Missy Smies
Executive Director, Richland County Housing Authority
In every community, there are people whose quiet strength and dedication stands out. In Richland County, one of those people is Missy Smies. Described by her nominator as “a great inspiration and a constant source of strength,” Missy has spent her life serving others, first as a Paramedic, then as a tireless advocate for victims, and now as the Executive Director of the Richland County Housing Authority. Her impact stretches far beyond job titles; she’s a calming voice in emergencies, a compassionate leader in complex systems, and a fierce advocate for people often overlooked.
The staff at the Richland County Housing Authority had these words to congratulate Missy. “All of us proudly congratulate you on your 20 over 40 recognitions by the Sidney Chamber of Commerce. Your leadership, dedication, and positive impact on our community continue to inspire us all. Well-deserved”!
Though not originally from Sidney, Missy has shown time and again that caring deeply about a community is what truly makes you part of it. Raised in Cheney, Kansas, Missy studied Criminal Justice at Fort Hays State University, specializing in juvenile delinquency. Her early career was spent in juvenile detention and emergency medical services, later expanding into social advocacy roles that would lay the groundwork for her community-centered leadership in Montana.
A move to Fairview in 2013, driven by the needs of her family, brought Missy into our area of Richland County. Since then, she’s immersed herself in initiatives such as the Partnership for Promise, Richland County LAC, and the Richland County Planning Board, always advocating for better services and stronger support systems.
One of her proudest achievements came while working as an advocate for a domestic violence and sexual assault agency. There, she spearheaded the creation of a multidisciplinary team that offered wraparound services for survivors, a model of holistic care that changed lives. She also served as an Autism Speaks advocate for four years, driven by both professional and personal experience.
Now, as Executive Director of the Housing Authority, Missy brings all her past roles, advocate, EMT, coordinator, planner, into one. “There’s a bit of every job I’ve had being utilized regularly,” she says. “When your education, experiences, and passion can all be met and challenged in a job, and you enjoy your co-workers, you know it is the right field.”
Her leadership is marked by fairness, compassion, and a sincere desire to make life better for those around her. “Missy has shown great impartiality and humanity in working with members of our community,” her nominator says. “She makes people feel seen.”
Outside of work, Missy is a devoted mom to two sons, William and Jack, and wife to Don. Though her days on the water or golf course are less frequent now, she remains a Royals and Chiefs fan, a lover of the outdoors, and a passionate advocate for those whose voices need amplifying. Asked if there’s anything surprising about her, Missy says: “I’m not sure if I leave the opportunity for people to be surprised about anything in my life! That alone is a big statement. ” It’s that authenticity, combined with grit, and a commitment to serve, that makes Missy Smies one of the 20 over 40 honorees.