collector’s office. My husband, Dean, and I own and operate a small beef cow farm. I’m a fourth generation south-central MO farmer and I’m passionate about agriculture.

I’m a proud mother to two kids and an extra proud grandma to one grandbaby (so far)!

I have exhibited leadership skills throughout my life, starting with organizations like 4-H and FFA in my younger years. As an adult, I have served as secretary and chairperson of the Howell-Oregon Electric nominating committee as well as chairperson of MoDOT’s Employee Advisory Committee. In 2010, I helped organize a community effort to get high school softball started at Willow Springs High School, for which I earned the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award. I currently serve as both a greeter and the praise and worship team at CrossWay Fellowship Church of Willow Springs, Missouri, where I am an active member.

Since participating in the caucus a few weeks ago, I have joined the Howell County chapter of the United Federation of Republican Women, where I hope to be an actively engaged member.

With much prayer and thought, and lots more prayer, I have decided to run for the MO House of Representatives – District 154. I have not come to this decision lightly. If I win, it will definitely be a sacrifice- time away from my family and the farm I love. But folks, things are not pretty in our state and country right now. It’s going to take good people getting involved to try to ‘right’ this ship.

I will continue to post updates about my campaign and what you can do if you’d like to help. But please, cover me in prayer. I’ll need it. Our state needs it. Our country needs it.