People you should know 2/18/02

Age: 31

Key responsibilities: Serve as a liaison to the media and coordinate public relations activities for the City of Cape Girardeau.

How long have you lived in Cape Girardeau? 7 years

Original hometown: Sikeston, Mo.

Education: 1989 graduate of Sikeston High School, BA in Mass Communications from Southeast Missouri State University.

Community involvement: president, Tri-State Advertising & Marketing Professionals; member, Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce; co-chair, Chamber of Commerce Leadership Development Steering Committee; member, Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors; chair, Project Impact Education Committee; director, Live Wires (youth performance group in New Madrid, Mo.).

Professional background: City of Cape Girardeau since 1997; previously worked as a graphic designer at Magna-Tel and the Southeast Missourian.

Name a Cape Girardeau businessperson you admire and why: Girl Scouts of Otahki Council Executive Director Denise Stewart is a great example of a successful woman. She is good at her career and is always upbeat when you talk to her. She's the kind of person who cares enough to become involved in her community and ask how you've been. I have never heard an unkind word about her from anyone. Also, she's from Sikeston and short like me!

Last book read: "Catcher in the Rye."

What I wanted to be when I was a child: An off-road motorcycle racer and an orthodontist.

How I chose this career: I love change. This field allows me to do something new every day. It is incredibly challenging at times to balance, but it is also extremely fun! I'm always working on 10 or 15 projects at once. But I also get to be out in the community and work with many different people and organizations.

Biggest obstacle I've overcome and how: I think life is what you make of it, and obstacles are a part of it. I like to think I focus on the positive things in life, and there isn't really anything that comes to mind.

My best advice to someone new in my field: Don't be afraid to ask questions. Things that are always done the same way ARE always done the same way. Change can be a great thing. Don't be afraid to take a chance and implement those new ideas.

Hobbies, interests: I enjoy watching local baseball, water skiing and trying to play golf.

Accomplishments I'm most proud of: My son, Zac. He is so much fun! I never thought a 2-year-old could do so much on his own. Also, I have to include my husband, Jeff, who has always been supportive of whatever I do.

Secret ambition: I'd really love to own a major league baseball team.

Next week: Stacy Busch at Central High School in Cape Girardeau.

WHO DO YOU KNOW?

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