Candidate questionnaire: Georganne Penzel Syler

NAME: Georganne Penzel Syler

AGE: 64

PLACE OF BIRTH: Cape Girardeau, MO

SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

William L Syler, Circuit Judge, 32nd Circuit State of Missouri

Lauren Weeden, Dallas,TX, attorney

Claire Syler, Pittsburgh,PA, university instructor and doctoral student

EDUCATION:

Cape Central HS. 1967

Southeast MO State University, BS, 1971 and MA, 1980

Southern Illinois University- Carbondale, PhD, 1996

OCCUPATION:

SEMO University Associate Professor of Human Environmental Studies-Dietetics and Hospitality Management, retired May 2012

EMPLOYER:

NA

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART:

NA

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

Boards of Directors for not for profit organizations: President, Board of Trustees of SEHealth College of Nursing and Health Sciences; Executive Board of Directors Chateau Girardeau Retirement Community; Elder, First Presbyterian Church; SEMO State University Foundation Board.

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST NEED YOU HOPE TO ADDRESS IF ELECTED?

The Cape Girardeau County Health Center is efficiently and effectively run. I do not expect to come into a successful organization and make major changes. I would share my expertise in communication with the public and in enhancing public education.

Public Health is essential to the quality of all of our lives. The incredible increase in life expectancy in the past 100 years (from 47 years to 79 years) is directly related to public health ... clean water, vaccines, safe food and sanitation.

When Public Health works well, no one notices; when is fails, the public outcry is deafening.

WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

Public Health is my passion. I am a strong candidate based upon my 30+ years of providing public health education. From high school home econonics through graduate studies in community health education, I have been able to help people prevent disease and promote a positive quality of life.

I would be honored to use my experience to enhance an already fine program through use of my educational skills.