Little did Crystal Webster know that when she accepted her current position, it would turn into a very personal passion.
Shortly after Webster was named executive director of Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks in late 2007, her 28-year-old sister was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Webster simply used it as motivation to be a little more vocal in her efforts assisting area individuals and families affected with breast cancer.
“I am passionate about early detection and proud to play a role in providing expanded access to breast cancer screenings in the communities served by BCFO,” Webster says.
BCFO provides financial assistance to those receiving treatment, free mammogram screenings, support groups and a lymphedema garment program for the uninsured and underinsured.
With two years at the helm of BCFO, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that operates on multimillion-dollar annual budget, Webster is pleased with the team of five staff members she and the board of directors have assembled. And she understands her role with them.
“A leader is the keeper of the passion for excellence,” Webster says. “I believe my team members excel, in part, because I believe they can and hold (them to that) expectation.”
BCFO founder and chairwoman Mary Beth O’Reilly considers the organization a well-oiled machine due to Webster’s management.
“In all the years with BCFO, I have never felt more at ease with an executive director. She is skilled in so many facets,” O’Reilly says, pointing to Webster’s latest accomplishment of securing a state license bureau office for management by BCFO. “What were not her strengths at the beginning, she has made her strengths through study of investments, board management and overall leadership.”
Webster’s also made some service and donor inroads in the Branson and Joplin markets, O’Reilly says.
Prior to BCFO, Webster worked as community consultant for Access Home Health & Hospice and as medical records analyst for Ozarks Area Rehabilitation Services. She also has nearly 10 years in retail and restaurant management.
On the personal level, Webster is working on a master’s degree in health care administration from Missouri State University and is a member of the Greene County Medical Society Community Health Advisory Committee. She has volunteered for the Springfield Regional Opera and at the Strafford Senior Center.
“I promote the Ozarks as the best place to live, work and raise a family to all I come into contact,” she says.[[In-content Ad]]
A franchise store of a Branson West-based quilting business made its Queen City debut; Grateful Vase launched in Lebanon; and Branson entertainment venue The Social Birdy had its grand opening.
