JOPLIN, MO, March 27, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Gage McKinnis has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. McKinnis is a distinguished professional in the field of business operations and management, currently serving as the chief operating officer at JIA Communities. With more than 10 years of experience in operations and building materials, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in overseeing the day-to-day operations of building luxury home communities, managing everything from design, operation processes and administrative oversight to the construction of the homes and the legal aspects of the business. His journey to this role began with his tenure as chief of staff at JIA Communities from 2023 to 2024, where he honed his skills in strategic planning and organizational management.

Prior to his role with JIA Communities, Mr. McKinnis served as an agency manager and human resources manager at Specialty Risk Insurance Agency from 2022 to 2023. His career includes significant experience in the building trade industry through his various roles, having worked as a human resource director at Missouri Walnut Group, the largest walnut lumber producer in the world, from 2019 to 2022 where he oversaw HR, safety, and special projects in facilities upgrades and management. Prior to Missouri Walnut Group, Mr. McKinnis spent his time as a project manager and human resources supervisor in the fenestration business for EFCO LLC from 2016 to 2019.

Mr. McKinnis's early career includes roles that laid the foundation for his expertise in business management, through different experiences working in landscape design and install as well as project management within the healthcare IT sector. He has bolstered his industry acumen by maintaining membership with the Society for Human Resource Management and the National Association of Home Builders.

Reflecting on his career, Mr. McKinnis is most proud of taking on the opportunity to have oversite of JIA Communities at the young age of 35. He also takes pride in receiving numerous academic and athletic accolades during his time in college, earning All American honors as both a student and football athlete.

A graduate of Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor of Science in business management and international business, Mr. McKinnis has leveraged his academic background to excel in various roles throughout his career. He also holds a Project Management Professional certification.

Regarding his success, he gives credit to the values instilled in him by his father, who is a farmer, educator, and coach as well as his mother who is a nurse, for teaching him the importance of hard work, dedication and servant leadership. They have been wonderful examples of what it truly means to be a good person and to always be grounded in faith. Outside of his career, Mr. McKinnis enjoys running a family cattle farm business with his father and spending quality time with his wife and two sons. He is also civically involved, volunteering and sponsoring initiatives at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Looking ahead professionally, he is focused on developing a new city center for the northwest Arkansas region, a project that aims to create a unique, walkable community consisting of a high-end commercial development, and a variety of residential offerings that have a focus of design, landscaping, and accessibility, looking to bring back the meaning of "community" to the American spirit. This ambitious development spans 205 acres and is envisioned as an opportunity to give back to the community by creating a centralized landmark that stands out in the Midwest, and creates a truly timeless work of art.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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