John Cozad

With more than 30 years of political and legal experience, Woody ensures client interests are protected and enhanced at the state and federal level. Prior to founding Cozad Company, Woody practiced law with Stinson Morrison Hecker for more than 20 years. Woody acted as national coordinating counsel for Travelers Insurance Company and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, and worked extensively with the U.S. Department of Transportation. He also served as general counsel for the largest property and casualty insurance liquidation in U.S. history. Woody served as chairman for the Missouri Republican Party from 1995 to 1999. Under his leadership, the party coordinated key campaigns to shift control of the Missouri Congressional delegation to the Republican Party for the first time in the state’s history. In 1991, Woody was appointed as a member of the University of Missouri Board of Curators. During his six-year tenure, he guided the reorganization of the University systems’ finances. As a result, MU received the highest possible bond rating from the two major industry rating agencies. Former Missouri Governor John Ashcroft appointed Woody chairman of the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission in 1985. During his term, Woody helped persuade Missouri voters to approve a fuel tax initiative for the first time in three decades. Woody also worked under former Missouri Governor Kit Bond as chairman of the Missouri Health and Educational Facilities Authority. In 1982, the authority issued a $1.2 billion in bonds for hospitals and public schools. Woody is currently a board member of the Missouri Transportation Development Council and has been recognized by The Federalist Society for his contributions to law and public policy. Woody earned a bachelor’s degree from Westminster College in 1960. He earned a law degree from the University of Missouri in 1972. In 1978, Woody married Linda Hickerson of Independence, Mo. Linda has served as president of the Quality Hill Playhouse, board member of the Missouri Repertory Theatre, and president of the Junior Service League of Independence and of the Junior League of Kansas City.