The board of directors for Children’s Smile Center (CSC) announces the retirement of its long-time executive director, Jackie Barger, effective December 31, 2026.
Barger joined CSC in 2010 and has worked in nonprofit administration and fundraising since 1985.
During his tenure at CSC, Barger oversaw the growth of the nonprofit dental clinics, expanded community partnerships, and advanced the organization's ongoing commitment to improving children's oral health throughout southwest Missouri.
“Serving the region through Children’s Smile Center has been the honor of my career,” Barger said. “Working together with our staff and board has been very fulfilling, knowing that we are making a difference in the healthcare system for thousands of local children.”
Barger initiated growth for the Christian County-based nonprofit with expansion to add dental clinics in Stone County (2011) and Lawrence County (2013). In 2024, Barger’s leadership resulted in a new Christian County facility in Nixa that opened January 2026.
“On behalf of the board of directors, I want to express our deepest appreciation to Jackie for his enthusiastic leadership and passion for our mission,” said board member and transition committee co-chair Kevin Yount.
Long-time CSC administrator Carrie Burke added, “We are so grateful for what Jackie has meant to our success over the years. I look forward to welcoming the next executive director and building on that success with our entire team.”
The Children's Smile Center Board of Directors has partnered with Pivotal Talent Search to lead the search for its next Executive Director. Through its Pivotal Talent Serves initiative, the recruiting agency donates all profits from searches conducted for 501(c)(3) nonprofits back to the organization. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply directly here.
Children’s Smile Center operates nonprofit dental clinics in Nixa, Aurora and Branson West to provide oral healthcare services to thousands of local children covered by Missouri Medicaid in southwest Missouri.
Children's Smile Center
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Ila Woolsey
- July 10, 2026
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