Health director for Columbia, Boone County to retire in October

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The woman who led Columbia and Boone County's response to the COVID-19 pandemic is retiring in October.

Stephanie Browning will retire as director of the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services on Oct. 11, capping 25 years in the job, the City of Columbia said in a news release Wednesday.

Browning became a familiar face during the pandemic, delivering regular updates to the Columbia City Council. She also worked with city and county leaders to draft responses to COVID-19 including lockdowns and mask requirements. Browning's department also posted daily updates related to the pandemic on a special website.

She came under fire in that role from some in the community but drew praise from others.

Browning started her career in Yuma, Arizona, before taking over as the local health director in 1999.

"It has been an immense honor to serve the Boone County community for the last 25 years. I’ve worked with countless community partners and great colleagues and together we’ve been able to provide many important services to Boone County residents," Browning said in the release. "Even in the most challenging times in my career, providing reliable public health services has been my passion. I’m excited to see the great work the department continues to accomplish."

The health department received accreditation under her leadership and increased services to the community, with staff numbers growing by 70%, according to the release.

Browning's salary is about $172,000 per year. City of Columbia spokesperson Sydney Olsen said the city is seeking a replacement and has posted the opening on job boards and websites for public health professionals.