2008 40 Under 40 Honoree: Robin Rees

“Leadership is not something that is given with the title,” Rees says. “It is learned and it is earned. When working with others, I seek to understand their position and feelings on a matter before I make a final decision that may impact them.”

Rees cites achieving her current position with Peoples Bank as her proudest career accomplishment. “I started as a teller and have had the opportunity to work my way into this position,” she says. “It is a challenging, ever-changing position, and I absolutely love going to work every day.”

Rees also is in learning mode as she enters her second year on the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, which she now serves as vice chairwoman. “We are looking forward to moving into a facility right next door that has a larger meeting space,” Rees says. “We will be able to do some educational type activities with chamber members and their employees. We are looking at our five-year plan and strategic planning. I’m just excited to be there.”

Rees also gives of her time here and abroad. Through Wells of Joy Ministry, she will be traveling to Guatemala with her family this year and hopes to travel to Zambia in Africa in 2009.

“I love being able to go on trips like that with my entire family and to expose my girls to another culture that is so different than we are,” Rees says. “It shows them how blessed we are, and when you are blessed you have to give back.”

Rees leads the Peoples Bank team in the Christian County Relay for Life and is the director of Lighthouse Ministry at Ridgecrest Baptist Church. That ministry works closely with the AIDS Project of the Ozarks and seeks to minister to those affected with HIV and AIDS. That’s a personal cause for Rees.

“Eleven years ago, my husband was diagnosed with AIDS,” she says. “The support we have received has been incredible. My (heart’s desire) has been to extend that support through this ministry.”

This year, Lighthouse Ministry is partnering with World Vision to bring an African village to Remington’s, with a Step Into Africa exhibit.

“We are seeking to educate, motivate and inspire to action the greater Springfield area in regard to the AIDS epidemic,” Rees says.

Double Play

Birth date: Sept. 15, 1973

Family: On June 5, my husband, Chris, and I will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. We’ve been blessed with two beautiful daughters. Alli is 10 and Molly is 18 months. We treasure our time together whether we’re at one of Alli’s math competitions or snuggled in at home watching a movie together. We all live in a crazy, busy world. My family, my home, is definitely my place of retreat.

Philosophy to live/work by: “Great gifts mean great responsibilities.” Luke 12:48. We have been truly blessed. It is easy to look at others and think, “I wish I had that.” It is much better to look at the world and realize how great our gifts are – we have the honor and responsibility of passing those gifts on.

In a fantasy world, which professional sport would you play? Figure skating. I’ve always wanted to be graceful.

Information accurate at the time of the honor.