People you should know - Kathryn Swan

Age: 51

Key responsibilities: Marketing, financial operations, human resources and planning functions.

How long have you lived in Cape Girardeau: All of my life.

Education: Associate of arts in nursing at Southeast Missouri State University in 1970; bachelor of science in 1975; completed 30 hours of prerequisite for MBA in 1989.

Community involvement: Current board member of St. Francis Medical Center Foundation, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Vision 2020 Community Relations Council, Great Lakes MSS (Motorola Service Station) Association; chairman of United Way, president of Zonta Club of Cape Girardeau Area, board secretary of Lambda Theta Chapter of Southeast Missouri State University, Sigma Theta Tau-International Honorary Nursing Society; committee member of Gov. Holden's Business Education Roundtable, Education Council Administrative Committee, Missouri Chamber of Commerce Government and Public Policy Committee, Cape Chamber of Commerce Leadership Development Committee, and various other boards and committees.

Professional background: President of JCS/Tel-Link since 1986, vice president 1975-1986; from 1984 to 1996, infection control coordinator, employee health nurse, administrative nursing supervisor, progressive care staff nurse (part-time) at St. Francis Medical Center; 1975-1976, clinical nursing instructor, Southeast Missouri State University; 1970-1973, staff nurse, St. Francis Medical Center.

Name a Cape Girardeau businessperson you admire and why: Steven C. Bjelich, president and CEO of St. Francis Medical Center. Steve's knowledge, education, business acumen, integrity, energy and enthusiasm are remarkable.

Last book read: "Your Business or Your Life: 8 Steps for Getting All You Want Out of BOTH," by David Shepherd. (I booked him for a workshop at a trade association meeting recently and had the opportunity to meet him.)

What you wanted to be when you were a child: A physician.

How you chose this career: My father founded the business in 1959 and my husband joined the company in 1972 upon completion of his college degree. With my mother's death in 1975, I was needed to assume her responsibilities. As the business grew with additional employees, products and services, my responsibilities grew, as well.

Biggest obstacle you've overcome and how: Probably one of the largest obstacles was my lack of business experience and education, although I had gained much information while growing up in a small family business environment. Therefore, I enrolled in numerous business, management, finance and accounting courses at the university to gain the knowledge to assist us in running a small business.

Your best advice to someone new in your field. 1) LEARN -- Keep learning, keep reading. 2) NETWORK -- Listen to others and share ideas -- co-workers, employees, business associates. 3) BE ADAPTABLE -- Welcome change as an opportunity.

Hobbies, interests: Landscaping, playing piano/organ/flute, travel, reading, collecting recipes, mountain four-wheel driving, practicing "French."

Accomplishments you're most proud of: We received the Small Business of the Year Award in 1997 from the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce. My job has allowed me the freedom and opportunity to raise a family and devote time to community service. Through community service, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with many, many wonderful people.

Secret ambition. (If it's a secret, I shouldn't share it--ha, ha).

WHO DO YOU KNOW?

If you know someone who should be featured in "People You Should Know," contact Scott Moyers at 335-6611, ext. 137, or by e-mail at smoyers@semissourian.com.