2014 Most Influential Women Honoree: Amy Wilkerson

It isn’t difficult for Amy Wilkerson to name two of her most significant professional accomplishments. They happened in the same week this year.

On April 8, Wilkerson was elected to the board of the Marshfield R-1 School District – she was one of five new candidates running for one spot – and the next day, she learned she had been named the best overall businesswoman in Webster County by the readers of the Marshfield Mail.

“I was very grateful and thankful that my community entrusted me to help make the decisions for our school district and our children,” says Wilkerson, vice president of finance at Southern Missouri Bank of Marshfield. “I was, and continue to be, honored and thankful that my colleagues, coworkers and community members voted for me and showed the confidence that they have in me.”

At the bank, Wilkerson manages an investment portfolio of more than $10 million and serves on numerous committees. That service attitude spills over into her personal life as well.

Wilkerson believes collective effort gets more done, and she thinks that approach helped make the Don’t Meth With Us program a success in Webster County. Presented by the Rotary Club of Marshfield, Wilkerson served as chairwoman of the committee that presented the anti-drug initiative to more than 1,000 students. Her efforts also brought in two national speakers for high school students and community members.

“I was able to join the communities of Marshfield, Niangua, Seymour, Fordland and Rogersville to support our program heartily and to work together to make this project successful for the kids of Webster County,” she says. “We collected over $9,500 in cash donations and services to support the program.”

Wilkerson credits a shared, well-defined goal for the campaign’s positive impact.

“I believe leadership is defining what the goal is, suggesting ideas to obtain the goal and then leading the team to achieve the goal,” she says. “I believe that when everyone works together, more can be accomplished than if all the same people work individually for the same goal.”

Wilkerson thinks communities and organizations benefit from leaders who share, mentor, encourage learning and foster a pay-it-forward attitude. She never hesitates to refer friends, family and co-workers to a business that has helped her or provided excellent service. During the past year, Wilkerson has referred many of her contacts to two local establishments, both of which are thriving.

“These are both well-run businesses, and I cannot take all of the credit for their success,” she says. “However, the extra boost and support I gave them helped them to grow even faster than their own expectations.”

Wilkerson appreciates the faith her community has placed in her.

“I understand that it can be difficult to influence others or earn a leadership position in a town that you are not originally from,” she says. “I believe my leadership skills, education and training, as well as my integrity, have earned me a high degree of trust and support throughout the community.”[[In-content Ad]]