Who's Who 2013: John McGowan, Director of operations, Love in the Name of Christ International

__Community involvement:__ Habitat for Humanity board of directors; Workforce Investment Board of Southeast Missouri, Youth Council; Cape Girardeau Library Board of Trustees; Cape Girardeau County Board for Developmentally Disabled; Southeast Council on Philanthropy (SECOP); KRCU Community Advisory Board; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, mentor; Jackson Ministerial Alliance; Cape Girardeau Ministerial Alliance; Downtown Council of Churches; Work Ready Coalition, Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce

What's your No. 1 goal at work?

My primary goal is to provide the professional business acumen and necessary tools to the passionate people doing the hands-on work. Donors have come to expect results from their investment that go above and beyond feeling good about giving. Meanwhile, the government is applying the same rules and regulations for profit and not-for-profit corporations alike. My goal is to ensure that we achieve the optimal performance outcomes for the services we provide, addressing the administrative barriers and effectively communicating our results.

What motivates or inspires you?

My inspiration comes from my parents. They both intentionally demonstrated and taught me to aspire to be the best at whatever career I chose. My motivation comes from a healthy dose of competitiveness and the desire to accomplish a task or complete a goal with excellence in the most effective manner possible, regardless of who gets the credit.

What's the most satisfying part about your work?

Overcoming the challenge of providing exceptional services with limited resources is what I find most satisfying. The ability to successfully engage in transforming people's lives, ultimately making our community a better place for all of us, is more rewarding than any compensation package could be. Most people can't keep their New Year's resolutions until the end of January. In contrast, our clients seek and realize lifelong change in a remarkable way. I am blessed to have the support and encouragement of my wife and the opportunity to partner with such great staff members and volunteers in this ministry.