“I am in my eighteenth year as Boone County’s Southern District Commissioner and it has been an incredible experience. A Commissioner requires many of the same skills as a good bartender; be a good listener, problem solver, willing to make controversial decisions. Prior to becoming an elected official, I owned and operated a neighborhood restaurant and bar in Columbia called “The Establishment.”  It is an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Boone County.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges for professional women today?  I believe the biggest challenge for professional women today is not to become apathetic about women’s issues. Many battles have been fought to open the doors to management, gain acceptance for women in elected leadership, and to gain respect of their entrepreneurial spirit. Women’s issues are continually being challenged in board rooms and in state and federal legislatures. We must remind those young professional women entering the work force to never forget where we have come from and challenges we continue to face.

What is the best business advice you’ve ever received?  I learned from Mrs. Lottie Gasper, original owner of Gasper’s in Kingdom City.  She led by example, and would never ask an employee to do something she herself wouldn’t be willing to do even though she was in her 80’s. She really made an impression on me.

How would you describe your leadership style?  I believe my leadership style is one of participation through hard work and high expectations of all those involved.  I expect everyone to follow through on what they say they will do in the time frame agreed to in order to complete a given task. In my career, I have always been known as a finisher.

Has your career path held surprises along the way?  My life has been one surprise opportunity after another. I use the skills from every position I have held whether it be that of an office manager, a bar manager, a neighborhood restaurant bar owner or an elected county official.  I never really planned on any of these positions, opportunity presented itself and I accepted the challenge.  I have to be mentally challenged or I get bored.

What do you do to relax?  I enjoy surfing the Internet for genealogy links, connecting with family members and introducing cousins.  I also like having a good conversation with family and friends while enjoying a fresh brewed cup of coffee or sharing a nice bottle of wine.

What is one personal goal you haven’t yet achieved?  My bucket list is extensive; however the top of that list is to take a Caribbean cruise.

What is your workplace pet peeve?  I get absolutely frustrated by colleagues who don’t plan ahead and want their crisis to become my priority.

Who do you consider a career mentor and why?  My mentors have changed over the years by what I was focusing on or trying to achieve.  I can tell you– this community is rich with women who have excelled in their careers and are more than willing to share their tips if asked.  I have several groups of friends and colleagues that meet regularly to mentor each other about career changes, policy issues and the like.

What is your dream job?  I think I am in my dream job although it was not something I pursued. It just happened when the opportunity presented itself and my business allowed me to pursue it. As a county commissioner, I have had many opportunities I would never have dreamed possible at the national level.

What do you hope to be doing in 10 years – personally and professionally?  I hope to be semi-retired in less than ten years.  However, I know my nature will not allow me to sit at home without a purpose for each and every day.  For fun, I plan to travel catching up with friends around the country.

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