Columbia News

Public Health and Human Services Director Stephanie Browning will retire from the City of Columbia on October 11 after 25 years of service. Browning began her public health career in Yuma, Arizona, where she worked in HIV prevention for three years before being promoted to assistant director, serving a total of 11 years. She became the director of Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) 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. “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.”

During her tenure as director, PHHS achieved national accreditation status from the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), one of only 397 departments in the country with this distinction. She led the department through significant events such as the H1N1 influenza and COVID-19 pandemics. Under her leadership, PHHS renewed its focus on population health, increased staff by 70%, and expanded services including emergency preparedness, community health workers, HIV case coordination, and social services funding.

“Stephanie has been the guiding force behind Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services’ remarkable progress over the last 25 years. Her vision, leadership and unwavering commitment to public health have profoundly shaped our successes and improved countless lives in Columbia and Boone County,” said City Manager De’Carlon Seewod. “As she steps into retirement, we extend our deepest gratitude for her exceptional service and wish her all the best in this well-deserved new chapter.”

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