Biography
Vita
David A. O’Dell is a distinguished professional, educator, and civic leader with over five decades of experience across public accounting, education, and community service. Born in 1950, David graduated from McPherson High School in 1968, earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from McPherson College in 1972, and completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Emporia State University in 1985. His academic and professional pursuits reflect a lifelong commitment to excellence and service.
David has a rich career in public accounting, spanning over 50 years. After working with a CPA firm early in his career, he established his own practice in 1981, which he merged with Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball in 2015. He served as Senior Manager, providing expert guidance to businesses and individuals. His influence extends beyond his work with clients, as he has been an active member of the Kansas Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs, contributing to the growth and development of the profession. He was honored as the Small Business Administration’s Accountant Advocate of the Year for the Wichita District in 1995.
Parallel to his professional career, David dedicated 40 years to education as a professor at McPherson College. He taught various accounting and business courses, including advanced accounting, strategic planning, entrepreneurship, and personal finance. As an educator, he was committed to nurturing students’ potential, advising student organizations, and mentoring future leaders. David held administrative roles such as Chair of the Business Department and the Social Science Division. His exceptional service earned him the title of Faculty Emeritus upon his retirement in 2019.
David’s impact extends into public service, where he has served as a McPherson County Commissioner since 2021, with reelection in 2024. As Commissioner, he has focused on economic development, strategic planning, and fiscal responsibility. He has been instrumental in advancing local initiatives, including chairing the Economic Development Commission and serving on the board of the South Central Kansas Economic Development District. His leadership was recognized nationally when he represented Kansas at the 1994 White House Conference on Small Business.
Faith has always been a cornerstone of David’s life. He accepted Christ at an early age and has remained deeply involved in his church, taking on roles such as Sunday school teacher and finance committee member. He has delivered motivational talks at Christian events and civic organizations, drawing from his experiences as a three-time cancer survivor. His resilience and unwavering faith inspire those around him.
David’s contributions to his community are extensive. He has served on numerous boards, including the McPherson County Community Foundation, McPherson Memorial Hospital, and Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship. As a civic leader, he has supported various causes, from healthcare and education to small business development. He also played a significant role in securing funding and public support for local projects, such as the McPherson Middle School bond initiative, which passed with overwhelming approval.
In addition to his professional and civic achievements, David enjoys engaging in personal interests. A certified Master Judge with the Kansas City Barbeque Association, he has judged nearly 100 contests, reflecting his passion for cooking and community gatherings. He also holds a HAM radio technical license and has judged classic car shows, showcasing his diverse interests.
David has been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career. These include the Citation of Merit from McPherson College, the Kansas Business Educator Award, and induction into Who’s Who in American Education. His most cherished accolades, however, come from the relationships he has built with his students, colleagues, and community members.
David’s personal life is marked by devotion to his family. He married Evy O’Dell in 2023, following the passing of his first wife, Jaymie, in 2021. Together with his daughters, Crystal and Rozalynn, and their families, he values the joy and connection that come from shared experiences and enduring relationships.
Through his dedication to professional excellence, education, public service, and faith, David A. O’Dell exemplifies a life of purpose and impact. His journey inspires those who seek to lead with integrity, serve others, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.