Boone County News Release

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Leigh Spence Appointed as Board Chair for Boone County Children's Services Board

July 5, 2023 – The Boone County Children's Services Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Leigh Spence as the new Board Chair, effective May 11, 2023. Ms. Spence brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her new role, having served on the board for eight years. She currently serves as the Director of Secondary School Counseling at Columbia Public Schools. Ms. Spence is the second board member to fill the role as Board Chair; Les Wagner served as Board Chair from the inception of the Board in 2013 until his retirement in April 2023.

As the Board Chair, Leigh Spence will oversee the strategic direction and decision-making processes of the Boone County Children's Services Board. Her extensive experience in the field of education and her commitment to the well-being of children make her an ideal candidate for this critical position. Ms. Spence has consistently exhibited a deep understanding of the challenges facing children and families in our community, and her insights will undoubtedly continue to contribute to the board's efforts to improve the lives of young individuals.

In addition to the appointment of Leigh Spence as the new Board Chair, the Boone County Children's Services Board is delighted to welcome two new members: Rodney Dixon, a Workforce Development Associate at Equipment Share, and Sebastián Martínez Valdivia, an assistant professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Both individuals bring unique expertise and perspectives that will enhance the board's ability to address the diverse needs of children and families in our county.

Rodney Dixon's background in the equipment industry and his passion for community engagement will undoubtedly strengthen the board's collaborative efforts with local businesses and organizations. Sebastián Martínez Valdiva's academic expertise in journalism and his commitment to social impact will contribute significantly to the board's communications and advocacy initiatives. Sebastián has prior experience covering Medicaid and government affairs news stories.

"The Boone County Children's Services Fund plays a critical role in addressing the needs of the youth of our community,” said Board Chair Leigh Spence. “I am honored to step into this new position, and I am absolutely delighted to welcome Rodney Dixon and Sebastián Martínez Valdivia to the board. We are so fortunate to live in a county that supports the well-being of its children."

The Boone County Children's Services Board is grateful to have such dedicated and experienced individuals serving in leadership roles. Their collective expertise and unwavering commitment to the welfare of children will drive the board's mission forward and ensure that vital services and support are provided to those in need.

For more information about the Boone County Children's Services Board and its ongoing initiatives, please visit https://www.showmeboone.com/community-services/children/.

About Boone County Community Services Department

The mission of Boone County Community Services Department (BCCSD) is to support the greatest possible level of independence and self-sufficiency of Boone County residents by promoting their physical, mental and social well-being to cultivate a safe and healthy community. The BCCSD oversees funding distributed from the Boone County Community Services Fund, Community Health/Medical Fund that was funded through the Boone County Hospital Lease, and Domestic Violence Services funding.

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