Southern District Commissioner, Boone County

Despite his fear of heights and flying, Justin Aldred earned his Airborne Wings while serving in the U.S. Army. This fact might serve as a great analogy of someone bold enough to run for the Boone County Commission at the tender age of 25.  

Justin might never have come to Columbia had he not been selected for the Ike Skelton Early Commissioning Program Scholarship that sent him to Wentworth Military Academy. There, Justin earned an associate degree in journalism. As a newly commissioned Army officer, he followed Ike’s footsteps and attended Mizzou, earning a bachelor’s in political science. 

A decade of service in the Army National Guard provides valuable experience for someone launching a career in public service.   

“The military shaped my views of what a true public servant should be, and those are ideals I still carry with me to this day as I see my current role as an extension of the public service I committed to when I first enlisted,” Justin says.  

Maybe it’s Justin’s rural background that makes the Commission’s historic investments in food security one of his favorite accomplishments since he was elected to the Commission in 2020.  

“Investment in these programs is crucial to preventing the onset causes of homelessness and poverty within our community, and these investments are some of my proudest achievements as Commissioner,” he says.  

Those who work with Justin believe his youth, energy, commitment to public service, and leadership make Columbia and Boone County a better place to live.  

“Justin is an important part of the team that helps Boone County government serve a broad constituency in a growing county,” says Kip Kendrick, presiding commissioner.  

Missouri State Rep. David Tyson Smith (D-46th District) adds, “Justin is professional, ethical, and community minded, and has been a fantastic public servant in his role as County Commissioner.”  

“I’ve known Justin personally for several years, and I am confident he does not hesitate to do whatever he considers best for the people of Boone County,” says state Rep. Adrian Plank (D-46). 

Justin won the rigid 20 Under 40 vote. But now he’s up for re-election for a second term in November. That’s when the voters will decide whether to keep him working for Boone County.

Age: 29

Fun Fact:

Justin needs to pace while trying to solve problems, even in very small spaces where there’s little room to do so.