The retirement celebration of Gary E. Zaborac, the Director of Public Health for Clay County, held on December 14, 2023, was a testament to his remarkable 20-year tenure. The event, attended by colleagues, community leaders, and visitors from as far as Illinois, honored his exceptional service and contributions to public health.
Incoming Public Health Director Darrell Meinke praised Zaborac’s significant achievements, emphasizing how under Gary’s leadership, the Clay County Public Health Center (CCPHC) became one of the first 100 health departments in the United States to be accredited by the Public Health Association Board in 2015. Meinke also highlighted Gary’s role as a founding member, former Vice President, and Treasurer of the Missouri Center for Public Health Excellence (MOCPHE), his chairmanship of the Northland Health Alliance, and his active participation in numerous organizations. These include the Metropolitan Health Agencies of Kansas City, Missouri Association of Local Public Health Agencies, Directors Advisory Council, Liberty Community Health Action Team, and the Missouri Public Health Association. His community service was further recognized with the Sertoma Club‘s Sertoma of the Year award for 2020 and 2021.
MOCPHE Executive Director Spring Schmidt, along with Springfield-Greene County Assistant Director Jon Mooney, presented Gary with the inaugural “Gary E. Zaborac Award” that the organization is establishing in his honor “for his foresight to help create MOCPHE and his continued leadership since its conception.” This award will be presented in the future to an individual who has provided outstanding leadership to Public Health and the Missouri Center for Public Health Excellence.
The event also featured the presentation of resolutions from notable figures, including Senator Lauren Arthur, Senator Denny Hoskins, State Representative Eric Woods, State Representative Maggie Nurrenbern, and Clay County Commissioner Jerry Nolte. These resolutions celebrated Zaborac’s extensive career and enduring impact on public health.
In his speech, Gary Zaborac reflected on his career, expressing gratitude for the opportunities and support he received. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration, stating, “It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as director of Public Health for Clay County these last 20 years. There’s so many people to thank, including everybody in this room, and that journey along the way. Anybody who’s worth anything as far as a leader understands and knows that you don’t do stuff by yourself. You’ve got to be surrounded by great people, and I feel like I just got dropped in the middle of such an amazing wonderful opportunity here.”
Zaborac’s retirement marks the close of a chapter characterized by dedicated service, innovative leadership, and significant advancements in public health, leaving an indelible legacy for the CCPHC and the broader community.
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