Who's Who 2012 - Donna Denson

Donna Denson started at the Southeast Missourian in 1991 selling community sponsorship pages and since has worked her way up to the position of advertising director. She serves on the United Way of Southeast Missouri board of directors, as secretary of Old Town Cape's board, as an ambassador with the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce and as second vice president of the Southeast Missouri Press Association. A native of Festus, Mo., she earned a bachelor's degree in mass communications from Southeast Missouri State University in 1989. Denson now lives in Jackson with her husband, Phil. The couple have three grown daughters and a grandson.

__What's your No. 1 goal at work?__

My goal is to help others be successful, whether that's helping a client grow his or her business or coaching and encouraging my fellow workers.

__What inspires you?__

I find simple acts of love and charity quite inspiring because they can be life-changing. Most of us have been affected by someone in our lives, in my case teachers, who took the time to care and lift us up when we needed it most. I am pleased to have a hand in our Good Samaritan Chronicles promotion at the Southeast Missourian. It's just encouraging to read about acts of kindness and people just being good neighbors.

__What's the secret to your success?__

A willingness to work hard work, adapt quickly to change and have an open mind.