Solving Rural Transportation Challenges: Volunteer Driver Network

Kelly Ast is the Regional Mobility Chief Officer of  West Central Missouri Community Action Agency’s, volunteer driver network, New Growth Transit. Her current work involves planning and development of mobility solutions for a twenty two county territory in west central Missouri and in partnership with three sister agencies. In the past six years these efforts have produced a strategic plan that engaged over forty community partners, the launched of a volunteer transportation network and van pool program that works with large and small employers throughout Missouri.

Ast came to West Central from the Vernon County-based population health initiative Healthy Nevada, where she worked to drive innovation in rural living and health care. She led project development that addressed the social determinants of health, for youth and adult wellness.  She advocated successfully for new policy that addressed tobacco regulation and the first adoption of a Prescription Drug Monitoring Network in Vernon County. She coordinated a local food gleaning project known as “Seeds of Faith”, serving the local food pantry and community kitchen. Most recently, she worked to establish a multi-use facility, for the local farmers market and youth 4-H chapters. Kelly started her professional career as a business owner before embarking in community development. She and her family reside in the country side of Vernon county Missouri, on their family farming operation.