2024 Men of the Year: Christopher Upton

For Christopher Upton, success is driven by a team effort. He says putting that belief into practice is what allowed him to take on the role of director of vocational services at Abilities First in January.

“I ... immediately set to work directly governing four programs and working as a valued member of the overall leadership team,” said Upton, noting his excitement to serve a broader range of people with disabilities compared with his previous position.

Upton began his professional career at Adult Tendercare Center, serving as the center director from 2008-12 followed by a five-year break pursuing other endeavors. He rejoined the team in 2017 when it was nearing permanent closure to save the space that is a haven for disabled adults and their families.

“Through creative business strategies, budget consciousness, social media attention and a hefty dose of stubborn grit, I was able to prevent that from happening,” says Upton. “By the time 2023 rolled around, I had reshaped that company into one that was profitable and made more profit than ever since its inception in 1988.”

He holds a special place in his heart for the underserved and aims to build relationships with the families he meets. He says he received an outpouring of love when he left the Adult Tendercare Center.

“There are a lot of stigmas and misconceptions around people who live with disabilities,” says Upton. “I have made it my mission to lift those people up, and in doing so have been blessed beyond measure.”

He was also able to influence the success of ATC thanks to the team he was able to build and lean on during trying times, noting he could not have done it without his right-hand Nicolette Marr.

“It comes down to the feeling you get from helping others and the heart to do work worth doing,” says Upton. “That is what I looked for in my team, and that is why they can provide the very best care possible for those we serve there.”

While Upton valued the direct relationships he developed at ATC, he decided to use his skillset to make a bigger impact by helping Abilities First serve the entirety of southwest Missouri through its programs for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

“Jumping into this role and committing to lead Greene County into a more inclusive and equitable future is going to be challenging, but it is a challenge I am ready for,” says Upton.

He chose to go back to school to strengthen his skills in community aid through a dual bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology at Drury University. He has also built relationships with community groups such as Leadership Springfield Access Class, the city of Springfield’s Citizens’ Tax Oversight Committee and the associate board for Springfield Little Theatre that will help him continue to create inclusivity in southwest Missouri. He intends to use the knowledge he gains from this experience to help him grow with Abilities First.

“It is my mantra that a rising tide raises all boats, and that success for those in my program will ripple out to success for all of our community partners,” says Upton.