This year, two of our Ones To Watch are a dynamic duo working together and encouraging one another along the way. One a public servant, the other a faith leader, their professional lives and personal beliefs complement shared goals of strengthening our community through service, learning, and planning for a brighter future.

With eyes toward tomorrow, Casey Osterkamp, director of division of personnel for the Missouri Office of Administration, and Beau Underwood, senior pastor of First Christian Church, are service-centered, believing that betterment for all is crucial for happiness, now and in the future.

“We live in an increasingly individualistic culture where everything is about ‘me.’” Beau says. “Community involvement is a way of expressing our commitment to ‘we’ and recognizing if we only prioritize ourselves, then all of us end up suffering because those collective projects that enhance the lives of everyone would never happen.”

“Our fast-paced, busy lives often allow an excuse for not getting involved in something that is bigger than our own selves,” Casey says. “Without considering the needs of others and serving others, our world will become an even more individualistic and lonely place. We are all in this together, and now that I am lucky enough to be a mom, I truly believe that it takes a village. I want the world to be a better place for my son.”

Active in First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), United Way of Central Missouri, Capital Region Hospital Board of Governors, Eureka College Board of Trustees, National City Christian Church Foundation, and PEO, Casey and Beau are active contributors. Looking at their village, both are grateful for mentors who have helped illuminate the ways of working, being, and connecting that have shaped who they are.

“I am very fortunate to work for and with Commissioner Sarah Steelman at the Office of Administration at the State of Missouri,” Casey says. “In her role, the commissioner has so much on her plate, but she will always make time for someone who needs her help. She takes time to call team members at every level of the organization to say thank you. It sounds simple, but it means so much.”

 For Beau, leadership in a similar role has helped him grow.

“Since the day I arrived in Jefferson City, Reverend Doyle Sager of First Baptist Church has been a wise guide and a patient ear,” Beau says. “On many occasions of uncertainty, he has helped provide clarity and context gleaned from the additional years he has spent in ministry and offered advice with a deep spirit of collegiality.”

Leveraging their service-oriented mindsets with strong leadership examples, Casey and Beau have ambitious goals.

“My congregation and its leaders — along with other area churches and their leaders — have been working to launch a new housing ministry called Transformational Housing that aims to provide affordable rental units to those underserved by or unable to access current market offerings,” Beau says. “It has the potential to be a game-changer for our local community and fills the needs for vulnerable families in our area. I have been grateful to participate in some of the visioning and fundraising efforts, but others have devoted far more toil and energy than I have thus far, so I’m really looking forward to becoming even more engaged with this incredible effort.”

 Likewise, Casey has been working to lead transformational change at the state level amid unforeseen challenges.

 “Currently, we’re working to create and implement a more sustainable approach to enabling team members to work from a variety of locations,” Casey explains. “This will increase our ability to recruit candidates, keep talented people employed at the state, and encourage a healthy work-life blend. We are also in the first few months of COVID seasonal testing for state team members. This 18-month testing effort supports the health and well-being of our team members, their families, and Missourians. Neither of these tasks are easy, but both are so important for the 50,000 team members at the state.”

With triumphs behind and hard things ahead, Casey and Beau have a few different tricks for whatever life may bring.

“Intentionally seek out people who are smarter than you and absorb every lesson they’re willing to teach,” Beau says. “I’ve managed to do this to some degree by accident, but I also missed out on a lot of wisdom and expertise along the way because I was too arrogant to recognize the opportunity to learn.”

Casey also lives by a few mantras like “Grace and patience” and “We can do hard things.”

“Too often, we expect or assume the worst of people, but offering a bit more grace and patience is so important,” Casey says. “I have no idea what they may be dealing with in their life. The least I could do is show a bit more grace and patience.”

For Casey and Beau they have been intentional about finding ways to learn about and engage with the community, create meaningful relationships with others, hold jobs that impact the greater good, and serve as family members that love and care for those around them.

HIS

JOB TITLE
Senior pastor with First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Art degree from Eureka College, Master of Divinity and Public Policy from the University of Chicago

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Facebook – beauunderwood

Twitter – @beauunderwood

FAVORITE PLACE IN JEFFERSON CITY
High Street in the spring or fall.

MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW
I read and think a lot about death and dying. Again, it’s an occupational hazard, but we’re all mortal, yet few of us bother thinking about that fact or let it overtly influence how we spend our days.

FAVORITE APP
Apple Podcasts.

MOST USED SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM
I reluctantly use Facebook and Twitter. My strong encouragement would be to spend less time on your phone and more time with real people. You’ll thank me soon enough.

FAVORITE MUSICIAN OF THE MOMENT
I’ve been listening to old hymns redone in contemporary fashion by Shane & Shane. “Living Waters (As the Deer)” is wonderful.

WHAT THREE WORDS BEST DESCRIBE YOU?
Empathetic, persistent, and curious.

HERS

JOB TITLE
Director of division of personnel with the Office of Administration, State of Missouri

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University, master’s in public policy from Harvard University, Master of Education from the University of Missouri.

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Facebook: caseyunderwood

MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW
that I love Big Ten college football more than most men I know.

FAVORITE APP 
Starbucks and Apple Podcasts.

MOST USED SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM
Facebook — why wouldn’t you want to scroll every night to see all your friends in their happiest state? I love the ability to see what friends from different chapters of my life are up to.

FAVORITE MUSICIAN OF THE MOMENT 
Not an artist, but a hymn — “A Place at the Table.” It’s about justice, joy, and radical hospitality.

WHAT THREE WORDS BEST DESCRIBE YOU?
Curious, optimistic, and disciplined.

Proudly Sponsored By:

---