2023 40 Under 40 Spotlight: Katie Towns, 2017

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Then: Assistant director, Springfield-Greene County Health Department
Now: Director of health, Springfield-Greene County Health Department

Since being recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree, Katie Towns has grown professionally at the Springfield-Greene County Health Department all the way to the top level.

Towns in 2021 was named director of health – after five months as acting director – succeeding Clay Goddard.

Towns, 44, says she and her team have been shaped by COVID-19, a time when the Health Department took center stage as the city worked its way through the pandemic.

“We have to rely on one another,” Towns adds. “You can’t necessarily overcome those effects without other people. You’re not alone in this.”

With the pandemic mostly in the rearview mirror, Towns now says she’s thankful to have more time taking care of herself and her children.

Best advice to young professionals?
Work hard and learn early how to be yourself. Find your voice, your signature, your originality, and trust that to lead you.