Dr. Doug McNeal is 2026 Volunteer of the Year
Our 2026 Volunteer of the Year, Dr. Doug McNeal, has given freely of his time, talents, and treasure. He’s a stellar community leader and has been engaged in volunteerism for many years.
Doug dedicated his life to pediatric medicine, both as a doctor and as a volunteer. He’s been unwavering in his passion to help children with special care needs. He is currently a developmental physician with the Autism Evaluation Clinic at Burrell Behavioral Health.
Doug has helped children for decades. Here are some examples:
Doug’s pattern for helping those in need is clear. His medical expertise walks hand-in-hand with his servant's heart. And, as a military veteran, we also recognize his service as a doctor during the war in Indochina.
“Extracting details about his volunteer work was not easy,” wrote Dan Emrie in his nomination. “Like many in our club, (he is) uncomfortable talking about his volunteer service. They simply arrive where help is needed, do the work, and disappear before gratitude can find them.”
The Springfield Southeast Rotary Club Volunteer of the Year Award has been presented nearly annually since 1999. It’s our club’s highest honor, recognizing community service rendered outside Rotary activities. Nominations are submitted by club members and others, with final selection being made by the Rotary Volunteer Committee. This year’s committee members include: Co-Chairs Cindy Howell and Barbara Lucks, Tammy Mast, Dan Emrie, and Brian McDonough.
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This citation was adapted from Brian McDonough's presentation at the club meeting on April 16, 2026. The photo of Doug and his wife, Susan, was taken by 417 Magazine at the Springfield Symphony's 2024 Gala.
Doug dedicated his life to pediatric medicine, both as a doctor and as a volunteer. He’s been unwavering in his passion to help children with special care needs. He is currently a developmental physician with the Autism Evaluation Clinic at Burrell Behavioral Health.
Doug has helped children for decades. Here are some examples:
- Springfield Public Schools volunteer, giving two half days a week at Delaware Elementary where students with disabilities attend. This is a complex care classroom where every child has a feeding tube, trach, wheelchair or is non-verbal.
- Medical Volunteer at the Paralympics
- Volunteered for Cerebral Palsy Athletes
- Volunteer for the National Disability Sports Festival
- Conducted Medical Missions
- Volunteered for the Senior Age Agency
- Volunteered through the “Give Five” program
- Advocacy for Children with Complex Medical Needs
- Volunteers for CASA
- Mayor’s Commission on Children
- Executive Committee for Advocacy, part of the Missouri Alliance for Home Care
- Served on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on Children with Disabilities
Doug’s pattern for helping those in need is clear. His medical expertise walks hand-in-hand with his servant's heart. And, as a military veteran, we also recognize his service as a doctor during the war in Indochina.
“Extracting details about his volunteer work was not easy,” wrote Dan Emrie in his nomination. “Like many in our club, (he is) uncomfortable talking about his volunteer service. They simply arrive where help is needed, do the work, and disappear before gratitude can find them.”
The Springfield Southeast Rotary Club Volunteer of the Year Award has been presented nearly annually since 1999. It’s our club’s highest honor, recognizing community service rendered outside Rotary activities. Nominations are submitted by club members and others, with final selection being made by the Rotary Volunteer Committee. This year’s committee members include: Co-Chairs Cindy Howell and Barbara Lucks, Tammy Mast, Dan Emrie, and Brian McDonough.
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This citation was adapted from Brian McDonough's presentation at the club meeting on April 16, 2026. The photo of Doug and his wife, Susan, was taken by 417 Magazine at the Springfield Symphony's 2024 Gala.
