About Candidate Rose Ghattas
Rose Ghattas is a dedicated healthcare professional, educator, real estate professional, and community advocate running for Missouri House of Representatives District 5. With over two decades of leadership experience across healthcare, education, and business, Rose brings a proven track record of innovation, collaboration, and service to the table.
As a registered nurse in Missouri, Rose has led regional telehealth initiatives, directed educational programs at John Wood Community College, and worked in both public health and private practice. Her real estate career has also taken off, reaching the $1 Million Club each year —showcasing her drive, adaptability, and commitment to serving the people of northeast Missouri.
Along with numerous community affiliations as noted below, Rose currently serves on the Hannibal City Planning & Zoning Commission, is President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Hannibal, and chairs the Stewardship Committee at Holy Family Parish. Recognized for excellence in telehealth and community leadership, she is a vocal advocate for rural healthcare access, education, fiscal responsibility, and process improvement.
Rose is a lifelong Missourian with long running ties to the state—her great uncle once owned Abe’s Bar and Grill, a well-known local spot. She grew up in Hannibal, attending school at Holy Family Catholic Church, where she remains an active member to this day. Rose takes great pride in having raised her five children in rural Missouri and feels incredibly grateful that her two grandchildren will grow up in the same close-knit community.
With deep roots in the community and a lifetime of service, Rose Ghattas is ready to bring hands-on experience and common-sense solutions to Jefferson City.
Community Advocate
Rose Ghattas has a long-standing commitment to giving back through local leadership, service clubs, and advocacy groups. Her passion for community building is reflected in her active involvement across numerous organizations, both locally and regionally. Whether leading efforts in public service, faith-based stewardship, or rural healthcare advocacy, Rose has always stepped up to champion causes that matter to the people of northeast Missouri. Her hands-on leadership and collaborative spirit have made a lasting impact in Hannibal and surrounding communities.
Community Involvement & Leadership Roles:
- Chair of the Stewardship Committee, Holy Family Parish (Feb 2025 – Present)
- President-Elect, Rotary Club of Hannibal
(2025–2026)
- Board of Directors, Avenues (March 2025 – Present)
- Planning & Zoning Commissioner, City of Hannibal
(June 2024 – Present)
- Ambassador Child Advocacy Center (2024–Present)
- Social Media Chair, Rotary Club of Hannibal (April 2023 – Present)
- Affiliate Nutrition HQ (2022–Present)
- Chair and Trainer, Level 1 Medication Aid/Insulin Certification Program
- Conference Developer and Mental Health Policy Advocate
(in cooperation with MO DMH)
- Grateful Patient Award
(4-time recipient), Hannibal Regional Hospital
- Innovation Champion, Blessing Health System – Cohort 2
- Member, Education, Legislative, and Department of Mental Health Committees (MALA)
- Past Board Member, Lower Illinois River Valley – Rural Prosperity Initiative
- Past Member Representative, Barnes-Jewish Christian Collaborative for Telehealth
- Spirit of Excellence Champion, Blessing Health System
- General Member, Missouri Assisted Living Association (2007–2009)
- Region 5 Board Member, Missouri Assisted Living Association (2006–2007)
Campaign Talking Points
Advocate for Heathcare Employees and First Responders
As an RN, Rose has first hand experience in several healthcare environments. In rural Missouri, our healthcare workers and first responders aren’t just professionals — they’re our neighbors, friends, and family. They show up day and night, often with limited resources, to keep our communities safe and healthy. We’re fighting to cut burdensome regulations, secure better funding for rural emergency services, and make sure these heroes have the tools and support they need. These men and women put their lives on the line for us and deserve nothing less.
Child Abuse, Neglect,
and Trafficking
Protecting our kids should be the one thing we all agree on — especially here in rural Missouri, where community still means something. Too often, abuse, neglect, and trafficking go unseen in small towns. Rose is committed to strengthening local law enforcement, supporting our social workers, and partnering with churches, community groups, and local resources to stop these tragedies before they happen. Every child deserves to grow up safe, and she won't rest until Marion and Ralls counties is the safest place in Missouri to raise a family. She wants this for her own grandchildren and your families!
Protecting Property Values and Revitalization
In Missouri’s small towns and farming communities, our homes, barns, and main streets tell the story of who we are. Protecting property values in Marion and Ralls means investing in our future — and that starts with smart incentives that help families restore historic homes, support small businesses, and breathe new life into our downtowns. By expanding tax credits for revitalization and preservation, we’re making it easier for folks to take pride in their property and keep our communities strong for generations to come.
Access to Healthcare
Every Missourian — no matter where they live — deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare. In our rural communities, that starts with keeping our critical access hospitals and rural clinics open and making it attractive for providers, nurses, and specialists to practice right here in the heart of rural America. We need to cut barriers, offer smart incentives, and expand rural broadband so folks can access care — including telehealth — without driving hours away. Whether it’s for our kids, our veterans, or our disabled neighbors, we're working to bring healthcare closer to home.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Strong roads, rail, and riverways build strong communities — and here in Marion and Ralls Counties, where major highways intersect, we have a real opportunity to grow. Investing in our infrastructure means safer travel for families, faster routes for farmers and truckers, and a boost for local businesses that rely on good roads to thrive. Rose will work to bring state and federal dollars home to fix our roads, improve bridges, and keep our rural communities connected and competitive — because in places like ours, infrastructure isn’t just about pavement, it’s about laying the groundwork for a future where we are a key player in Missouri's economy.
Education
Education in our rural communities, means ensuring our schools are well-funded, our teachers are supported, and our kids have the tools they need to succeed beginning with early childhood education. Rose makes a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the current Foundation Formula, increasing access to virtual programs, vocational training and technical education so that our students can pursue careers right here at home, whether it’s in farming, manufacturing, trades, or technology. It’s time we invest in our future by giving every child the chance to thrive.