ROSEBUD — Gasconade County’s Enhanced-911 program soon will be looking for a new chief as longtime Executive Director Lisa Thacker will be making a career change, taking a position in the private sector.

The 911 Board of Directors last week announced the retirement of Thacker, recognizing her 29-year career in public safety.

“Lisa’s leadership and dedication have paved new paths for rural 911 services, bringing Gasconade County 911 into the spotlight at both the state and national levels,” said the board in a statement issued after its regular monthly session last Wednesday morning.

Thacker began her career in 1996 as a dispatcher and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the 911 coordinator for Osage County in 2001, where she played a pivotal role in establishing the county’s first 911 system. In 2005, she took the helm of Gasconade County E-911, where her leadership has shaped the agency into a model of excellence, the agency said.

The board noted that Thacker’s influence extends beyond Gasconade County. In 2009, she founded the Missouri 911 Directors Association (MO911DA), serving as president for six years. During her tenure, she lobbied and testified at the Missouri Capitol, advocating for 911 advancements statewide and serving as a consultant to numerous agencies.

Her commitment to public safety also led her to serve on various local boards, including the Owensville Rural Fire Association, Owensville Ambulance District, and Gasconade County Public Information Office, among others, the statement said.

Under Thacker’s leadership, Gasconade County 911 achieved several groundbreaking milestones:

• Among the first 911 centers in Missouri to provide text-to-911 services.

• One of only five agencies in Missouri to receive ACE (Accredited Center of Excellence) status from the National Academy of Emergency Dispatch.

• The first in the state to transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911) through AT&T.

Thacker has earned numerous accolades during her public-service career:

• Employer of the Year (2011) – Owensville Chamber of Commerce.

• Presidents’ Award for Leadership (2016) – Missouri NENA, Missouri APCO, and MO911DA.

• Award of Recognition for Excellence (2017) – Missouri 911 Directors Association.

• First-ever Missouri State 911 Coordinator (2018).

• Appointed by the governor to the Missouri 911 Service Board (2018-Present).

“Lisa Thacker’s retirement marks the end of an era for Gasconade County 911, but her impact on emergency services will be felt for generations. Her relentless advocacy, innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to public safety have elevated Missouri 911 services to new heights,” the board said, adding, “The Gasconade County 911 Board of Directors, along with her colleagues and the entire community, extend their deepest gratitude to Lisa for her exceptional service and leadership.”

There was no specific date for her retirement included in the announcement. The board has yet to decide on a plan for a search for Thacker’s successor.