Angela Lechtenberg  

Boone County History & Culture Center announces that Angela Lechtenberg has joined its team as the new manager of marketing and communications. Lechtenberg is a third-generation Boone County/Columbia native and a graduate of Rock Bridge High School and the University of Missouri, with BA degrees in both history and mass communications. She’s held several marketing and media positions locally, recently as manager of marketing and communications for Learfield. She was previously a public information officer in state government and held digital media roles for media outlets and agencies across mid-Missouri. She’s involved locally in community theater at Columbia Entertainment Company and the Maplewood Barn Community Theater and is active in the local arts scene. She is also nationally accredited in public relations by the Public Relations Society of America. 

Lazell E. Ofield, II  

Lazell E. Ofield, II, has been selected as the new chief operations officer for Columbia Public Schools for the 2023-2024 school year. Ofield takes over for current chief operations officer Randall Gooch, who announced his retirement earlier this school year after more than twenty years in education.  In his role with CPS, Ofield will oversee operations in several areas including transportation services, technology services, nutrition services, custodial services, and facilities and construction services. Ofield brings a wealth of expertise in operations management, with more than a decade of experience in both health care and K12 education facilities. Additionally, he is certified in Environmental Services Executives and Educational Facilities Professional, and is a member of the Missouri School Plant Managers Association. Ofield holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Park University. 

Trish Koetting 

Trish Koetting is the new Entrepreneur Program Specialist at Columbia Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI). She began her duties on January 22, 2024. She brings more than thirty-five years of direct experience as a manager, general manager, director of operations, as well as a small business owner, specializing in local food-based and retail/e-commerce businesses. 

Mary Beck 

Mary Beck, DNP, RN, FAONL, has joined the Boone Health Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is comprised of the Boone Hospital Board of Trustees and six community members. Dr. Beck is replacing Judy Starr, who transitioned to the Boone Health Board of Trustees when Greg Steinhoff stepped down. Dr. Beck has held positions as Director of Patient Care and the Vice President of Patient Care Services at Boone Hospital Center, and Chief Nursing Officer at University of Missouri Health Care. Dr. Beck is also a member of the Columbia College Board of Trustees and the UMC-Sinclair School of Nursing Alumni Organization Board.  

Brian Rehg 

Brian Rehg has been selected as the next principal at Parkade Elementary School for the 2024-25 school year. Rehg is currently the assistant principal at Parkade Elementary School. Rehg will take over the role from current Principal Amy Watkins.  Watkins announced her retirement earlier this year. Rehg brings fifteen years of experience in education, eight of which are in school leadership.  He has six years of experience as the assistant principal at Parkade Elementary School. Rehg holds an educational specialist degree in educational leadership-superintendency from William Woods University.