Who's Who: Sharon Hileman

Community development manager with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Gateway Area Chapter

WHERE SHE'S BEEN: Hileman, 51, is originally from St. Charles, Mo., and currently lives in Tamms, Ill. She is married to husband Carl and has two daughters, a stepson and four grandchildren. She has a bachelor's degree in community health education. She has served as a project manager for a welfare reform grant in Illinois, project manager for Safe School & TAP program in Illinois, and as an office and facility manager for a cancer support organization in St. Louis.

WHERE SHE'S GOING: In five years, Hileman hopes to be "making a greater impact on the lives of those living with MS. My brother-in-law and several friends have multiple sclerosis, so this is a passion, not a profession." She hopes to make a difference by "educating the community one person at a time about the impact that MS can have on a person's life. Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable, variable, often progressive disease that attacks the central nervous system. There are over 400,000 Americans currently living with the disease. MS affects twice as many woman as men, and those diagnosed are usually 20 to 50 years of age."

WHY SHE WAS CHOSEN: "Sharon is my wife and one of the hardest working people I know," wrote her husband, Carl. "She is responsible for planning and implementing five walks throughout her 26-county service market area on both sides of the river. She also plans and implements the MS Corporate Achievers Campaign, the UGLY Bartender Challenge and several third-party events. Besides all of the development activities that she is involved in, she also implements all of the programs in her service market area. Sharon is an advocate for the MS clients and attends Legistlative Action in Jefferson City and Illinois Lobby Day in Springfield, Ill., every year."

Her community involvement: Past President of Cape Area Personnel Association, member of Southeast Council on Philanthropy, member of Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce (volunteer at Chamber Industry Appreciation Golf Tournament), Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, 2008 graduate of Leadership Cape.