Title: Director of Advertising

Employer: Shelter Insurance

Hometown: I was born in Washington, DC but have lived most of my life in Missouri.

First job: Concierge at Tan-Tar-A. I also worked children’s programs during the summer.

College/degree(s): Bachelor of Journalism and Master of Arts – Communication, both from the University of Missouri-Columbia

Awards/Recognitions: My team and I have received many Insurance Marketing & Communication Association Showcase Best of Show and Award of Excellence recognition awards through the years, including the 2020 Best of Show in the TV campaign category. I received a Silver Telly Award in 2008, was recognized as part of Columbia’s 40 under 40 awards in 2001 and received the Charlyn Y. Law Memorial Award from the United Way in 1999.

Things that occupy your free time: My son is a freshman at Fr. Tolton High School and he’s participating in football and cross country, so we’re busy with games and meets. He and my husband are also active in Boy Scouts and we enjoy hiking and canoeing. I enjoy cooking and have been trying out new recipes. I’m looking forward to getting back to spending time with friends, going to shows and gatherings. And I love listening to music. I always have music playing and I love a wide variety of music genres. I sing at my church a couple of Sundays a month and that’s fun as well.

Husband/children/furry children: My husband Dave, son Scott, and I have one dog and one cat.

Currently reading: I love reading fiction for fun and I just finished Old Bones by Preston & Child. Last year at the library book sale I got carried away and brought home several bags of books and will have to see what’s next in the pile to read now.

Place you want to visit: Only one? That’s difficult, but I’d love to see Ireland. I love to travel and can’t wait to get back to it after the pandemic.

Favorite part about Women’s Network: I joined when I first started my career in 1988 and I’ve been involved ever since. I’ve been a member of the Program Committee since then, and I chuckle when I realize I’ve been on the committee longer than some of our members have been alive. It’s been interesting to look back and see how WN has helped me in the early days of my career by giving me leadership experience through chairing committees and being part of Steering. I learned so much from our speakers through the years and continue to enjoy the presentations. I’ve made so many friends through WN and as I move into this stage of my career, it’s fun to help mentor our future leaders. It’s an amazing organization and I’m proud to have been an active member throughout my entire career. I’m pleased I can help WN because I know it has helped me through the years.

Goal(s) for 2020: Staying physically fit and active, working on being a good listener and avoiding snacking too much snacking while working remote. The darn pantry is way too close!