About Dr. M and David Lightner
About Dr. M
Maryam Mohammadkhani was elected as the National Committeewoman from Missouri in 2024.
She is a physician by training with a second career as a children’s education advocate. She received a B.S. Summa Cum Laude, from University of California, Irvine, School of Biological Sciences, and an M.D. with Highest Distinction, from University of Southern California School of Medicine. Dr. Mohammadkhani spent six years training as a pathologist in the Harvard Medical System at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and is board certified in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, and Cytopathology.
She joined Pathology Services of Springfield in 2001 and led as Director of Anatomic Pathology at Cox Health until 2017. She is currently serving her second term on Springfield Public Schools Board of Education, Missouri’s largest school district. She tutors early elementary students through the Council of Churches of the Ozarks Volunteer Program. Maryam is a member of North Springfield Betterment Association School Committee and serves on the Association Board.
She lives in Springfield with her husband Raffaele Pennella, who is also a physician, and they have three children, Giacomo, Bennato, and Amore.
About David Lightner
David Lightner was elected as the National Committeeman from Missouri in 2024.
David Lightner is a lifelong Conservative Republican from Kansas City, Missouri, with deep roots in the community. For over three decades, he has been happily married to his wife Patricia, and together, they have raised their two daughters, Isabella and Caterina.
Professionally, David is the Principal Owner of LightBar Productions Inc., a renowned video and film production company known for its excellence in the industry. With over 43 years of experience in the field, David has established himself as a leader in media and communication.
David has served as a Republican Committeeman from Jackson County, the Republican Chairman of the Jackson County Republicans, a state committeeman for the 7th district, and Chairman of Missouri's 5th Congressional Districts Republican Party.
Committed to the principles of the Republican Party, David has actively served in various leadership roles within the party. From his tenure as the Jackson County Missouri Republican Chairman to his current positions on the Missouri Republican State Committe and as the Missouri Republican 5th Congressional District Chairman, David has demonstrated unwavering dedication to advancing conserative values and representing the interests of Missouri Republians.