A Fresh Perspective!
I hope this site gives voters a way to learn more about me & what I can offer to the office of the Presiding Commissioner.
* Barton County resident for the past 24 years * Married to Pat O'Sullivan for 35 years * Raised our family in Lamar * Actively serves the community * Leadership roles in professional & civic organizations * 20 + years of Business Experience
Be Seen, heard & Valued
Leadership that is:
* Approachable
* Growth minded
* Open to new ideas
* Positive
* Relational
* Collaborative
* Transparent
* Accountable
* Humble
Prioritizes
* Balancing fiscal responsibilities & growth
* Data that drives decision making
* Healthy working relationships
* Better utilization of technology within our county government
* Improve marketing of our county
* Placing the internet as a high priority in our infrastructure
* Proactive with county planning
* Utilizing grant writing with regional, state, and federal funding resources
~Community~ PeoPle over Politics
* Having faith that the best is yet to come
* Every challenge has a solution if we work together
* Valuing the needs & ideas of our residents
* Forward-thinking for future advancement of our community
About Me
Bringing a Fresh Perspective
My parents grew up on farms in Douglas County, Missouri. I have many fond memories of playing on those family farms with my sister and cousins. They moved to Springfield to pursue employment opportunities, in which both were lifetime employees in manufacturing companies. I was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, and graduated from Central High School and Southwest Missouri State University with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Management.
Following graduation, I married my college sweetheart Pat O'Sullivan. We moved to Wheeling, Illinois, which is a suburb of Chicago. After two bitterly cold winters, we moved to Olathe, Kansas. Our family lived there for nine years. I believe my history gives me a unique viewpoint with many additional layers and insights.
In 1998, our family moved to Lamar, and during our first year of living here, I was in a car accident, and the community support was overwhelming. I knew that I had found my home! I always tell people who ask if I like living in a rural community that it is the BEST, and that is because of the people!
Involvement in the community came very quickly when I discovered a lack of things for the students to do during recess at West Elementary. I got involved in the Lamar PTO and became President. The ambitious task of raising these much-needed funds to invest in playground equipment, basketball goals, and other items for the children was a challenge. With a small balance in the account, I was motivated to "think outside the box" to provide the money quickly. The traditional fundraising methods were going to take years, so I created "Reading for Success," which was strongly supported by the community. Within two short years, we raised $30,000, which funded all the projects, plus additional items like trees, and signs for East & West Elementary.
My volunteer spirit has added value to our community through countless hours invested in children's ministries, leadership in Beta Gamma Sorority, coaching youth sports, and serving as an assistant coach for the Varsity Cheer program in Lamar.
My current position, held for the past six years as Membership Director at the Barton County Chamber of Commerce, has given me great insight into the needs of our 250 members, which consists of businesses, governmental entities, schools, and non-profits. I learn something daily from our members, and my work life revolves around "Promoting Progress in Barton County, through Business & Community Development." I desire to expand using my gifts of discernment, creative problem solving, and strategic planning to enhance the growth of Barton County by serving as your next Presiding Commissioner!
~ I humbly ask for your consideration when casting your ballot on Tuesday, August 2nd ~
My Hobbies
I enjoy taking walks, reading, attempting golf, and occasionally escaping in a good Netflix series. Most of all, I enjoy spending time with family & friends.
My Beliefs
God leads my life
All people deserve respect
Integrity matters
Do your best each day