Kelly Johnson

Since joining her current position, our awardee has played an instrumental role in helping carry out a long-held vision for the growth and success of EMS education in Central Missouri. With the paramedic shortage growing more severe across the state and nation, we recognized the urgent need to bring high-quality education and training to our rural region. It was clear we needed someone with both the expertise and leadership to turn that vision into reality—and Kelly was the right choice.

With her arrival, we successfully established a satellite partnership with MU EMS Education in Columbia, allowing us to offer paramedic-level education locally for the first time. Once that foundation was laid, we turned our attention to building the first in-seat Advanced EMT program in our region—another step forward in addressing provider shortages and expanding access to care. Now in its second year, this program is making a measurable impact across the communities we serve.

In addition, she ensures certification and continuing education for our 55 staff members, while also managing CPR certification coordination for the local technical college. She works directly with each academic department and instructor to meet their unique program needs while ensuring compliance with evolving standards.