Who's Who 2012 - Jean Mason

Jean M. Mason has worked with Ameren Missouri for more than 25 years, moving from its St. Louis headquarters to serve as manager of the company's SEMO Division in 2003. While her main office is in Cape Girardeau, she works throughout the region with offices in Potosi, Park Hills, Dexter and Hayti. Mason sees it as part of her job to take an active role in the community. This year she's serving as president of the board of the United Way of Southeast Missouri. She's also a supporter of Habitat for Humanity and Girl Scouts as well as a member of Zonta Club of Cape Girardeau. She is a member and a graduate of the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge. Mason's family is from the Belleville, Ill., area and she raised her three daughters in Shiloh, Ill. She holds a bachelor's degree from Fontbonne University and an MBA from Webster University. Mason has two grandchildren.

__How is your career field growing or changing?__

The utility business is more focused on energy efficiency than ever before. While our world is constantly developing gadgets that use more power, we at Ameren are working to educate our customers on how to use less power, saving them money and protecting the environment.

__What's the secret to your success?__

Work hard, take responsibility, be accountable, have integrity. I work hard and am committed to doing a good job and expect great things from those who work with me.

__What community issue or cause is most important to you and why?__

Education is the community issue I am most passionate about. We need to focus on early childhood learning to make sure all children have the tools they need to become educated, contributing adults. I could go on and on about this topic, but one thing is for sure, one in every four kids dropping out of high school is unacceptable performance for a country that sees itself as a world leader.