Ozarks Profile

Teleauction manager, Ozarks Public Television, 821 N. Washington. Ozarks Public Television is a nonprofit, publicly funded television station dedicated to enriching the lives of area people through entertainment and educational television communications and related services. Ozarks Public Television began conducting teleauctions as a way of bringing in revenue and involving viewers and businesses within the community to contribute to public television. Thimesch began volunteering for the teleauctions 15 years ago, has done a variety of jobs associated with the teleauctions and became teleauction manager June 15. Thimesch serves on the PTA for the Rogersville School District and is a past Girl Scout leader.

Age: 43

No. of years in Springfield/area: Thimesch grew up in Rogersville, and except for living in Fort Scott, Kan., for seven years, has lived in the Springfield area all of her life.

Education: Thimesch graduated from Rogersville High School in 1974 and took college courses at a junior college in Fort Scott.

Early career: "I stayed home with my children and was a professional volunteer until my oldest child was 16 years old," Thimesch said. "My first job was with Office Depot, where I started out as a cashier and worked my way up to front end manager. The store manager, Jack Lorence, was the key person who helped me realize that I had the potential to be more, and showed me by example how to be effective in a management position."

Current projects: "I am currently working on the Holiday Auction and am trying to rebuild our volunteer base. When I first started working the auctions, it was with a total volunteer work force. I am trying to get more people involved with the pre-auction goings-on, as well as with the actual on-air activities. I am also responsible for the spring auction we hold, which will be our 25th on-air teleauction."

Management philosophy: "I believe that whatever you ask or expect of someone should not be something you would not be willing or able to do yourself."

Spare-time pursuits: "I like to bowl, read books of all kinds and work with plants outside, although at times my flower bed does not reflect this. I enjoy helping my husband with our cattle and spending time with my husband, children and family." Thimesch is also a member of the Springfield Women's Bowling Association and is the secretary and treasurer of the Friday Night Bowling Belles.

Family data: Thimesch is married to Nick, who has worked for Burlington-Northern Santa Fe Railroad for 25 years and is an avid golfer. Her daughter, Stacey, is 24 and lives in Nashville, Tenn. Her son, Shaun, is 21 and also works for the railroad.