Age: 47.

Key responsibilities: Offer solutions to consumers/businesses by providing competitive financial products and services. Also, manage products and services targeting the 50-and-over customer base.

How long have you lived in Cape Girardeau: Since 1987.

Original hometown: Jackson, Mo.

Education: Attended Jackson schools and Southeast Missouri State University for two years.

Community involvement: Cape Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society Community Council member, YELL (Youth, Education, Literacy, Learning) board member and American Red Cross volunteer.

Professional background: Started in banking in 1983 with Heritage Savings and Loan (later First Federal Savings and Loan) in Jackson as a teller. Left First Federal in 1987 to work in the loan department at Mercantile Bank in Cape Girardeau. Been with them through the acquisition years and now with the company is known as U.S. Bank.

Name a Cape Girardeau businessperson you admire and why: Jeannie Goodman. She was a dynamic individual respected in the community, successful in business and a young wife and mother. I never knew her well, but we all uttered her name in prayer when tragedy struck several years ago and her life almost ended. Although she recovered, her life was forever changed. Adversity dealt her a terrible blow, yet somehow she has managed to survive the personal hardships and heartaches of her ordeal. She is an inspirational figure to me and many others.

Last book read: "America Out of the Ashes," inspirational stories paying tribute to America's 9-11 victims and heroes.

What you wanted to be when you were a child: A ballerina. I thought a tutu, tiara and ballet slippers were so divine.

How you chose this career: It was a total accident, especially since the ballerina thing didn't work out.

Biggest obstacle you've overcome and how: Shyness. I was introverted as a child and over the years have gotten over it.

Your best advice to someone new in your field: A good sense of humor will take you a lot further than good sense. Be nice to old people; someday you will be one.

Hobbies, interests: Writing poetry and playing golf.

Accomplishment you're most proud of: Being a mom. Children are our greatest contribution to the world.

Secret ambition: I dream of traveling around the world. My husband doesn't share my enthusiasm for flying, especially since we were grounded in Phoenix last September during the terrorist attacks, so the world will be waiting a while for me to chart my course.

WHO DO YOU KNOW?

If you know someone who should be featured in "People You Should Know," contact Scott Moyers at 335-6611, extension 137, or by e-mail at smoyers@ semissourian.com.