He was born in California, Missouri June 4, 1961 and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Westminster College, a Master’s Degree in Health Services Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a Master’s of Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College – Class of 2002.

In his civilian career, he has over 19 years of experience in hospital administration and healthcare management focusing on strategic planning, operational leadership, team building and communications. He has specific backgrounds in acute care, long-term care and clinic leadership and operations.

As the Executive Director of the Missouri Veterans Commission, he is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the Commission and its three core programs within delegated authority and policies.

In his military career, Kay is a Veteran of Desert Storm serving as the Executive Officer for the 1267th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) 1990-1991. The mission of his air ambulance company was aerial evacuation of wounded, transportation of critical medical supplies and aerial search and rescue in the combat zone. He has served in Command positions thru Brigade and Task Force levels.

Deployed in January, 2008, Kay most currently served as Commander, Multinational Task Force East in Kosovo. As Commander, he is responsible for the deployment and performance of a Brigade-size Combat Team to include Active duty, National Guard and Reserve Airmen and Soldiers from seven states and six partner nations in support of NATO Peacekeeping operations in Kosovo.