The Council of Churches of the Ozarks (CCO) recently held its annual meeting, bringing together community leaders, supporters, and stakeholders to reflect on a challenging year of service and growth. The event, hosted at the organization’s headquarters, featured a comprehensive resource fair where attendees could visit booths highlighting the organization’s diverse programs and services as well as engage with members of CCO’s dedicated staff.
The resource fair set the tone for the afternoon, illustrating CCO’s wide-ranging impact on the region. Booths highlighted initiatives including case management, poverty response, prevention, and elimination efforts, providing attendees with an opportunity to learn firsthand about the scope and reach of CCO’s work.
A highlight of the meeting was the recognition of former board chair, Britton Jobe, who had to cut short his term as board chair after a medical emergency. After a hard-fought recovery process, Britton was able to attend and be recognized for his service, perseverance, and commitment to the community.
Members of the Board of Directors for the Council of Churches Foundation were also recognized, with a moment of silence being observed in honor of former board chair Gary Powell, who recently passed away.
New board members Audrey Garard, Grooms Office Supply, and Retired Drury President Dr. John Moore were inducted, and outgoing members Gordon Elliott, Elliott Lodgings, and Francine Pratt, Prosper Springfield, were also recognized.
The 2025 board includes:
Chair – Curt McLaughlin, CoxHealth
Vice Chair – Jay Guffey, Retired Mercy Health
Secretary – Mary Kay Ross, Community Volunteer
Treasurer – Todd Larsen, Guaranty Bank
Jim Anderson, Retired CoxHealth
Jill Bright, Retired
Jack Cole, City of Rogersville
Catherine Crockett, SRC
Orin Cummings, Messiah Lutheran
Jeremy Hill, American Pizza Inc.
Brad Keating, Retired
Tyler Padgitt, Courageous Church
Joe Reynolds, CSI
Rachel Riso, Ellis, Ellis, Hammons & Johnson, PC
The keynote remarks included a presentation of the FY24 Impact Report, which detailed key achievements over the past year. Notable milestones included a 36% increase in numbers served, the retirement of all debt on the new headquarters, and the award of ARPA funds toward the completion of a permanent women’s shelter. CEO Jaimie Trussell emphasized the dedication of CCO’s volunteers and staff in maintaining essential services even as resources were stretched thin. “This past year has been one of resilience and purpose, and it’s thanks to the support of our amazing community and the unwavering dedication of our team to love others well.” Trussell noted.
Looking ahead, CCO unveiled its priorities for 2025, which signal a transformative chapter for the organization. Three themes, Identity, Unity and Community, will guide the organization’s efforts in the coming season. Chief among these priorities is a comprehensive rebranding effort that will include renaming the Council of Churches to better reflect its purpose, scope, and scale. This change is aimed at ending confusion for those who see the organization as a legal body governing area congregations, or a local affiliate of the World Council of Churches, neither of which is accurate.
“Our vision for 2025 is rooted in both honoring Dr. Dorsey Levell’s vision of a community of Christ followers dedicated to serving the most vulnerable. Our current name is, at best, wildly inaccurate, and at worst, an actual barrier to serving our community.” Trussell shared. “The rebranding initiative is part of our commitment to strengthen our connection with the community and amplify our impact.”
Attendees left the meeting energized and inspired, carrying with them a deeper understanding of the organization’s profound role in the Ozarks. The Council of Churches looks forward to engaging with the community as it steps into this new era, driven by the same core values that have guided it for decades: compassion, service, and unity.
For more information on upcoming initiatives and how to get involved, visit ccozarks.org.