2007 Most Influential Women Honoree: Jean Twitty

The publicity of public office hasn’t deterred Jean Twitty from serving her community. Just months after moving to Springfield, Twitty ran for Greene County assessor in 1992 and won.

Twitty spent 12 years in office and supervised countywide real estate assessments in 1995, 1997 and 2001, the first of which required a comprehensive review of 95,000 parcels in Greene County. That number grew to more than 100,000 in 2001.

During her tenure as assessor, Twitty also converted the county’s mapping processes from manual to digital to facilitate its geographic information system, which was later integrated with a computer-assisted mass appraisal system.

Also on her list of accomplishments is the county assessor’s user-friendly Web site, which allows visitors to search parcels by address or owner. Search results include detailed property information, including maps, photos and values.

As her third term came to a close, Twitty decided not to run for re-election. After a short respite from the public spotlight, Twitty was elected to her first term on the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education in April 2006.

“It was nice to be out of the public eye for a while, but then I realized I missed it,” she said.

Twitty, a former physical education teacher and longtime public education advocate, said she was enticed to the school board by the excitement surrounding school district construction projects made possible with a $96.5 million bond levy approved by voters last year.

Twitty’s civic-mindedness also extends to nonprofit agencies. She was on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks board 2001–05 and was board president in 2004. She also serves on the advisory board for the Girl Scouts of Dogwood Trails Council.

Twitty has been married for 32 years to City Utilities of Springfield General Manager John Twitty, who in that role became the scapegoat of January’s historic ice storm. Jean Twitty said they have both developed a thick skin through their years of public service.

“I have a great belief in the way Springfieldians … feel about their community,” she said. “Even though they can be critical, I happen to think that they’re well-intentioned and that they want the best. Public service is maybe easier here than it is in some areas.”

One-on-one with Jean Twitty

What advice do you have for young women preparing to enter the work force?

Hard work and preparation very seldom fail anyone. Do your homework, make a plan and stick to it.

Beyond the Golden Rule, what philosophy guides you?

Go big, or go home. Don’t pursue something that you don’t really want or aren’t prepared to work for.

What’s something about you that most people don’t know?

Most people probably don’t know that I’m an active supporter of Planned Parenthood. I believe all women should have access to affordable medical care and accurate information about sexual health. I encourage other women to support the great work Planned Parenthood does in our community.

Please tell us about your family.

Most Springfieldians know my husband, John, who serves as the general manager for City Utilities. We’ve been married 32 years. Our daughter, Anne, is pursuing a doctorate in American history at Princeton University. I also have a 12 year-old dog named Dusty rescued from the Polk County Humane Society.

Information accurate at the time of the honor.[[In-content Ad]]