MERS Goodwill is saddened to announce the death of President and CEO, David Kutchback. He passed away at his home Friday, February 25, surrounded by family.

Dave achieved tremendous success during his more than 40-year career with both MERS and MERS Missouri Goodwill, making an incredible mark on who MERS Goodwill is today. Dave took over as Interim President and CEO in 2015 and was announced President and CEO in June of 2016. Prior to that, he served as Assistant CEO, Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer for 20 years.

Dave began his career with Metropolitan Employment Rehabilitation Service (MERS) in 1978 as a placement counselor. He had also served as Director of MERS’ Injured Workers Program and Head Trauma Rehabilitation Program. Since the merger of MERS and Goodwill in 2001, Kutchback expanded on his expertise in the area of employment and training by taking oversight of the Retail Division and the Contracts Division. Additionally, he provided vocational expert testimony for law firms, and served as a consultant to numerous private non-profit and for-profit companies on issues relating to Workers Compensation and analysis of job demands.

He and his wife are the parents of 11 children, including three foster children who have disabilities, and they have 12 grandchildren. He often said his family was his greatest blessing!

Dave was also very proud of each and every MERS Goodwill employee and their contributions to helping the agency fulfill its mission. His hope was that everyone employed here is aware of what a difference you make in the lives of thousands of individuals and families in our region, no matter what type of work you do. Dave’s Door was always open and he did everything possible to resolve problems that were brought to his attention. We will all miss his leadership, friendship, and kindness.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced when they become available.