County of St. Louis, MO Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

County of St. Louis, MO has 6 executives leading key functions including healthcare administration, operational management, administrative oversight, and strategic communications.

Committed to regional public service, County of St. Louis, MO delivers essential governance and infrastructure support to residents across the eastern Missouri landscape while maintaining high standards of civic accountability.

Leadership Roles at County of St. Louis, MO

  • Chief Executive Officer for St. Louis County Healthcare - Derrick Melton
  • Chief Operating Officer - Deanna Venker
  • Chief of Staff - Donnie Schneider
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Andrea Harrington
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Judy Ricks
  • Chief Communications Officer - Elizabeth Eisele
  • Derrick Melton - Chief Executive Officer for St. Louis County Healthcare

    Derrick Melton, the Chief Executive Officer for St. Louis County Healthcare at County of St. Louis, MO, directs all clinical and administrative functions within the regional health network. Overseeing complex medical service delivery, the Chief Executive Officer for St. Louis County Healthcare ensures alignment with public health mandates and county-wide wellness initiatives. This leadership role involves managing large-scale healthcare budgets and coordinating with external medical partners to optimize patient outcomes across the eastern Missouri region. By implementing rigorous quality control standards, Derrick Melton directly impacts the efficiency of local health services. Ultimately, Melton secures the long-term viability of critical medical infrastructure, ensuring that the county remains responsive to the evolving needs of the population while maintaining fiscal responsibility and operational excellence in every department.
    Derrick Melton

    Deanna Venker - Chief Operating Officer

    Deanna Venker, the Chief Operating Officer at County of St. Louis, MO, directs the execution of infrastructure projects and operational logistics across the region. Overseeing the maintenance of public facilities and essential services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all physical assets meet safety and performance standards. This leadership role involves managing complex supply chains and coordinating with engineering teams to support the growth of the county. By optimizing operational processes, Deanna Venker directly impacts the reliability of public infrastructure. Ultimately, Venker drives the successful completion of capital improvement projects, ensuring that the county remains a functional and accessible environment for the entire population while maintaining strict adherence to budgetary constraints and long-term development goals for the eastern Missouri area.
    Deanna Venker

    Donnie Schneider - Chief of Staff

    Donnie Schneider, the Chief of Staff at County of St. Louis, MO, manages the daily operations of the executive office and coordinates high-level policy implementation. Overseeing interdepartmental collaboration, the Chief of Staff ensures that administrative goals align with the broader mission of the county government. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between various departments and the executive leadership team to streamline decision-making processes. By optimizing internal workflows, Donnie Schneider directly impacts the overall productivity of the organization. Ultimately, Schneider maintains organizational stability and ensures that strategic priorities receive the necessary resources to succeed across the diverse geographic landscape of the county, fostering a culture of transparency and efficiency that supports the delivery of essential public services to all residents.

    Andrea Harrington - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Andrea Harrington, the Deputy Chief of Staff at County of St. Louis, MO, supports the executive office by managing special projects and coordinating legislative affairs. Overseeing the implementation of policy directives, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that departmental activities remain consistent with the strategic vision of the county leadership. This leadership role involves analyzing complex data sets to inform decision-making and fostering partnerships with community stakeholders to enhance public engagement. By streamlining administrative tasks, Andrea Harrington directly impacts the responsiveness of the government to citizen needs. Ultimately, Harrington facilitates the smooth operation of the executive branch, ensuring that all initiatives receive proper oversight and that the county maintains a high level of service delivery across its diverse and expansive geographic footprint.

    Judy Ricks - Chief Administrative Officer

    Judy Ricks, the Chief Administrative Officer at County of St. Louis, MO, directs the internal business functions, including human resources, procurement, and financial oversight. Overseeing the administrative backbone of the county, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that all departments operate within established regulatory frameworks and budgetary guidelines. This leadership role involves managing personnel policies and optimizing procurement processes to maximize value for taxpayers. By implementing efficient administrative systems, Judy Ricks directly impacts the overall organizational health of the county government. Ultimately, Ricks maintains the integrity of internal operations, ensuring that the workforce remains supported and that all administrative functions contribute to the successful delivery of public services across the entire region, fostering a stable and productive environment for all county employees and residents.

    Elizabeth Eisele - Chief Communications Officer

    Elizabeth Eisele, the Chief Communications Officer at County of St. Louis, MO, directs all public relations, media outreach, and internal messaging strategies. Overseeing the dissemination of critical information, the Chief Communications Officer ensures that the public remains informed about government initiatives and community resources. This leadership role involves managing digital platforms and coordinating press relations to maintain a positive and transparent image for the county. By crafting clear and consistent messaging, Elizabeth Eisele directly impacts the level of public trust and engagement with local government. Ultimately, Eisele strengthens the connection between the county and its residents, ensuring that all communications effectively convey the mission and values of the organization while promoting awareness of essential services throughout the eastern Missouri region.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding County of St. Louis, MO Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads County of St. Louis, MO?
    County of St. Louis, MO is led by Derrick Melton (Chief Executive Officer for St. Louis County Healthcare), along with executives such as Deanna Venker (Chief Operating Officer) and Donnie Schneider (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of County of St. Louis, MO’s executive team?
    The executive team of County of St. Louis, MO includes leaders such as Derrick Melton (Chief Executive Officer for St. Louis County Healthcare), Deanna Venker (Chief Operating Officer), Donnie Schneider (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does County of St. Louis, MO have?
    County of St. Louis, MO has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in County of St. Louis, MO’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of County of St. Louis, MO includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer for St. Louis County Healthcare, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Administrative Officer.