Across Missouri, public health leaders are strengthening communities through innovation, partnership, and an unwavering commitment to service. The 2025 MOCPHE Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership is shaping the future of public health at the local, regional, and statewide levels.
This year’s award recipients reflect the breadth of excellence across Missouri’s public health system. From advancing statewide policy conversations and achieving national accreditation to designing community-centered programs and guiding departments through transformative change, each honoree demonstrates what is possible when leadership is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in community needs. We are proud to celebrate these leaders whose work continues to strengthen trust, expand capacity, and move public health forward across our state.
Statewide Leadership – Scott Allen
Scott Allen was selected for the Statewide Leadership Award for his steady, thoughtful leadership and the trust he has built with partners and elected officials across Missouri. He consistently brings a balanced, solutions-focused voice to statewide committees, helping shape policy discussions on issues ranging from contractual processes to legislative advocacy. Scott pairs this statewide impact with innovation at home, most notably through forward-thinking efforts like launching a mobile public health unit to expand community access. His integrity, vision, and commitment to strengthening public health at every level make him a standout leader for Missouri.
Innovative Leadership – Clay County Public Health Center
Clay County Public Health Center received the Innovative Leadership Award for creating a community-centered, highly replicable model of public health outreach through their annual Family Fun Day. What began as a small gathering has grown into a major countywide event, engaging more than 30 partners and drawing over 2,200 residents in 2025, all while delivering practical education on nutrition, safety, physical activity, mental wellness, literacy, and local resources. Their team’s intentional design, from diverse educational stations to thoughtful additions like a Lactation Lounge, demonstrates how public health can meet families where they are and build lasting trust. This event exemplifies an innovative, high-quality program that other LPHAs can easily adapt to strengthen relationships and improve community health.
Innovative Leadership – Michelle Walker
Michelle Walker earned the Innovative Leadership Award for guiding one of Missouri’s smallest local public health agencies through the rigorous PHAB accreditation process—an achievement that has captured national attention. Despite limited staff and resources, she led Carter County with remarkable determination, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to quality, becoming a national example that small rural departments can achieve accreditation when leadership is strong and innovative. Through strategic partnerships, resourcefulness, and a deep belief in her team, Michelle elevated her department’s capacity and set a replicable model for rural LPHAs across the country. Her success not only strengthens public health in Carter County, but also inspires other small agencies to pursue excellence with confidence and courage.
Change Manager – Bridgette Shaffer
Bridgette received the Change Manager Award for leading Jackson County Public Health through one of the most significant periods of growth and transformation in its history. Over the past decade, she has guided the department to national PHAB accreditation, tripled its operating budget, expanded its workforce from 30 to more than 120 employees, and overseen the administration of over 86,000 COVID-19 vaccines, all while relocating the department to a new ADA-compliant facility. Her leadership is defined by equity, collaboration, and innovation, bringing together more than 60 partners to address behavioral health, housing, and economic stability with a unified approach. With vision, courage, and deep compassion, Bridgette has strengthened trust, elevated community health, and set a powerful example of what transformative public-health leadership can be.
Thought leader – Lisa Marshall
Lisa Marshall was selected for the Thought Leader Award for her steady, insightful leadership and her ability to shape how Missouri’s public health system understands and responds to complex challenges. Her agency’s exemplary measles response. rooted in strong communication, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of Taney County’s unique context, became a model that other public health leaders relied on during their own preparedness efforts. Lisa’s influence extends beyond local public health; her work in expanding QPR suicide-prevention training has resonated so strongly that state legislators sought her guidance and requested the training for themselves. Colleagues across Missouri consistently turn to Lisa for clarity, direction, and thoughtful problem-solving, making her a true thought leader in our state.
Gary E. Zaborac Award – Clay Goddard
Clay Goddard received the Gary E. Zaborac Award for his extraordinary, long-standing leadership in strengthening public health and shaping the Missouri Center for Public Health Excellence since its earliest days. As MOCPHE President during the most challenging period in modern public health history, Clay guided leaders across the state through the COVID-19 pandemic with clarity, steadiness, and an unwavering commitment to science, helping MOCPHE emerge as a trusted, statewide thought leader. His contributions continued even after transitioning to the Missouri Foundation for Health, where his support and partnership were instrumental in deepening MOCPHE’s statewide impact. Clay’s vision, service, and foundational role in creating the Missouri Public Health Institute exemplify the outstanding leadership this award was designed to honor.
Congratulations to all of the 2025 award recipients! Their leadership, creativity, and dedication serve not only their own communities, but also provide inspiration and practical models for local public health agencies across Missouri.
