PF members stand at the finish line with Truman the tiger after completing a 5K.

Meet Our Officers

Jeff Johnson - President

I was born in Stuttgart, Ark. and raise in Sikeston, Mo. where I had graduated from High School in 1990. I am now currently working on my associates degree at Moberly Community College here in Columbia.

I am the Vice President of People First of Boone County and the President of People First of the state of Missouri. I am a Co-chairperson for the (RV and RC) Real Voices and Real Choices for the Department of Mental Health for the Developmental Disabilities side. I have been part of the Real Voices and Real Choices Conference Committee since it all begin in 2008, and a conference committee board member for 12 years. (Read More)

Jason Mize - Vice President

I believe in equal rights for all people. All people deserve to be part of the community. I like to get out and about, and I’ve made many friends and met many people over the years. People First has changed my life. I used to be under the radar, nothing happening. Since I got involved with the group, lots of things are happening. I’m an officer with People First of Missouri, and I go to their steering committee meetings each quarter. I’m also on the board of Missouri Protection and Advocacy, a state organization that looks after the rights of people with disabilities. In my free time I like riding my motorcycle, going on trips, going to the mall, and just having fun. I live with my parents in Columbia. I have my own baking business, with several clients.

Katie Kinder - Secretary

I am the Secretary of People First of Boone County, Treasurer of the state-wide People First of Missouri. I also sit on the board for Missouri Protection & Advocacy. I have been in People First & part of Mo P&A for about 11 years. I have learned a lot. Especially, being more of a Self-Advocate & being an advocate for others.

Toinette Johnson - Treasurer

Sherry Brandis - Sergeant at Arms

Officers

The members of People First vote for their own leaders.

A good officer has the following qualities:

A good officer is a good listener and a good speaker
A good officer is a leader that helps the members become leaders and self advocates
A good officer is kind and polite to all of the other officers and members at all times
A good officer respects everyone as a person who has something good to offer
A good officer explains things to the members using simple words and examples so that everyone can understand
A good officer practices how to be a good officer by reading the manual
A good officer teaches members how to be an officer and run meetings so that everyone can have a chance to learn to be a leader.
A good officer believes in People First and believes that all people in a community can speak for themselves and make the community a better place for everyone to live.