When Kari Utterback stepped into her leadership role as the human services manager for the Columbia-Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services in June 2024, she knew she was inheriting more than just a position — she was continuing the legacy of Steve Hollis, a deeply respected predecessor.
“I don’t think I can ever fill Steve’s shoes — he’s left a lasting legacy in the state,” Utterback reflected. “His work was pivotal in getting people housed, and he put a lot of energy into building strong social impact partnerships. His vision for the unit of service has helped make some incredible things happen.”
Hollis retired after twenty-eight years of service with the city-county health department. Utterback, meanwhile, brings her own kind of impact to the department: thoughtful, collaborative, and quietly revolutionary. A long-time public servant and social services specialist, her experience includes everything from prenatal care coordination to leading financial operations during the COVID-19 incident command response, for which she acquired the endearing nickname “Fairy Godmother.”
A Wide Reach, A Deeper Impact
Public health, as Utterback sees it, isn’t just about clinics and crises. It’s an interconnected web of services that touches nearly every part of daily life.
“Public health includes everything from animal control, WIC [women, infants, and children], home visiting, intervention programs, vaccinations, birth certificates, and so much more,” she explained. “We touch so many lives every single day — and we don’t advertise that.”
Utterback currently supervises or collaborates with numerous teams and initiatives, including:
- WIC
- Social Services
- Home visiting
- DIVERT Compassionate Approach to Justice
- Homelessness Coordinated Entry and Housing Solutions
- Social services funding process
She works closely with community partners like the Heart of Missouri United Way and the Boone County Children’s Services Board, helping point services and resources to where they are most needed.
“I wear a lot of hats, and my hands are in many pies,” she said, laughing. But behind that lighthearted tone is a serious commitment to creating systems that work — for everyone.
Navigating Cuts with Creativity
Recent state and federal funding cuts have posed challenges. In February, the department lost $800,000 in contracts, leading to cuts in key programs such as the Community Health Worker program. The Maternal Child Health contract has been significantly reduced as well; however, the state’s Department of Health and Human Services will provide about two-thirds of the amount of funding it previously received.
“These cuts impact everyone here who has a heart for the community,” she added. “But they also affect the people we serve, love, and care about. That’s the hardest part.”
Rather than retreat, Utterback sees these moments as opportunities for innovation.
“We’re finding creative ways to explore new paths that align with our priorities,” she said. “Every challenge is a chance to rethink how we serve.”
Solutions in Motion
Utterback is especially energized about strides being made in housing. She points to the work around the upcoming shared application process through Upward Mobility and coordinated entry systems that streamline access for those in need. She’s hopeful about new housing options through partners like the Columbia Housing Authority and Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA) and projects like Spartan Pointe, which — while not a city initiative — receives support that keeps units affordable, with specific carve-outs for veterans.
She’s also championed unique support programs, like the Ride Home Program, which helps out-of-county medical visitors return home safely, preventing them from falling into emergency shelter or homelessness.
And under Utterback’s leadership, the DIVERT Compassionate Approach to Justice program has grown. Two new staff members have recently been added, and a report is forthcoming on its success. She credits the department’s “solid leadership” and culture of prioritizing staff well-being as the reason the department has retained such dedicated team members.
“Our staff is willing to come together and support one another,” she noted. “That’s what keeps us strong.”
The Personal Side of Public Service
Outside of work, Utterback is a creative spirit who thrives on building, tinkering, and trying out new ideas — often with her two beloved (and thoroughly pampered) dogs, a boxer and a pitbull, snoozing nearby.
She’s a fan of swimming in lakes, writing snail mail, traveling, and listening to romantic audiobooks. She doesn’t have children but finds joy in spending time with friends’ kids and occasionally “annoying” her husband with wild schemes and harebrained ideas.
Through it all, she remains grounded in purpose.
“Public health touches everything — birth certificates, WIC, TB case management, HIV prevention, and so much more,” she said. “We touch so many lives. It’s incredible work, and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
