MFH is proud to welcome the newest member of its Board of Directors, Shelley Layton. Layton is offering her expertise and experience as an executive in the health care field. In addition, Darin Preis will assume the role of Board chairperson, taking over for 2016.
The 15-member Board of Directors plays an instrumental role in the Foundation as it strives to improve the health of Missourians through a combination of partnership, experience, knowledge, and funding. Members are closely involved in nearly all aspects of the Foundation’s work and act as stewards of its financial assets.
Shelley Layton, MHA
Layton currently serves as the executive director for Serenity HospiceCare in Park Hills, Missouri. A native Missourian, she received her master’s degree in health care administration from Lindenwood University. Layton’s commitment to serving the community extends outside of her work. She is currently a board member of the Desloge Chamber of Commerce and before that served 10 years on the Emergency Preparedness Committee for Jefferson County. She also runs the Nick Layton Foundation, which benefits the less fortunate in her region.
“It is my honor to be appointed to the Board,” said Layton. “In my many years in the health care industry I have learned that there is nothing that a small group of dedicated minds can’t accomplish when working together, and I am privileged to be part of such a dedicated group.”
Darin Pries, MPA
MFH’s new Board Chairperson Darin Preis is executive director of Central Missouri Community Action, a Columbia-based nonprofit providing education, training, housing, and assistance programs for people affected by poverty in an eight-county area. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has served on the Board since 2011.
“I have learned so much during my tenure on the Board and have been impressed with the evolution of the organization. I am humbled to play a leadership role moving forward,” explained Preis. “Funding from Missouri Foundation for Health is changing the lives of thousands of Missourians, and I am committed to maintaining a high level of communication with grantees and learning even more about the causes and effects of community health interventions.”
Foundation President and CEO Dr. Robert Hughes shared his appreciation of the work and commitment demonstrated by the Board.
“I am consistently impressed with the caliber and dedication of all of our volunteers.”
Robert Hughes
Having worked with Darin for the past four years, I know the Board made an excellent decision in electing him, and we are pleased that he has agreed to take on this essential leadership role. I am certain that the Foundation will gain from the insight and perspectives that both Shelley and Darin will provide.”
