We’re getting to know …

Rebecca Roesslet
Director, Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) 

Job description: I lead an incredible team of professionals who promote and protect the health, safety, and well-being of the community.  

What is your background/experience with the health department and public health? I started at the department in 2003 as a social services specialist. Before that, I worked for the state in social services (child and adult protective services). I have held several different roles at PHHS, all of which have given me new insights into the needs of our community and how public health has a role in meeting those needs. Along the way, I went back to school for a Master of Public Health. I have been in the Director role since October.  

Hometown: Boonville, MO  

Years lived in Columbia: 33. I came to Columbia to attend MU and never left.  

Favorite quote or motto: “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” — James Keller   

Favorite volunteer/community activity: I am a big animal lover, and I enjoy volunteering at Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue. I started volunteering in the puppy nursery with my daughter during the pandemic. It is a great way to serve, plus you get to play with puppies.   

Favorite recent project: Our department was recently reaccredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). That was a big project for our team, and they did an amazing job. The accreditation process is all about meeting high national standards for public health. It’s a way of showing that we’re providing top-notch services, continuously improving, and making a real difference in our community.   

A Columbia health leader or businessperson you admire and why:​​ Susan Hart with Reinhardt Construction. I admire her ability to build relationships, and she has a passion for service to this community.   

Why you are passionate about your job: I love public health but the people that I get to work with are what drives my passion. The city, the county, our health care and social service partners, and our community members are all key to improving the health of our community.  

If you weren’t doing this for a living, you would be doing … School librarian  

Tell us something about the city/county health department that most people don’t understand: I am not sure everyone understands how much public health affects their day-to-day life. The truth is, if you eat in a restaurant, shop in a grocery store, or have a child in school, our staff has impacted your life by ensuring the food there is safely prepared and handled. If you swim in a public pool, public health was there to test the water. If you need a copy of your Missouri birth certificate so you can get your driver’s license, you can visit our office and get a copy in minutes. If you are a new parent and qualify for the WIC program, our staff can help with advice and support for breastfeeding your child. If you have an animal that needs spay or neutering services, we can help with vouchers to cover the cost for those who meet eligibility requirements. These are just a few examples of the services we provide to the community. The breadth of services available continues to expand to meet the needs of our growing community.  

The COVID-19 pandemic put your department front and center of some heated public debates. What was that time like for your staff – and what lessons did you learn? We were struggling with the same things as many partners in health care, public safety, and businesses, which were long hours and uncertainty. The guidance was changing so quickly that we had to be very agile. Unlike some of our peers in public health, we did not lose staff. I credit that to the leadership of my predecessor, Stephanie Browning. We partner with other entities in our work, and we learned how key those relationships are in a public health emergency. Our partners helped us by keeping the public informed, hosting vaccine clinics, and planning for recovery.  

Biggest lesson learned in your working life: Mistakes will happen. It is how we respond to mistakes that matter. Take ownership and work to find a solution.  

Greatest strength: I am very organized and like to check off a  
to-do list.  

Greatest weakness: Salty foods and animals in need.  

What you do for fun: I like any live entertainment (concerts, plays, musicals). We have a lot of options in Columbia for entertainment.   

Who makes up your family: My husband, Bryan, our two kids, Owen (20) and Nora (16), two dogs, and a cat.  

Most people don’t know that you: I finished dead last in a 10K run. I was running it with a close friend, so technically we tied for last place. It was a great experience actually. The volunteers cheered us on, and my parents were still waiting at the finish line. We took so long that they thought we were lost.