2013 Most Influential Women Honoree: Susan Haralson

Susan Haralson’s leadership lessons harken back to her upbringing.

“I learned most things by watching what my parents did. I was fortunate to have a mother and father that truly taught me the fundamentals of leadership,” says Haralson, co-owner of Premier Home Health Care Inc., which provides services to patients of all ages, including everything from nursing and housekeeping to personal care and live-in companionship.

An early experience made a particular impression on Haralson as a youngster and influenced her eventual role as a business owner.

“My father was a truck driver who worked long hours to put a roof over my head and food on the table. During his free time, of which he did not have much, he was involved in a motorcycle accident and told that he would never walk again,” Haralson says. “I watched him overcome this and was so inspired by his work ethic and dedication.”

Premier Home Health Care has employed thousands of employees since its founding in 1992. Haralson has tried to engage each one, encouraging their strengths and advising on ways to enhance their education and careers.

“There is nothing better than watching someone succeed, even if it means they grow with a new endeavor,” she says.

Premier Home Health Care started operations in a living room with seven employees and has grown to employ more than 500 people in 12 offices throughout Missouri serving more than 1,200 clients. Haralson manages daily operations and marketing. She also lends her experience to several outside organizations.

Haralson joined the Ozark Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors in 2010 and will serve as its chairperson in 2014. She has been active in the development of the chamber’s new business incubator, helping raise $75,000 for the endeavor to date. She calls those efforts both challenging and rewarding.

“After watching my mother at Ozark Bank for more than 30 years without missing a day of work until she learned she had cancer, I was thrilled to honor her by dedicating the new conference room in her name. It is moments like these that make all of the hard work worth it,” Haralson says.

Haralson says she is humbled to have been chosen to serve as president of the Springfield Sunrise Rotary Club for the current year, only the fourth time a female has held that position since the club’s founding in 1989. In a club of more than 80 members, Haralson oversees five directors and numerous committees that together raise money for Rotary’s PolioPlus, Ashley House, The Child Advocacy Center Inc. and during Rock’n Ribs.

“Rotary is one of my passions, not only because of the impact it has on the Ozarks but internationally as well,” Haralson says.[[In-content Ad]]