CHILLICOTHE — Public records show that Karie Black, wife of Missouri State Senator Rusty Black (R-District 12), serves as executive director of a Chillicothe nonprofit that receives hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in government grants administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The North Missouri Center for Youth & Families Inc. (NMCYF) provides after-school and summer programming for low-income and at-risk K-6 students in Livingston County. The organization offers academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, tutoring, character education, and family outreach, operating from 211 Locust Street in Chillicothe. It is open on most snow days, teacher professional development days, and provides before-school and full-day summer care.
IRS Form 990 filings show the nonprofit relies heavily on government grants — primarily federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) funds passed through DESE — at approximately $350,000 to $353,000 per year in recent years. These grants make up 68% to 86% of total revenue, funding direct program expenses such as staff salaries, facility costs, supplies, snacks, transportation, and youth activities.
Karie Black first appears in Missouri Secretary of State filings as the organization’s Registered Agent in March 2020. She began signing official documents in July 2021 and is listed as Executive Director on federal tax returns starting with the 2022 Form 990. Compensation is reported at $18,000 for an average of 15 hours per week in 2022, rising to $21,000 in 2024, with no additional benefits or perks disclosed.
The NMCYF website (nmcyf.org) lists Amanda Lee as Site Director (responsible for daily operations and scheduling) and Nancy Burtch as Executive Director (noted as joining in August 2024 after retiring from Chillicothe R-2 School District). No mention of Karie Black appears in any staff bios, leadership descriptions, or public-facing content on the site.
Appearance Questions
The timeline raises questions about the appearance of influence. In 2016, then-State Rep. Rusty Black publicly announced that NMCYF had been awarded a $700,000 federal 21st CCLC grant through DESE. Local news coverage quoted Black emphasizing the benefits to children in the Chillicothe area and surrounding communities.
Several years later, his wife assumed a formal leadership role at the organization — first as Registered Agent in 2020, then signing filings in 2021, and serving as Executive Director with reported compensation by 2022. Government grant funding stabilized around $350,000+ annually during this period and has remained consistent through the most recent filings.
Sen. Black won election to the Missouri Senate in November 2022 (taking office January 2023), elevating his influence over state budgets and education policy. Karie Black’s documented involvement and compensation were already established by 2020–2022, predating his Senate transition.
A review of public records shows no Missouri Ethics Commission complaints, investigations, or violations related to the organization, Karie Black’s employment, or Sen. Black. IRS Form 990 filings contain no excess benefit transactions, loans to officers, grants to disqualified persons, or other red-flag disclosures. The organization maintains clean governance reports, including a conflict-of-interest policy, and continues to operate as a licensed after-school provider.
Timeline of Key Events
- 2011: NMCYF incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- 2016: Rep. Rusty Black announces $700,000 21st CCLC grant award.
- 2020: Karie Black named Registered Agent in state filings.
- 2021: She signs biennial registration reports.
- 2022: Listed as Executive Director on IRS Form 990; Rusty Black wins Senate seat in November.
- 2023–2025: Grants remain steady ~$350k+/year; Rusty Black serves in Senate (now on Appropriations and related task forces).
The grants support direct youth services, with nearly all expenses going to program operations rather than administration or fundraising.
Sunshine Law Request Filed
The Chariton Beacon has submitted a formal Missouri Sunshine Law request to DESE seeking grant performance reports, final expenditure details, site visit and monitoring records, compliance reviews, and any staffing or personnel information related to NMCYF from 2016 to the present. The Beacon will update this story when those records are received or if additional details emerge.
About NMCYF
Incorporated in 2011, NMCYF focuses on empowering young minds through comprehensive after-school care. It serves the community from its Locust Street location and remains in good standing with the Missouri Secretary of State.
