Justin Parker: Human Resources Director, Jefferson City Medical Group
Originally from Trenton, Missouri, Justin has always had a heart for helping others. After spending several years in Columbia, he and his partner made the move to Jefferson City to be closer to family.
With a career rooted in health care, Justin’s professional journey began working within the clinical side of things for his first decade in the industry. Over time, he transitioned into administrative and human resources roles, realizing that leadership was an area where he could continue to make an impact.
“I’ve always been driven by helping people,” he says. “HR felt like a natural transition and a role where I could really support others.”
Since starting at Jefferson City Medical Group in the fall of 2024, Justin has already begun to make his mark. Shortly after joining the organization, he launched the JCMG Care Closet. The program provides clothing and personal care items to employees in need, no questions asked.
“An important part of being a leader is knowing what your employees or community needs before having to ask for it,” Justin explains. “Sometimes there’s a sense of shame when it comes to asking for help. I just knew with the state of the economy and the rising cost of living, I felt supporting employees in that way was the least we could do.”
Discreet and judgment-free, the Care Closet has become a powerful resource.
“We don’t ask for proof of need, and we ensure pickups are handled privately,” he says.
The initiative reflects Justin’s broader approach to leadership, which stems from compassion, being proactive, and having an understanding of the real-world issues people face every day. That understanding was shaped early in life. Justin’s mother was a nurse, and he often saw firsthand the impact of helping hands. In high school, he got involved with programs like Backpack Buddies through his local Kiwanis club. The program provides food to children facing food insecurity, and through his involvement, he realized how unpredictable life can be.
“That was my first exposure to how fragile our lives are and how one situation can change your life,” he recalls.
Although he grew up in a small town, Justin feels a familiar spirit in the close-knit nature of the Jefferson City community, even though it’s not a small town in the traditional sense.
“There’s a willingness here to step up when there’s an issue and be part of a collective solution,” he says.
For Justin, leadership isn’t about titles, but rather about service and being solution-oriented. Whether through his work at JCMG, serving on local boards, or volunteering his time, his mission remains clear: to be there for others.
“Helping people looks different in every season of life,” he says. “But no matter the season, I want to make a difference.”