Rebecca Roesslet, former assistant director of Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS), has been named as the next director of the department. Roesslet will be sworn in at the October 7 City Council meeting. 

The city announced Roesslet’s new position in a September 30 news release. She is taking on the role following the announcement of PHHS Director Stephanie Browning’s retirement effective October 11. 

Roesslet said in the news release that she was “honored to take responsibility” for the city/county health department, noting that the department works “diligently to provide essential services to residents.”

She has worked at the health department since 2003. In that time, Roesslet has served as a social services specialist, social services supervisor, senior planner, planning unit supervisor, and assistant director. 

Her education includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Missouri.

City Manager De’Carlon Seewood said in the news release that Roesslet “has brought years of passion to her work” for Boone County residents.

“Through her experience working during the COVID-19 pandemic and many other challenges over the years,” Seewood added, “she has proven herself as an effective and fervent leader.”