At the Missouri Public Health Institute, we are fortunate to have team members who bring deep, lived experience from across Missouri’s public health system. One of those voices is our Program Director, Liz House, who joined our staff after more than a decade serving in local public health. Her journey from Local Public Health Agency (LPHA) administrator and Missouri Center for Public Health Excellence (MOCPHE) member to Institute team member offers a unique perspective on what it means to both lead in the field and support others from the institute level.
Learning in Community
“When I was an administrator, there was an unending list of things to figure out, learn, navigate, and manage,” Liz recalls. “I often found myself leaning on peers who were going through the same thing. MOCPHE membership was like nothing I had ever experienced before; I’d put off other tasks just to make sure I went to the meetings. I always left having learned something and feeling more connected to others leading public health in Missouri.”
That sense of connection fueled a growing desire to help other administrators facing the same challenges. Joining the Institute became the natural next step.
Why the Institute?
For Liz, the draw was both practical and personal, “The Institute had a lot of things I was looking for in an organization. They always seemed to have it together, they were knowledgeable, and they cared about more than just checking boxes. They genuinely listened to LPHAs, were willing to get in the weeds, and advocated for real solutions. The flexibility to balance work and family was the icing on the cake.”
Bringing the Rural Perspective
While several Institute staff members have LPHA experience, Liz emphasizes the importance of her rural background, “After 10 plus years in local public health in a rural area, working in positions from health educator to administrator, I bring a lot of perspectives from rural communities. That experience helps me support our team as we partner with LPHAs, most of which are rural, to strengthen systems, close gaps, and build sustainable solutions.”
Her insight also extends to what she valued most as a member – what helped, what was missing, and what could make the greatest impact going forward.
Why Membership Matters
From her vantage point, the benefits of MOCPHE membership are clear, “They’re one of the best resources for governmental public health in the state and the strongest advocates. MOCPHE helps break down barriers between urban and rural LPHAs and creates opportunities to share ideas and connect. If someone becomes an involved member, they’ll see the benefit right away. And yes, the membership discount on contracted services doesn’t hurt either.”
Amplifying Work
Today, as part of the Institute team, Liz sees how the Institute plays a critical role in the larger system, “No one can do it alone, especially in public health. We are the ultimate support organization and thought partner. We’re not boots-on-the-ground in the same way as our local partners, but our work enables and amplifies theirs.”
An Open Invitation
Her message to anyone curious about working with the Institute is simple: “We are an awesome group of individuals who can geek out with anyone on public health topics and love to get in the weeds to find solutions. Our doors are always open for someone to come hang out and see what we are all about.”