He was a first responder by age 16, started a fall festival in high school that continues today and founded the University of Missouri-Kansas City Young Democrats in college.
Now 33, Schoolcraft has been Willard's mayor since 2007 and is a field supervisor with CoxHealth.
"I love serving the people of my community and have done so my whole life," Schoolcraft says.
"Good leaders provide a vision of what can be accomplished and motivate others around them to make it happen," he added.
His day jobs have included emergency room tech, a brief foray into teaching public school, emergency medical technician and paramedic.
He has been a field supervisor with CoxHealth's ambulance service since 2003.
Schoolcraft got a taste for running for elected office when he was a candidate for state representative for the 139th District between 2005 and 2006.
As Willard's mayor, Schoolcraft has focused on growing the city.
"During a time when most communities are facing budget problems and a slowdown in the economy, Willard is seeing the exact opposite," he says. "Through encouragement, smart budgeting, active grant seeking and cooperation with other government entities, we are a community that is building and growing."
As evidence of this growth, Schoolcraft points to a new city pool, new sidewalks, improvements to infrastructure, a new public library and an addition to City Hall.
During his tenure as mayor, Willard also has negotiated an urban growth agreement with Springfield, acquired Meadows Water Co. and purchased new park land on Willard's south side, Schoolcraft says. He supports Willard's decision made about a year ago not to have a city administrator, citing more opportunity for department heads to be creative and get involved.
"One thing I will not do is micromanage," Schoolcraft says.
"I believe in getting the best people and letting them do what they are good at. I also try to understand what motivates my employees, both at CoxHealth and the city of Willard, and help remind them that we should all work together to be successful."
Schoolcraft has worked with Ozark Transportation Organization, and he was among 100 Missourians chosen to assist Gov. Jay Nixon with his transition team. He's also a volunteer firefighter and paramedic with the Willard Fire Department.
"At this stage of my life, I feel like a I have a number of accomplishments of which I am very proud," he says.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
