The opportunity for Nancy Riggs to test her leadership skills came early in her career with Penmac Personnel Services Inc.
Riggs, now regional vice president, was hired in 1994 to field calls from businesses with job openings and to interview Penmac applicants.
"Very quickly, I assessed that it would be more efficient and productive to split these customers and applicants by industry," Riggs says. "After seeking and receiving approval by the owner, I grew the clerical department from 2,000 hours per week to 7,000 hours per week."
That growth spurt led to the need for an assistant, which suddenly put her in the role of manager.
"How do you share your passion for your department with a stranger?" Riggs says. "This was a big learning experience for me."
But learn she did.
"I have to admit that I loved it," she says. "It has been this experience that has helped me grow from supervising and leading one employee to more than 20."
Riggs says she has influenced the success of others through a combination of words, actions and quiet example.
"Sometimes you know when you've influenced someone and sometimes you don't," she shares. "I believe the strong foundation I have helps guide and influence people around me to do the right thing."
Outside of the office, Riggs is particularly proud of her role in working to pass the Nonpartisan Court Plan in 2008. The plan called for a commission to appoint judges, rather than leaving the issue in Greene County voters' hands.
"As I educated myself on the issue, I realized it was an issue I was proud to stand behind and support," Riggs says.
The goal was to collect more than 16,000 signatures from Greene County. A total of 19,322 signatures were collected, which put the issue on the November 2008 ballot, and the issue passed.
"For me, this issue was about creating positive change in Greene County," Riggs says. "I believe this is what a leader aspires to."
Riggs has donated her time to the community in a variety of ways. She's a member of the networking group Association of Contemporary Executives, serves on the Red Carpet Committee of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, is on the board of the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools and worked on the City Manager Search Committee in 2008.
"There have been bumps along the way, but I am a good leader and proud of who I am and what I have accomplished," Riggs says.[[In-content Ad]]
