Matthew Ennis

But he’s still managed to get a lot done in that time.

Ennis, now an independent development consultant who’s pursuing his Master’s of Business Administration from Missouri State University, is the former development director for the Springfield Symphony Association.

In that role, he was responsible for the development, management, implementation and evaluation of the symphony’s fund-raising program.

That’s familiar territory for Ennis, who decided at a young age that serving his community was important to him.

At 15, Ennis co-chaired Dade County’s first Relay for Life and soon after established the National Survivor Flag program, which provides a way “for family members who lost a loved one to cancer to reach out to local, state and national lawmakers to lobby for lifesaving research funding to win the fight against the life-altering and fatal disease,” he said.

In the last several years, Ennis has worked with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Southwest Missouri Humane Society, Special Olympics of Missouri and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“I have always been driven by the challenge of a new day, the opportunity to reach out to those in need and the pleasure of serving a community that has given so much to me and my family,” he said.

Ennis said family plays an important role in his life.

“I am resolute in my belief that the most important legacy an individual can leave behind is a family built of strong moral fiber and values,” Ennis said. “I take great pride in striving to be the best son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson that I can be.”

Born: 1984

What's your favorite Web site? www.thestreet.com

What book do you currently have open? “Leading With Soul,” by Lee G. Bolman and Terrence E. Deal

Quote to live by: “In the arena of human life, the honors and rewards fall to those who show their good qualities in action.” –Aristotle