NCI NEWS

North County Inc., a regional, economic and community development organization, will once again honor North County's newest generation of business, professional and community leaders.

After soliciting nominations from throughout the North County area, judges Verna Smith, retired educator and longtime OASIS volunteer; Patrick McKeehan, executive director of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois; and Erin Schultz, managing editor of the St. Charles Suburban Journals, chose the top 30 candidates.

NCI, in partnership with News 20 and the North County Suburban Journals, will host "NCI salutes 30 Leaders in their 30s" luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 25 at Norwood Hills Country Club.Event sponsors include Christian Hospital, Ferguson-Florissant School District, SSM DePaul Health Center, AT&T Missouri, Commerce Bank, Trinity Catholic High School, St. Louis County, St. Louis County Economic Council, Favazza & Associates, City of Woodson Terrace, Lindenwood University, Woltman Trophies & Awards and St. Louis Mills.

The "30 Leaders in their 30s" are:

ERIC ARBETTER

Eric Arbetter, 35, is the principal of Walker Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District.

Arbetter is most proud of his accomplishment in increasing diversity among the staff at Walker and in beginning a dialogue on dismantling racism and racist practices.

He grew up in the Chicago area and moved to St. Louis in 1991 to attend college. In May 1994, the YMCA of Greater St. Louis honored Arbetter for his volunteer service with the Y-Read program, where he taught adults how to read and helped children with their homework and reading skills. He received a Bachelor of Arts in English and Literature and a Master of Arts in Education at Washington University. Currently he is completing his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Missouri - St. Louis.

Arbetter became principal at Walker in 2005. Prior to that he was Barrington Elementary's Instructional Specialist from 2001-2004 and began his teaching career at Barrington Elementary School in 1996. During his tenure as principal, Walker implemented a Zeroes Aren't Permitted program in which students who came to school without completing their homework or a classroom project are required to stay after school that day to complete their homework or project.

He is a member of the Walker School PTA, National Association of Elementary School Principals, Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals and Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Arbetter and his wife, who also works in the Hazelwood School District, bought a home in the Hazelwood School District because he said they felt it was important to live in the same community in which they work.

Hazelwood School District is a member of North County Inc.

LAURIE BIRKENMEIER

Laurie Birkenmeier, Ed. D., 31, is the principal of North Middle School in the Hazelwood School District.

She assists students in reaching excellence in achievement and in character. As a 1995 graduate of Hazelwood Central High School, Birkenmeier says she was excited to return to the HSD to serve as an educator for youth.

She began her career teaching social studies at Kirby Middle School. She later became an assistant principal at Kirby before serving in that capacity at Hazelwood Central High School.

In 2006, she became the first principal at Hazelwood North Middle School, a new middle school in the district. The school has approximately 920 students, serving grades 6 to 8.

Birkenmeier's other professional accomplishments include publication in the December 2007 edition of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) This Week for internal and external communication techniques in NSPRA, serving as the co-chair for the district's Standard-Based Report Card Committee, serving on the executive board and as the St. Louis representative of the Missouri Middle School Association in 2004. She currently is an active member of the St. Louis Association of Secondary School Principals, the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Middle School Association, the Missouri Middle School Association and the Association for Curriculum and Development.

Birkenmeier and her husband, Dan, have 3-year-old triplet daughters. She is an active member of the Mothers of Multiples serving Metro East and St. Louis organization and is training to run the Nike Plus Women's Marathon in San Francisco in October.

Hazelwood School District is a member of North County Inc.

AARON BURNETT

Aaron Burnett, 31, is the Housing Development Project Manager for Regional Housing & Community Development Alliance.

He works with community-based development organizations in the St. Louis area to revitalize their communities through the development of affordable and market rate housing. Since 2003, he has participated in the development of over 150 homes and apartments.

Born and raised in north St. Louis County, Burnett remains active in his community, serving on the Ferguson Landmarks Commission and on the Ferguson Downtown Strategic Development Plan Steering Committee, a group responsible for planning and organizing through the community's central business district. He also is an active board member of the North County Housing Corporation. He volunteers with the Ferguson Farmers Market and serves on the Ferguson Streetfest planning community.

Burnett's work in the non-profit sector began over 10 years ago working for both the First Presbyterian Church and for PAKT, a community improvement organization in Kinloch. He has focused his efforts on community development for the past seven years.

He is certified by the by the National Development Council as a Housing Development Finance Professional.

The City of Ferguson is a member of North County Inc.

BRENT BURY

Brent Bury, 33, is the City Administrator for the City of Normandy and City of Greendale.

Bury manages the day-to-day operations, prepares budgets and works on economic development and special projects. Prior to coming to Normandy in 2006, he worked for three years as the city manager in Iowa Falls, Iowa and as a city manager in Michigan for four years.

He is a member of the Missouri City Management Association, St. Louis Area City Management Association, and is a corporate member of the International City/County Management Association.

Bury is proud of his contributions in coaching the Redbird Rookies from Normandy for two years, T-ball, and 8- and10-year-olds, and in receiving a St. Louis County municipal Parks Grant ($228,000) for construction of the concession stand and a restroom in Hoelzel Park. He is currently working with East-West Gateway on a Great Streets Initiative project and the redevelopment of the Natural Bridge corridor.

He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in 1997 and a Master’s Degree in public Administration in 2000 from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Mich.

The cities of Normandy and Greendale are members of North County Inc.

JANE CRAWFORD

Jane Crawford, 39, is an assistant principal at McCluer High School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District.

Crawford's responsibilities include scheduling, facility maintenance, building use, transportation, field trips, staff evaluations, and student discipline. This past school year she completed the Principals' Leadership Academy, a professional development program sponsored by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

She graduated form Parkway North High School in 1987 and graduated from Truman State University in 1991 with a bachelor's degree in English and in 1992 earned her master's degree in education.

In 1993, Crawford began work as an English teacher for McCluer High School and taught both American Literature and British Literature. In 1997 she was appointed Dean of Students at McCluer and served as the Senior Class Administrator. The following year, after completing course work and certification requirements for the administrative certificate, became an assistant principle at McCluer and continued until 2000. In the spring of 2000, she took a part-time administrative position which allowed her for the next five years to be at home with her children and start work on her doctorate in Educational Leadership.In 2005 she returned to McCluer as full-time assistant principal.

In addition to work life, she contributes to the community and society through volunteer efforts with her children's school, Jazzercise philanthropies, and the Lori Shelton Alliance for Colon Cancer Awareness. She has also taught classes to elderly and retired people through OASIS.

The Ferguson-Florissant School District is a member of North County Inc.

JASON DINWIDDIE

Jason Dinwiddie, 35, is a communication skills teacher at Hazelwood East High School in the Hazelwood School District.

Dinwiddie teaches English, and has taught journalism, modern media and managed the yearbook publication in his tenure at East. Although he has only been teaching for six years, he was chosen as the Hazelwood East High School and the Hazelwood School District Teacher of the Year for 2007-08. He was considered for the Missouri Teacher of the Year. He also has been named Communications Skills Department Chair at Hazelwood East, where he will be responsible for a 25-member department consisting of English, journalism, speech, foreign language teachers as well as librarians.

He has taught Modern Media and Reading/Writing workshops and helped to design an alternative program at Hazelwood East called East Options, or School-Within-A-School program. He is the recycling program coordinator for East, the head coach for girls tennis and the district tennis camp coordinator.

Dinwiddie is a member of the Florissant Valley Kiwanis and sponsors the Hazelwood East Key Club, a service club affiliated with the Kiwanis. He also is actively involved in the Cappies Critic program as an adviser and is an honorary Thespian for his work with the East theater program.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a major in English and a minor in French from Central Methodist College, a candidate for Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and completion of post-degree certification program in English from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

He and his wife, Amber, have one daughter.

Hazelwood School District is a member of North County Inc.

DANIELLE FRAZIER

Danielle Frazier, 38, is the founder of Challenges, Choices and Changes, Inc. and currently works as a senior developmental editor for Elsevier, Inc. of North St. Louis County.

Frazier conducts seminars for young women and serves as a mentor to them. Her Christian organization is dedicated to addressing the issues that young women face in today's society. She says it is her goal to help young women, ages 10 to 25, in their decision making, direction and ability to overcome everyday challenges. Working alongside local churches, schools and other organizations, Frazier says she is dedicated to helping young women be restored and made whole so they can fulfill the purpose God has for their lives.

Having faced her own struggles growing up, Frazier says she can relate to the difficulties that many young women face. Through her seminars, she encourages the girls to discuss and share their thoughts and experiences. She believes that by talking about her own mistakes, she can help prevent other young women from experiencing some of the hurts she unnecessarily went through.

A native of St. Louis, Frazier graduated from Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications Disorders from St. Louis University. Currently she is working on her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling at Covenant Theological Seminary.

She has traveled to Uganda and South Africa on a "Youth to Africa" mission in 2006 and 2008. Her Web site is www.cccseminars.com.

SHANNON GILL

Shannon Gill, 31, is the senior sales manager for the St. Louis Airport Marriott.

Her job responsibilities include sales and customer relations in the hospitality industry. She said she is proud of her role in booking business for groups that spend money in North County and assisting with Marine and Navy Reserves for drills and deployment.

She started her career over eight years ago when she started as a sales manager at the Capital Plaza in Jefferson City. She then moved to St. Louis where worked with the Embassy Suites Hotel prior to joining the Airport Marriott and the Renaissance Hotels. In 2005, she received the Marriott's President Award.

Gill maintains membership in the Missouri Society of Association Executives where she serves on several committees, St. Louis Society of Association Executives, Missouri State Capital Chapter of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals where she serves as second vice president and the St. Louis Gateway Chapter of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals.

She attended Columbia College. She has participated in the John Q. Hammons sales training, Hilton sales training and Marriott Certified Government Sales Manager programs. St. Louis Airport Marriott is a member of North County Inc.

TIM GORRY

Tim Gorry, 32, is the general manager of KCFV/89.5 FM, the campus radio station of St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley.

He works closely with broadcast students , managing the day-to-day operations of the station and helping students learn the broadcast industry. Gorry also enjoys working with the award- winning film production group 88mm.

Gorry spends a lot of time and energy promoting community projects in North County through KCFV such as the Florissant Valley of Flowers, Ferguson Streetfest, the City of Ferguson's Fourth of July celebration and the Olde Towne Fall Festival in Florissant. He volunteers and interviews veterans to submit their stories to the Library of Congress and gives tour and radio demonstrations to Cub Scouts and school and community youth groups. He also currently works with the Sustainability Committee at Florissant Valley to help clean up North County.

Prior to joining the KCFV radio team, Gorry worked as a Network Administrator with a web hosting company, Chicago Webs. He spent three years as a contractor for the military installing advanced computer networks onboard warships. He became a Fleet Systems Engineer (FSET) for the USS Bonhomme Richard during Operation Enduring Freedom. He also served as the FSET for the USS Tarawa battle group and the USS Belleau Wood.

Prior to these civilian positions, Gorry served four years in the United States Navy. He worked as a certified Naval Radioman and was stationed on the USS Coronado.

Gorry graduated from Hazelwood Central High School in 1994 and received his Associate's Degree in Communication Arts with an emphasis in broadcasting in 2007. He has received awards and recognitions from the National Society of Broadcasters and from Missouri Broadcasters Education Association.

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley is a member of North County Inc.

SHONTE HARMON-YOUNG

Shonte Harmon-Young, 36, is serving her second term as Alderperson in the 1st Ward of the City of Moline Acres.

Harmon-Young says she is proud of her accomplishments during her first term of Alderperson which include successfully campaigning for a half-cent capital improvement sales tax which provided much needed equipment and upgrades to the streets and building, opening a cooling center during the power outage of 2006 which also became a food distribution site where over 4,000 meals were distributed to residents without power, implementing a "Volunteer of the Year" award and beginning a volunteer recruitment program; and re-implementing a newsletter to keep residents up-to-date on events in the city.

One of Harmon-Young's most proud accomplishments is her work as director of Youth and Family Programs for the City of Moline Acres. She says the summer youth program offers lunch and snacks for the children of the city as well as surrounding areas as well as arts and crafts, outdoor play and guest speakers daily, who have included local Teamsters, firefighters, police officers, attorneys and others. The program also offers events for children throughout the year including movie night, trunk or treat and holiday crafts.

She is a member of City of Moline Acres Zoning Board and Board of Adjustments, the Teamsters National Black Caucus, the Finance and Taxation Committee of the Missouri Municipal League, the Meadows Elementary School PTO, the Greater St. Mark Family Church Usher Board, and is a volunteer with The Youth and Family Center.

Harmon-Young and her husband, Cornell, have six children.

The City of Moline Acres is a member of North County Inc.

TERRENCE HARRIS

Terrence Harris, 34, is the vice president, district sales executive, retail sales of National City Corp. in St. Louis.

Harris began his professional career in 1994 in retail sales management in roles as manager, district operations and merchandising support. He joined National City in 2004 as a branch manager. In 2008, he was promoted to district sales executive and now oversees the operations of nine offices in the North County area. He has a bachelor's degree in business management.

Harris is proud of his involvement with Junior Achievement, where he regularly teaches personal finance to youth and volunteers at youth camps. His goal is to motivate and serve as a role model to children.

He is active in the Greater North St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce, where he serves as treasurer; is president of Business Builders, a networking group in North County; and serves on the Advisory Board for the Get Checking Program, which helps adults improve their banking habits to provide second chance banking. He volunteers for numerous events in the area.

He and his wife, Melissa, are the proud parents of two children.

LISA HAZEL

Lisa Hazel, 39, is the principal of Halls Ferry Elementary School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District.

She serves as the building administrator for 400 students, kindergarten through sixth grade. She has served in this position since 2004. Prior to that, she was the instructional specialist at Halls Ferry Elementary in which she provided instructional support and assistance to classroom teachers, organized school-wide reading activities and coordinated and supervised an extended learning program. She served as administrative intern at January-Wabash Elementary School in 2001, was a classroom teacher from 1997-2001 at Halls Ferry Elementary and was a Special School District teacher from 1992-97.

As an educator, Hazel promotes literacy throughout the school community by providing parents opportunities to learn about literacy and how to promote it in the home. She also serves as a trainer and leader in Positive Behavior Support for the North County area. PBS is a proactive approach to supporting success in the school setting through teaching and reinforcing positive school behaviors. Under her leadership, Halls Ferry School has been recognized by the state as an exemplar site for incorporating the critical features and components of PBS.

Hazel earned a Bachelor of Science in physchology and a Master of Arts in Special Education at Truman State University.

She is a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, National Association of Elementary School Principals, International Reading Association, St. Louis Suburban Reading Association and National Education Association.

Ferguson-Florissant School District is a member of North County Inc.

MICAH JACQUEMIN

Micah P. Jacquemin, 35, is the Superintendent of Public Works in Woodson Terrace. Jacquemin responsibilities include administrative, supervisory and technical work as it pertains to Public Works Activity. He has been employed by the city for 13 years. Originally he was hired as temporary employee, but within one month he so impressed his superior that he was hired as a full-time employee. In 1999, he took over as Acting Public Works Superintendent and in 2001 formally appointed superintendent.

Under his leadership, the John. L. Brown city park has become a centerpiece for the city. He and his crew have updated all the buildings in the park, rebuilt three pavilions, completely refurbished the city pool and created an extensive landscaping program throughout the park.

During the power outages of 2006 and 2007, Jacquemin and his crew worked 16-18 hours per day clearing and chipping debris from the city. He also spent personal time helping the elderly in the city with everything from starting and refilling their generators to delivering ice to those in need.

Jacquemin and his wife, Karen, have two children.

He is affiliated with the Woodson Terrace Business Association.

The City of Woodson Terrace is a member of North County Inc.

DWAYNE JAMES

Dwayne T. James, P.E., 36, is currently Inside Sales Coordinator at Jacobs Engineering and served as a Councilman in the City of Ferguson.

For 13 years, James worked as a structural engineer at Jacobs Civil Inc. (formerly Sverdrup Civil, Inc.). During that time, he gained experience in bridge superstructure and substructure design on a wide range of bridge project, including municipal, various state Department of Transportation, and light rail transit clients. In his current role, he prepares business development documents and presentations including responses to request for proposals/request for qualifications specifically for the Department of Defense pursuits. He also is an instructor for United Services of Chicago - East St. Louis Training Center.

Currently, James is a council member for the City of Ferguson. He has served in this capacity since July 2005 having initially been appointed after the resignation of a former council member due to health issues. Before being appointed to the council, he served on the Ferguson Planning Commission and served as president of his neighborhood association.

He is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers. As a member, he currently resides on the Communication Committee and was previously on the Committee on Diversity and Women in Civil Engineering as the Vice Chair.

James has annually volunteered his time at local high school career fairs, participated in the company's "Rebuilding Together with Christmas in April" project and founded a program called "Professional Friends," which provides a direct link between professionals in the field of civil engineering and high school students in order to encourage the students to develop skills and motivation to continue their education beyond high school.

The City of Ferguson is a member of North County Inc.

MIRANDA JONES

Miranda Jones, 34, is serving her second term as president of the Jennings School Board and is currently the director of youth and family services for Better Family Life, an agency which focuses on urban families and youth.

She manages over $1 million in youth programming including after school programs, summer camp, Project ATTACK in-school program, SLATE youth job training program and the Community Base Abstinence education program.

Jones has 10 years of professional experience in public and community relations working with the St. Louis Rams, St. Louis 2004 and several other companies as a freelance publicist and special events manager. She has partnered on events for several youth organizations including Our Little Haven, Big Brother Big Sister and Set the Pace Foundation.

Through her work with non-profit organizations, Jones realized she had a passion and a profound gift for reaching and educating youth. Being one of the only women in the world with a world champion Super Bowl ring, she often uses her experiences to talk to youth about perseverance, hard work and how to overcome obstacles.

Jones says her most prized possession is her family. She and her husband, Addam, have two children,. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in English, black studies and psychology from the University of Missouri at Columbia. She is a member of the Missouri School Board Association, Council of Urban School Board and the Black School Board Association and is the district liaison for the St. Louis Area's Special School District. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Shalom City of Peace Church.

The City of Jennings and the Jennings School District are members of North County Inc.

JENIFER MARTIN

Jenifer Martin, 33, is a recycling representative with Abitibi Bowater Recycling Division in St. Louis.

She manages a free recycling program in a seven-county area, including North St. Louis County. Her responsibilities include prospecting and introducing Paper Retriever Program to schools, churches and non-profit organizations. She also motivates and manages current customers to maximize potential tonnage for their optimum success in the program. Professionally, she helps customers raise money by recycling. In the North County area, over $10,000 each month has been awarded to North County customers.

Martin is a member of the Florissant Valley Jaycees, serving her second term as treasurer. Previously, she was individual development vice president and management vice president in the Jaycees.

As a member of the Florissant Valley Jaycees, she has volunteered in many charitable projects including the Jaycee Christmas Tree lot and selling ducks to raise money for the American Cancer Society's North County Relay for Life. She has chaired the fireworks display at Village North Retirement Community in North County and has volunteered at a Jamestown New Horizons Trivia Night fund raiser.

The Florissant Valley Jaycees is a member of North County Inc.

ART MCCOY

Art J. McCoy II, Ph.D., 31, is the assistant superintendent of secondary education for the Ferguson-Florissant School District.

McCoy oversees principals, curriculum, coordinators, alternative schools and the Challenger Center.

He is most proud of his contributions as the creator and program director of the University of Missouri-St. Louis SAGES Academy and SAGES mentoring program and receiving a $600,000 federal grant for the program.

At age 17, McCoy attended Washington University for a semester then transferred to Harris-Stowe State College. He graduated in December 1996 Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. He went on to obtain a master's degree in educational administration in 1999 and a doctorate in 2002 from the UM-St. Louis.

In 1997, at age 19, he taught mathematics at Rockwood School District. In 1999, he was appointed vice-principal of Hardin Middle School in the City of St. Charles School District. From 2000 to 2005 he served the Pattonville School District as an assistant principal at Holman Middle School, district CharacterPlus administrative liaison and K-12 Gift Director. In 2005, he returned to Rockwood and in 2008 moved to Ferguson-Florissant. He was the youngest assistant superintendent at Ferguson-Florissant and the youngest middle school administrator and K-12 gifted director for Pattonville and the youngest certified teacher in Missouri at age 19.

McCoy has led over 200 workshops and presentations. He has received several awards including the University of Missouri St. Louis Distinguished Alumni Award, UM-St. Louis Leadership Council Alumni Award, KAPPA DELTA PI "Honor an Educator" and the Distinguished Alumnus of Harris-Stowe State College.

Ferguson-Florissant School District is a member of North County Inc.

MELANIE MUETH

Melanie Mueth, M.D., 36, serves as Christian Hospital's vice president and chief medical officer.

Dr. Mueth provides leadership relative to medical staff-hospital relations, quality and safety of patient care. Under her leadership, Christian Hospital continues to make outstanding progress in improving the patient care experience. She has keen interest and expert skill level in quality improvement, which has helped Christian Hospital achieve a score on publicly-reported CMS clinical quality measures that is in the 25 percent of hospitals nationally. She is committed to ensuring that the best in medical care and technological advancements are available in the North County community.

Prior to her current position, Dr. Mueth was medical director, public safety and documentation compliance at Christian Hospital. From 2002-03, she was the Chief Resident and Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Ill.

She is a member of the American College of Physician Executives and former council member of the St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society. She has received the Alpha Omega Alpha-Physician Honor Society award.

She and her husband have three children.

Christian Hospital is a member of North County Inc.

RON ORR

Ron Orr, 38, is the chief financial officer for the Pattonville School District.

His job responsibilities include overseeing a $100 million budget, facilities and construction, purchasing, food services, technology, payroll, printing, business services, audit and investments.

Orr's professional contributions include developing a long-term capital plan to fund technology purchases without needing to ask voters to approve a bond issue. This plan recently funded a $4 million laptop replacement that resulted in nearly one computer for each student. He also is proud of the school district's utilization in 2004 of a special provision of the Federal School Lunch and Breakfast program that allowed the district to provide free breakfast to all students. Currently, the district serves nearly 3,500 breakfasts a day, which ensures that all students have access to a healthy breakfast every day. This was accomplished without an increased cost to the district.

He is a member of the Bridgeton Kiwanis, Association of School Business Officials, Missouri United School Insurance Council and School Administration Coalition.

He earned a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri at St. Louis and he is a certified public accountant.

Pattonville School District is a member of North County Inc.

TIM PECORARO

Tim Pecoraro, Ed.D., 37, is the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for the Pattonville School District.

Pecoraro is responsible for student achievement, school improvement teams, curriculum development, minority student achievement, No Child Left Behind,, professional developments and various other areas in the school district.

He accepted the position in July 2007, after serving as principal of Briar Crest Elementary School from July 2001 to June 2007. Prior to that he served as John Weldon Elementary School assistant principal, administrative intern and fifth -grade teacher with the Francis Howell School District.

Pecoraro earned his Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis, a Master of Arts in Education Administration from Lindenwood University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2007 from St. Louis University.

He is a member of Dardenne Presbyterian Church, youth soccer coach, member of St. Louis Area Curriculum Coordinators Association, Show-Me Curriculum Administration Association, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and Arts and Education council. He also received the Pride of Pattonville Award.

Pattonville School District is a member of North County Inc.

DAVID REED

David Reed, 37, is the general manager for St. Louis Mills in Hazelwood.

Reed oversees the day-to-day operations of St. Louis Mills and provides strategic and financial direction for the operations of the shopping center. In addition to St. Louis Mills, which is one of 17 retail and entertainment destinations owned and managed by The Mills A Simon Company of Indianapolis, Ind., he oversees the operation of two strip centers in the metro area - Lincoln Crossing in O'Fallon, Ill., and Regency Plaza in St. Charles.

Prior to joining St. Louis Mills in 2004, Reed was property manager for the DESCO Group, Inc., where he was responsible for day-to-day activities and strategic direction for 12 community shopping centers. He has been responsible for the management of six regional malls in four different states associated with Richard E. Jacobs Group and Jones Lang LaSalle.

Reed has been in the real estate industry for 15 years. In 1999, he received his Certified Shopping Manager designation. In 2007, he received his Senior Certified Shopping Manager designation. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History in 1993 from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

He is a member of several civic and business organizations, including North County Chamber of Commerce, Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, Discover 370 and Park 370/Missouri Bottom Road/ Tausing TDD. He also is on the executive board of NCI.

He and his wife have lived in St. Louis for seven years and they have two daughters.

St. Louis Mills is a member of North County Inc.

GAIL REHME

Gail Rehme, 35, is the Sales Trainer Coordinator for Covidien.

Rehme has been employed by Covidien since 1997. She coordinates the training for Contrast Media and Nuclear Medicine Sales Representatives from across the country who come into St. Louis several times a year. Previous roles at Covidien (formerly Tyco Healthcare-Mallinckrodt) included Education Coordinator and Professional Services Department Assistant.

She received her Bachelor's of Art degree in Business Communications from Lindenwood University in 2003 and Associate of Arts in human services from St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley in 1995.

In June 1984, Rehme says her life changed forever when her brother David was killed by a drunk driver. In 2003, she started a nonprofit organization called Who's Next to raise awareness to the problem of drunk driving. She designed a Memorial Marker and spoke before the Missouri Legislature to allow these markers to be placed on Missouri highways where someone was killed by a drunk driver. The law hasn't pass to date, but she intends to return in 2009 to encourage lawmakers to pass this bill which is very close to her heart. Who's Next also raises funds for families who would like a Memorial Marker for a loved one.

Rehme and her husband, Tedd, have three children: Joshua, Kyle and Lindsay. She successfully started an annual neighborhood block party. She is a member of the choir at First Christian Church of Florissant and the Children's Choir Director. She is also the President of the Parent-Teacher group at Parker Road Elementary School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District.

Ferguson-Florissant School District is a member of North County Inc.

ANN ROTH

Ann Roth, 38, is a teacher in mathematics and chemistry for Lutheran High School North, the high school from which she graduated.

Roth is involved in lesson planning and implementation as well as the evaluation of academic achievement.

Roth has affiliations as a Girl Scout leader, Vacation Bible School area leader, Sunday school director, PTL volunteer, choir and handbell member. She is most proud of her contribution as Sunday School director and Girl Scout leader.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Truman University and a Master of Arts in Education from Truman University.

Roth and her husband, Michael, have been married for 10 years. They have two children, Rebecca, 8, and Timothy, 4. They are looking forward to welcoming child No. 3 at the end of October.

Lutheran High School North is a member of North County Inc.

DE'CARLON SEEWOOD

De'Carlon Etienne Seewood is the city manager for the City of Berkeley.

Seewood was appointed City Manager for the City of Berkeley on April 20, 2007. Prior to joining the City of Berkeley he served as the assistant city manager for the City of Ferguson and before that he was the assistant to the Director of Administration for the City of Fulton from 1997 to 2001.

Seewood has a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Rockhurst College in Kansas City and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is a credentialed manager recognized by the International City County Managers Association.

Seewood responsibilities for overseeing the day-to day operation of all city departments and managing city personnel to ensure consistency in both direction and operation. He provides policy recommendation to the city council, implementing adopted legislation, carrying out the policy direction of the council citywide, formulating, preparing and presenting the annual budget and capital improvement budget for consideration.

Seewood has affiliations with the International City Managers Association, Missouri City Manager Association, St. Louis Area City Manager Association, Missouri Municipal League, St. Louis Municipal League, National Association for Black Public Administrator and the North County Chamber of Commerce.

Seewood has two children.

The City of Berkeley is a member of North County Inc.

AMY SMITH

Amy Smith, 30, is the Marketing Director and Firm Administrator for Favazza & Associates, LLC

Smith responsibilities are marketing, management and sales as well as development networking.

Smith is a member of the Northwest Chamber of Commerce, serving on their Ambassador and Public Relations/Marketing Committee; member and ambassador for the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce; ambassador for BNI Givers Gain Chapter and vice president; and vice president of Room to Read, a charitable organization that raises money to educate third world female children, building schools and publishing books.

Smith is proud of helping to organize events for the Northwest chamber, BNI as well as working as a VIP in the Ritenour School District.

She graduated from Pattonville High School in 1996 and owns and operates her own business out of her St. John home.

Favazza & Associates, LLC and the City of St. John are members of North County Inc.

JODY SQUIRES

Jody J. Squires, Ph.D., 34, is the Urban Youth Specialist and St. Louis City Program Director for University of Missouri Extension.

Squires responsibilities include planning, implementing and supervising St. Louis 4-H youth development programs. She also serves as the Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor for University Extension East-Central Region.

She has a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Missouri at Columbia, a Master's Degree in Community Education and a Doctorate Degree in Education from the University of Missouri at St. Louis.

Squires is a NELD 2007-08 Participant (National Extension Leadership Development Program). She is a member of Lincoln University Extension Urban Impact Center St. Louis Advisory Board, University of Missouri Chancellors Alumni Diversity Task Force, Robert-Superior Neighborhood Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church Finance Committee and Hospitality Committee.

As a member of the Robert-Superior Neighborhood Association in Ferguson, she works with members of the community to provide a summer camp for area youth. For three years, 40 youth have participated in the Robert-Superior Day Camp. She is also active in planning the neighborhood National Night Out Celebration.

Squires has received an Excellence Award from the University of Missouri St Louis-Extension and also a Missouri Extension Leaders Development Program Graduate.

The University of Missouri at St. Louis is a member of North County Inc.

LISA STRAUTHER

Lisa N. Strauther, 35, is the principal at Jamestown Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District.

As the principal, Strauther is the instructional leader for 350 students 60 staff members. She is responsible for ensuring that teachers enrich each student's academic experience by providing creative and meaningful lessons aligned with our state's standards and geared towards each child's instructional level. Strauther, a graduate herself of the Hazelwood School District, was inspired to enter the field of education by her mother, who taught for more than 30 years. She has more than 13 years of educational experience. Prior to serving as principal at Jamestown, she served as assistant principal at Keeven Elementary School, assistant principal for three years at Townsend Elementary, taught at Jury Elementary School and at a University City School District school.

She is proud of her contributions over the years like during the Thanksgiving holiday with helping different organizations provide meals to families in need and in organizing and developing the S.T.A.R.S. program at a previous elementary school.

She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Harris-Stowe University, a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University. She is currently enrolled in the doctoral program at Maryville University and will graduate in 2008.

Struather is a member of the Charmaine Chapman Society of United Way, the Association for the Supervision and Curriculum Development, National Association of Elementary School Principals, Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals and the St. Louis Suburban of Elementary Principals Association.

The Hazelwood School District is a member of North County Inc.

COLLEEN WATERMON

Colleen M. Watermon, 39, is the director of Constituent Relations at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

In this role, she helps manage the Universities key relationships with St. Louis business and civic leaders to support the overall mission of the university. Her responsibilities include overseeing a variety of Leadership Councils and the Chancellors Council that support the work of the University, including assisting Chancellor Tom George, as well as supporting the critical development and functions of the university.

Watermon joined UM-St. Louis in 1996. In 2002, she took on the added responsibility of managing Alumni Relations, including serving as the executive director of the alumni organization. She organizes an university golf tournament that has resulted in over $425,000 for student scholarships.

Prior to joining the University of Missouri at St. Louis, Watermon served as the marketing manager for the Institute of Professional Development, a campaign consultant on a variety of political campaigns, an aide to Congressman William L. Clay and as the Missouri press secretary for the 1992 presidential campaign.

Watermon, a life-long St. Louisan, graduated for St. Thomas Aquinas Mercy High School in Florissant and earned a Bachelor's Degree in communication, public relations from Quincy College and a Master's Degree in media communication from Webster University.

She has been involved with a variety of civic and charitable causes, including volunteering and raising money for the St. Louis chapter of Juvenile Diabetes, the Pink for Pilates Steering Committee, the Coro Leadership Centers 35th Anniversary Leadership Awards Celebration and the United Way's Women's Leadership Giving Initiative.

The University of Missouri-St. Louis is a member of North County Inc.

LISLE WESCOTT

Lisle Wescott, 36, is the director of program development at SSM DePaul Health Center in Bridgeton.

Her job responsibilities include developing and implementing the strategies associated with the hospital's strategic plan and driving projects to their timely completion. She is proud of her professional accomplishments which include her recruitment of specialists to SSM DePaul Health Center and development of the Joint Replacement Center at DePaul. Since the Joint Replacement Center's start in October 2007, Wescott says the center has seen improvement in customer satisfaction and clinical outcomes and has performed the most knee replacements of any hospital in the Metro-St. Louis area.

Wescott was born in Northern California and received both a Bachelor's in Social Work and a Master's of Social Work from California State University Fresno. In 2000 in Salt Lake City, she held the positions of director of volunteer services, patient advocate and hospital services representative. Wescott joined DePaul in 2004 as a physician services manager. In 2006, she was promoted into the director of program development which she currently holds.

She is a member of the American Heart Association, St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club and Twin Chimneys Elementary School PTO.

Wescott and her husband, Sterling, have two daughters, ages 9 and 7.

SSM DePaul Health Center is a member of North County Inc.

BOBBI ZIGRANG

Bobbi Zigrang, Ed.D., 38, is the school principal of Arrowpoint Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District.

She has most recently been assigned to the position of Director of Federal Programs, Early Childhood and Parents as Teachers for the Hazelwood School District.

Previously, Zigrang worked in the Riverview Gardens School District. She served as assistant principal of Moline Elementary for four years before becoming principal in 2002.

Zigrang is proud of her contribution in opening two new elementary schools, Moline Elementary in Riverview and Arrowpoint in Hazelwood . As the principal who opened Arrowpoint, she was responsible for hiring staff, ordering furniture and other necessary items for the building, holding community meetings and working collaboratively with contractors to ensure the successful opening of the school. She is most proud of helping the school community achieve and earn its state and federal annual yearly progress goals.

She has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education, a Master's Degree in Educational Administration and an Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Zigrang is a member of the Junior League of Greater Alton, Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals, Parent Advisory Council, ASCD, International Reading Association and the PTA.

She has four daughters.

The Hazelwood School District is a member of North County Inc.