Our Team

Downtown Fayette - Board of Directors

Alissa works in the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office at Central Methodist University. She has worked in higher education for over ten years, and shares, “there is certainly something special about CMU and the Fayette community. My family and I have lived in Fayette for almost five years and love it! We enjoy eating at local restaurants and attending events downtown & in the city park. Fayette has been such a welcoming community to me and my family and I am excited to see it grow, while maintaining all the charm of living in a small town!”

Michelle grew up in Fayette, MO and graduated from Fayette High School in 1977. She then attended Central Missouri State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts/Public Relations degree.
Michelle went on to become owner of Express Personnel Services in Columbia - an international franchise – for 25 years and operated 5 offices. During that time, she “was humbled to receive some of the highest honors this franchise awarded. I earned such honors as the Mass Mutual Blue-Chip Award, The Franchisee of the Year Award, and President's Award, to name just a few.”
After selling her business, Michelle “tried to retire but my mind and heart had a different path. I went to work for many years as Director of Jenny Craig, where I oversaw 3 territories and excelled with the company in many ways.”
In 2020, with Covid being a challenge, she and her husband decided to relocate and chose to “move back to Fayette primarily to be closer to family! We did just that! Now, I am working for a local dental office and thoroughly enjoying my involvement with my hometown! I'm proud to serve on the Main Street Board, Fayette Rotary, and numerous local clubs and organizations. I also have the privilege of serving as a Fayette Councilwoman.
Michelle truly takes pride in her hometown and strives to make “Fayette memories” for local youth and pledges to help create local leaders for tomorrow. For Michelle, it’s “an extreme honor to give back to my beloved hometown and to help move Fayette Forward!”

“I am involved with Downtown Fayette because I know how important the downtown area is to the economy of Fayette and Howard County”.
Kyle currently works for Commercial Trust Company on main street. He has been employed by Commercial Trust for 30 years and current serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Co-CEO. His other role includes being a Financial Advisor for Commercial Trust Financial Services.
As a graduate of the University of Central Missouri, Mr. Elliott holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Missouri and a degree from the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. He has also served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Economics at Central Methodist University.
A lifelong resident of Howard County, Mr. Elliott is also actively involved in a wide variety of community and philanthropic activities in the area and is the past president of Fayette Main Street.

Downtown Fayette - Committee Leadership

Email: design@downtownfayette.org

Cara Owings grew up in Fayette, graduated from FHS and CMU. Cara and her husband Nick raised their young family here for many years, moved to Columbia but returned in 7 years to finish raising their family here. She is an entrepreneur, business/marketing coach and sales professional. Cara is co-owner of The Connection Exchange, a Missouri based business that has expanded as as a licened affilate program. They provide economic vitality and lead generation to new and existing businesses. She also holds a position in Media Sales with a North American focused Asphalt magazine called Asphalt Pro. Cara has a passion for business growth and a love for her hometown.
Email: grow@downtownfayette.org