Casey Hertenstein

Age: 24

Family: Single but involved. Family lives in Mt. Vernon, Ill.

Employer: Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

Position: Director of recruiting and development

Education: Bachelor's degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University

Community Involvement: Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce; chairman of University Relations committee and member of the Internship Subcommittee; member of Cape Girardeau Jaycees; member of Beta Sigma Phi Lambda Omicron chapter.

Up and coming -- and fast -- is Casey Hertenstein, director of recruiting and development for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, The Hahs Group in Cape Girardeau.

Stan Stough of Northwestern Mutual says Hertenstein is "a constant go-getter, making a difference, taking a chance, having an impact on local business and the community."

Hertenstein has been with the company since August 2005, and is responsible for training and development, teaching recruits about the company and overall mentoring.

"I have to interview 90 persons to find the right one for us," she said. "I'm constantly meeting new people. Even if we are not a fit for some of them, I like to help them find their direction, what fits their needs instead of financial services."

Hertenstein found her niche in finance after earning a degree in education. She finds that teaching new recruits about financial services is her classroom of choice.

"It is rewarding to know that, being so young, I have established a career and knowing opportunity that lies within the company is huge," she said. "It keeps me going every day."