People you should know/Catherine Dunlap

Age: 28

Key responsibilities: To coordinate the volunteer efforts of Cape Girardeau's effort to revitalize its three historic commercial districts, to manage the day-to-day operations of Old Town Cape, and to educate the public on the importance of revitalizing Cape Girardeau's historic commercial districts.

How long have you lived in Cape Girardeau? 18 months.

Original hometown: Jacksonville, Ill.

Education: Bachelor's degree in communication arts from Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo. I am also certified in the Organization and Promotions Points on Main Street by the National Trust's Main Street Center.

Community involvement: I serve on the Cape Girardeau Area Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Committee, work with my church's youth group and am on the Chamber's Beautification Committee.

Professional background: I worked three years as a newspaper reporter, worked at Main Street Mascoutah, Ill., and with Illinois Main Street.

Name a Cape Girardeau businessperson you admire and why: I have too many businesspersons that I respect, so I can't choose one. All of the business owners I work with have a love for Cape Girardeau's historic districts and a strong desire to work to improve this area.

Last book read: "God is in the Small Stuff."

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

How you chose this career: This career found me. A friend of mine in Southeastern Illinois saw an ad for a manager's position in my hometown. I knew what shape that downtown was and knew I needed more experience to do that program, but I did see a job in a community of 6,000. Downtown revitalization combines my love of history and historic places with my interest in helping a community.

Your best advice to someone new in your field: Stay focused on the mission of your organization and make sure all activities support it.

Hobbies, interests: Reading, traveling.

Accomplishments you're most proud of: Working with the board to get the Main Street Mascoutah program started and working effectively.

NEXT WEEK: CAROLYN KEMPF, OF ELITE TRAVEL.

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.