FRS BOard Members
We are fortunate to have a board composed of dedicated people who are passionate about our mission.
It is the insight, perspective, and ideas each board member brings that enable us to provide our communities with high-quality services.
Our FRS Board Members report to the Board of Directors.
Darryl Smith
Darryl Smith has served the Columbia and Boone County community in numerous roles including as the Chair of the City of Columbia Citizens Police Review Board (CPRB), Vice-Chair of the Boone County Extension Council, and Local Coordinator for Mid-MO Mensa.
Darryl is a member of the Missouri Bar. He holds an LLM in Dispute Resolution and a JD from the MU School of Law, a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Organization Management from the MU Truman School of Public Affairs, and an MA in Journalism/Media Management from the MU School of Journalism.
Darryl recognizes that First responders often interact with people at the worst points in their lives; and that this cumulative stress and trauma can have a profound effect on the lives of responders and their families. He is looking forward to working with FRS to help support the people behind the uniforms.
Elizabeth Leatherman
Elizabeth “Izzy” Leatherman comes from a proud military family, with both parents having served as Veterans, and she strongly believes in supporting local first responders. Her family has long been committed to serving their community, with several relatives dedicating their careers to protecting and supporting others as first responders.
Izzy currently serves as Vice President of Human Resources for a private equity firm. In addition to her professional work, Izzy serves on the board of Missouri Society for Human Resources (MO SHRM) and the Junior League of Columbia, Mo.
Izzy recognizes that first responders are often called upon during the most critical moments, regardless of the time of day or severity of the situation, and believes it is essential to ensure they have the support and resources they need to continue serving our community.
Turner Schuster
Turner Schuster is committed to Columbia and Boone County and equally committed to first responders and their families.
He spent more than 8 years as an law enforcement officer with the Columbia Police Department (CPD) and, before that, Turner was a civilian CPD employee. Turner served as a Field Training Officer, a member of the Peer Support Team, and a Sergeant. In mid-2022, Turner left law enforcement to pursue a career with Schuster Financial Services where he now helps people meet their financial goals. Turner remains connected to law enforcement more than most since his wife, Kim, is a CPD sergeant.
Having experienced several critical incidents himself, Turner has seen the stressful impacts that being a first responder can have on police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency telecommunicators.
Turner believes strongly in supporting the health and well-being of those who protect our community, and also supporting their families.
Jason Gruender
Jason Gruender is committed to bettering the Columbia and Boone County community.
He is a Columbia native, a Hickman High School graduate, and an MU alumni. Jason is a licensed Professional Engineer currently working as a Vice President at Meyer Electric Company.
Jason founded Liberty Insurance Solutions which works hand-in-hand with Liberty Family Medicine, a direct primary care clinic started by Jason’s wife, Dr. Bridget Gruender. Jason serves on the board of Welcome Home, an organization aimed at ending veteran homelessness, and he is an active member of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce.
Jason recognizes that our first responders are on the front lines working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Boone County. Jason believes that providing first responders with necessary tools and support will improve our community overall–and will help ensure Columbia remains one of the best places in the country to live.
Ken Gregory
Ken Gregory has dedicated his entire professional life to his community.
He currently serves as the Deputy Director of Safety & Security for Columbia Public Schools, and he is an instructor in active shooter response and mitigation.
Previously, Ken spent more than 20 years working as a law enforcement officer for the Columbia Police Department (CPD). Ken was a member of both the Hostage Negotiation Team and the Crisis Intervention Team, and he was an instructor in both disciplines.
Ken retired from CPD as a Lieutenant and, at the time of his retirement, he was the Investigative Commander.
Ken has both witnessed and experienced the impacts that stress and trauma has on first responders and their families. Ken is passionate about assisting and supporting the first responders who serve Boone County.
Amaris Worstell
Amaris Worstell is currently working for Relevance as a content strategist.
She has lived in Columbia for most of her life and cares deeply about her community.
She uses her voice on social media to share openly about her own life struggles in an effort to spread light and hope in dark times. Amaris recognized that our first responders show up and help in times of crisis and chaos.
Amaris is excited to be a part of the FRS Advisory Panel and she looks forward to the important mission of helping the helpers.
Michael “Murph” Blair Murphy
Blair "Murph" Murphy has been a resident of Columbia for 55 years. He attended Columbia Public Schools and graduated from Hickman High School in 1986. Murph is married to Melissa Murphy, and together they have two daughters, Maddie and Molly. He and his wife co-own Johnston Paint and Decorating.
Blair has a deep passion for public safety and has long been committed to giving back to the community that has given so much to him. Had he not gone the route of building his business, he would have pursued a career in public safety. He has served on several local boards and currently serves on the Crime Stoppers board, as well as acting as campaign manager for Sheriff Dwayne Carey.