Most Influential Women 2007: Mitzie Zerr

Professionally, she is the business marketing administrator for City Utilities of Springfield, where she has worked for 25 years.

“My responsibilities … include research and promotion of products and service offerings for residential customers,” Zerr said, noting that CU is particularly excited these days about On-Line Connections, an e-mailed newsletter for residential customers. “I am also responsible for coordination and message development of all bill inserts, brochures and (providing) assistance with meeting electrical and natural gas compliance regulations.”

Her community involvement spans several organizations. Zerr has been a member of the Association for Women in Communications since 1993, serving in various board positions, including president. She’s been a board member of the Downtown Springfield Association for the past five years and was president for 2005–06.

She has served on the board of the Urban Districts Alliance for the last three years, as a Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce membership drive volunteer for the past three years and as a presenter with Junior Achievement for the last two years.

In addition to giving her time and talents, Zerr also encourages others to find ways to get involved in community organizations.

“Recently a friend thanked me for inviting her to join the Association for Women in Communications,” Zerr said. “She said it really helped her career and gave her a chance to meet new people and form friendships.”

Zerr said she is most proud of her work with children. Through the Central Advantage program, a partnership between CU and Central High School, Zerr is able to work with highschool freshmen and encourage them to stay in school.

She also volunteers with Springfield Catholic Schools, serving on the board – including two terms as president – and serving on the marketing committee and on fundraisers that have raised thousands of dollars.

Zerr and her husband, Marty, also spent a few years as foster parents.

“It was challenging, yet satisfying, to see the positive changes the children made after living in a traditional two-parent family,” she said.

One-on-one with Mitzie Zerr

What advice do you have for young women preparing to enter the work force?

I would encourage young women to nurture relationships through involvement in a club, group or organization.

When you were young, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I recall being fascinated by the medical field. On Saturdays, I would go to the public library and read about illnesses and diseases, but later decided it wasn’t the right fit for me.

What’s something about you that most people don’t know?

Many people are surprised to learn I grew up on a farm. We did not just live in the country (but on) a farm with cows, horses, chickens, hogs, crops, the whole bit. Farm life experiences can provide some awesome stories.

Please tell us about your family.

My husband, Marty, and I are the proud parents of two children. Chris is beginning his senior year at the University of Missouri-Rolla and Lauren is starting her freshman year at Pittsburg State (University). Marty and I are both from large close-knit families.