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.