Meet the 2007 Most Influential Women Judges

As development and public relations director for Developmental Center of the Ozarks, Marci Bowling plans, implements and manages all development, marketing and public relations activities for the organization. With DCO since 1998, her efforts have helped to raise a cumulative $6.1 million through December 2006, including $1.6 million for the capital campaign. She is a 2001 Springfield Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree and a 2006 Most Influential Women honoree. Other awards include the 2006 Service to Mankind Award from the Sertoma Club and Drury University Outstanding Young Alumni honors in 2005.

Kirk Elmquist

Kirk Elmquist’s job as vice president of sales and marketing for the Springfield Cardinals is to sell fun and entertainment to baseball fans at Hammons Field. A 2003 SBJ 40 Under 40 honoree, Elmquist also lists among his accomplishments a resolution he received from the Missouri legislature for service to the city of Springfield, receipt of a key to the city of Springfield, his 2006 St. Louis Cardinals World Series ring and being a part of the 2006 Texas League Organization of the Year. In addition to his involvement with Southeast Rotary Club and Kingsway United Methodist Church, he also serves as emcee for charitable events that raise money for area children.

Sterling Huff Jr.

As executive vice president of Metropolitan National Bank, Sterling Huff is involved with the daily management of the bank, which has assets of about $550 million and 12 locations in southwest Missouri. He is the treasurer for the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks and is past president of the YMCA. Throughout his career, he has been involved in the community in several ways, including as a board member for Ozarks Technical Community College and the Springfield Public Schools Foundation.

Kay Logsdon

Kay Logsdon is director of the Food Channel for Noble Communications. Her previous professional experience includes serving as the city of Springfield’s first public information officer 1989–2000, and a stint as executive director of Springfield Regional Arts Council. She holds a master’s degree in integrated marketing communication from Drury University. Logsdon is a 2006 Most Influential Women honoree. Her community involvement includes Springfield Sister Cities Association, of which she is a past president, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the Evangel University Alumni Association.

Louise Whall

In her role as the director of public information for the city of Springfield, Louise Whall manages the city’s public information department with duties that include media information, citizen service requests TV23, Web site content, graphic production and special-event planning. Whall is a 2003 Most Influential Women honoree. She was a founding member and chairwoman of the Community Partnership of the Ozarks and serves on several advisory councils and boards, including Ozark Greenways.