Debra Shantz

“As a businesswoman, a mother and an involved community member, my achievements show women that it is possible to be successful, both professionally and personally,” she said.

In her 11 years with Hammons Hotels, Shantz has worked with John Q. Hammons on more than 30 hotel development projects and assisted with securing more than $500 million in financing for development and permanent debt for hotels and conference centers.

“I have also assisted with the completion of the company merger between John Q. Hammons Hotels Inc. and Atrium Hotels LP,” Shantz said. She also was involved with negotiations to bring the Springfield Cardinals to Hammons Field.

“I have arranged numerous partnerships between our company and various public entities for the development, ownership and management of hotes and civic convention centers,” she said.

Shantz’s rise to the top in hotel development is not a feat to be overlooked.

“My achievements on behalf of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts have also influenced and motivated women throughout the hotel industry – a field that is predominantly male,” she said.

When she’s not on the clock, Shantz is a member of the city, state and national bar associations.

She is on the board of directors for City Utilities, Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association Foundation, Springfield Public Schools Foundation and K-Life.

She also is president-elect for 2006 for the Discovery Center of Springfield.

Shantz also is a member and officer of the Pershing PTA and several sports booster clubs in which her sons, Ben and Riley, participate, including Springfield Junior Spirit Hockey, and football at Pershing Middle School and Glendale High School.

“My proudest accomplishment is simultaneously serving as a successful business role model and a good mother to my two sons,” she said.

In 2003, Shantz was honored as one of Springfield Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri State University and a juris doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Personally speaking

Please tell us about your family.

I have two sons: Ben, 14 and Riley, 13. Ben is a freshman at Glendale and Riley is a seventh-grader at Pershing. I am also newly married to attorney Bill Hart.

What book are you reading now?

I am always reading several books at one time. I try to have a fun book going and something that is more thought-provoking. I just got a new book on comparative religions, trying to get a better understanding of the religions in the Middle East. I am also still reading “John Adams,” which I have been reading for two years now.

If you could go back in time, what one person would you most like to meet?

That is a hard question. I guess if I could just meet one person, it would be Jesus. No other person has had more impact on the world.

Beyond The Golden Rule, what philosophy do you live by?

Life is good! I try to remind myself every day how blessed I am. I have a wonderful family. My parents, my children, Bill and I are all in good health.

If you had an entire day without any scheduled obligations, how would you spend it?

With my kids. I wish I could have cloned myself years ago – while I enjoy my job, I would always like to spend more time with my kids.