Board members are appointed for three years by the County Executive and approved through the St. Charles County Council. Members of the Board can be reappointed at the discretion of the County Executive. These volunteer appointments are considered an honor and an obligation taken willingly and with an open mind, involving public trust and the distribution of sales tax revenues to organizations and agencies providing services to children and youth of St. Charles County.
Molly-Dempsey

Molly Dempsey

Chair
(2021-2023)

Cory Elliot

Cory Elliott

Vice Chair
(2021-2023)

Ken Dobbins

Kenneth Dobbins, Ph.D.

Treasurer
(2022-2024)

Pastor-Horry

Pastor Raymond Horry

(2020-2022)

Nancy Schneider

Nancy Schneider

(2020-2022)

Matt Pirtle

Matt Pirtle

(2021-2023)

Catherine-Williams

Catherine Williams

(2021-2023)

Larry-Marty

Larry Marty

(2022-2024)

Staff

Bruce Sowatsky

Bruce Sowatsky - Executive Director

Bruce was named Executive Director in 1999, and under his leadership the CCRB has grown to serve approximately 70,000 to 80,000 children and youth annually, and over $84 million has been invested in services for children in St. Charles. He has assisted nine Missouri counties in passing similar localized taxes for children’s mental health services. Bruce is a member of the Regional Data Alliance Steering Committee, serves as a Board Member for the St. Charles Regional Chamber of Commerce, and is active in efforts to raise awareness about the impact of trauma and mental health conditions on children.

Sowatsky was recognized as a 2019 Distinguished Alumni by the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University. In 2007, Sowatsky brought together community members to create the Shower of Love, a baby care collection drive, which has raised $1,000,000 for babies and teen parents in St. Charles County. His dedication, insight, and immense heart for children are visible in everything he does.

MichelleMcElfresh2

Michelle McElfresh - Director of Contracts and Compliance

Michelle began her career with the CCRB in 2007 as Administrative Assistance and was promoted to Director of Contracts and Compliance in 2022. She oversees partner agency’s compliance in regulatory, statutory and The Community and Children’s Resource Board (CCRB) requirements, monitors services provided, supports the Executive Director regarding strategic and operational plans of the agency, and oversees partner agency site audits and clinical outcome agreement reporting. Michelle’s passion for creating strong collaborations and relationships in St. Charles County are accomplished through her leadership with the St. Charles County System of Care, the Community Services Summit, and the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce Business Education committee. Michelle has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from University of Missouri-St. Louis and is a 2019 graduate of Vision St. Charles County Leadership.

Jeanne Spencer

Jeanne Spencer - Program Specialist

Jeanne joined the CCRB in 2017 as the Administrative and Grants Assistant and was promoted to Program Specialist in 2022. She manages a portfolio of funded programs, marketing and social media for the CCRB, coordinates outreach opportunities, and is the administrative contact for the CCRB.

Jeanne earned a Masters of Education from Lindenwood University and is pursuing a Masters in Nonprofit Leadership at Webster University. She has personal experience in parenting children living with mental health conditions, increasing her empathy for parents and professionals who support our youth. She is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ and Neurodiverse communities, she loves to travel, and enjoys testing her baking and cooking skills on family and friends.

Emeritus

Ron Berrey, Ed.D, 2019Frank Martinez, 2012

In Memoriam

Tom Brown (1998-2004)*Dr. Hank Clever (1998-2004)
Gil Copley (1998)Dennis Emge (2000-2004)
Gil Lauer (2009-2011)Frank Martinez (1997-2012)
Vince Schneider (1998-2009) 

*Years of service to CCRB