2018 40 Under 40: Jeffrey Parkison, 35

SBJ photo by Wes Hamilton

Jeffrey Parkison set his sights on financial leadership early in life, volunteering at CU Community Credit Union as a teenager before later acting as chairman of its supervisory committee. With a heart for public service, the certified public accountant ultimately climbed the professional ladder to now help oversee City Utilities of Springfield’s $500 million annual budget. Parkison also assists in developing the department’s five-year operating plan comprising some $2.5 billion. In his spare time, he volunteers on The Network Leadership Council and serves as a member of the Missouri Society of CPAs board and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Government Performance & Accountability Committee.

What was your first job? Rivercut Golf Course, mowing greens and maintaining the course. I was 16 and had to be work by 6 a.m. each day. This job taught me about discipline and hard work, while being a job I looked forward to going to everyday.

What is your theme song? “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

What do you miss most about the 1990s? Mark McGwire hitting home runs and Missouri State University playing in the NCAA tournament.

What did you learn the hard way? Saying no to things I want to do, but don’t have the time to do.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Ability to freeze time.