Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, (573)751-0290
Blunt Nominates Julie Eckstein to Lead State Department of Health and Senior Services
JEFFERSON CITY - Governor Matt Blunt today nominated Julie Eckstein of St. Peters to serve as director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Eckstein, 41, is the president and owner of Community Calendars.net, LLC, a business that provides online information about various community events in the St. Louis region and beyond. Eckstein opened the businesses in February 2000 and has managed all elements of its planning and growth.
Eckstein also serves as the executive director of the Healthy Communities St. Charles program. In this capacity she has worked on committees dealing with issues dealing with alcohol and tobacco use, communicable diseases, head injury prevention, heart health and fitness, immunization, and senior services.
Eckstein has been involved in the Healthy Communities program since 1994. The St. Charles County program won the Governor’s Award for Community Health in 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998. Eckstein has also worked in local economic development in St. Charles County and as the director of corporate wellness programs at SSM Health Care.
"Julie Eckstein understands the importance of good community health planning and brings an impressive management background to a state department charged with helping to improve the quality of life for all Missourians," Blunt said. "I am pleased that she has accepted this new challenge and I know that she will be an effective advocate for good health initiatives in our state."
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is responsible for protecting and promoting the health of all Missourians, at every stage of their lives. Eckstein’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.