NIMROD CHAPEL, JR.

President, Missouri State Conference

Recognized as the “Defender of Justice” by the NAACP and most recently honored as the “Voting Rights Advocate of 2025” by the Missouri Black Caucus, Nimrod “Rod” Chapel, Jr. is a dedicated Missouri trial lawyer and former Commissioner of the Administrative Hearing Commission who has spent his career championing the rights of everyday people.

Rod’s devotion to hard work began early. He spent more than a decade working in construction and food service before turning to public service for the State of Missouri. In his formative years as a legal professional, Rod externed as a summer clerk at the Missouri Supreme Court and later served full time as a Judicial Executive Assistant (Chief of Staff) to then Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Duane Benton. He went on to serve as a Commissioner on the Administrative Hearing Commission, eventually leading it as Managing Commissioner and as Presiding Commissioner.

Rod also made significant contributions to state government as the 12th Director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, overseeing protections for workers and ensuring safety nets for those seeking employment. In this role, he led efforts to address discrimination, sexual harassment, and unsafe working conditions. Earlier, he served as General Counsel/Director of Legal Services for the Missouri Department of Revenue.

A firm believer in the power of law to uplift communities, Rod has forged an impressive litigation record. Notably, he won his very first trial even before officially entering law school. After earning his legal credentials, he founded The Chapel Law Group, LLC, focusing on protecting workers and families through the courts, administrative agencies, and legislative advocacy. From collaborating with luminaries like Sly James and John Garner, to working on groundbreaking cases such as Missouri’s lawsuit against the tobacco industry—one of the largest settlements in the state’s history—Rod has consistently deployed his legal acumen to fight corruption, safeguard public health, and defend individuals against injustice.



Beyond his legal practice, Rod upholds a deep commitment to service in his community. In addition to his leadership as President of the Missouri NAACP, he has served as President of the Jefferson City NAACP and as a member of the Board of Governors for The Missouri Bar. His passion for service has extended to roles with the YMCA, Crimestoppers, St. Mary’s Hospital in Jefferson City, United Way, and Rotary, as well as continued support for Missouri Kid’s First and the Boy Scouts of America. He also serves as Board Chair for Missourians for the Abolition of the Death Penalty, further exemplifying his dedication to fairness and equality under the law.

Rod’s commitment to social justice, workers’ rights, and civic engagement continues to inspire his peers and the broader community. His accolades as the “Defender of Justice” by the NAACP and the “Voting Rights Advocate of 2025” by the Missouri Black Caucus affirm his steadfast leadership. A devoted husband to Denise Chapel and proud father of two young sons, Rod carries forward his life’s mission: to champion the underrepresented and ensure that the principles of justice and equality thrive in Missouri and beyond.