Ozarks Profile

Materials recovery/education coordinator in the solid waste management division of the city's Public Works Department. The division is responsible for the implementation of the city's Integrated Solid Waste Management System, which includes the Household Chemical Collection Center, Education and Information Program, Market Development Program, Recycling Centers, Yardwaste Recycling Center and Springfield Sanitary Landfill. Curbside recycling, which is provided by independent waste haulers, completes the system. Lucks has been employed with the city since 1994 and is responsible for the Education and Information Program, which serves as a recycling and waste reduction resource to the community, and for the Market Development Program, which focuses on securing markets and uses for the city's recyclable materials. Her professional affiliations include the Solid Waste Association of North America, Missouri Waste Control Coalition (advisory board member), Missouri Environmental Education Association (founding member and treasurer), American Public Works Association, Missouri Recycling Association, Public Relations of the Ozarks, Community Task Force Environmental and Communication Collaborative, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce environmental subcommittee, Choose Environmental Excellence state steering committee, Water Education for Teachers facilitator, trainer/consultant with the city's Continuous Quality Improvement Program.

Education: Grew up on a family-owned resort on the Lake of the Ozarks; graduate of Camdenton High School. Graduated cum laude from Southwest Missouri State University in 1972 with a bachelor of science degree with majors in marketing and office administration. Stayed in Springfield after graduation from college.

Early career: Was with McLean Enterprises from 1972 to 1984; began as secretary to the executive vice president and was the first sales manager at Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Convention Center in 1973. She was promoted to corporate director of marketing for McLean Enterprises, with responsibility for approximately 30 salespeople at 28 hotel properties. With Charles Sturgell and Charles Wente, started Sturgell Hotels in 1984. Lucks assumed responsibilities as vice president of finance for the company's 12 hotels, eight restaurants and bars until 1991. Was an independent consultant from 1991 until joining the city in 1994. Significant clients included John Q. Hammons Hotels and Elliott Lodging.

Current projects: Working with Canbrands to construct a 30,000-square-foot center in the Partnership Industrial Center. Canbrands will recycle newsprint collected at the city's recycling centers and use it to manufacture cat litter and animal bedding. Other projects include decreasing the division's dependence on the city's landfill tipping fees as the sole revenue source, creating and implementing a marketing plan. Lucks is also working with four Springfield schools in a pilot project to develop recycling programs for schools.

Management philosophy: "I believe in being open and fair with my employees and my co-workers. Making an effort to respect individual talents and strengths and to match those with the tasks to be performed always pays dividends. A good manager supports employees, goes to bat for them, gets them the training and materials they need to do the job, runs interference when necessary, removes roadblocks and stays out of the way. Helping employees develop to their fullest potential is an inherent responsibility of management and one of the most satisfying aspects of the management role."

Spare-time pursuits: Is a volunteer and works with Ozark Greenways, Master Gardeners of Southwest Missouri, Rotary Club of Springfield-Southeast, Civic Park advisory committee, Founders' Park steering committee, and others. Enjoys gardening, watching auto racing, football and Lady Bears basketball.

Family data: Married 10 years to Gregg Larsen, owner of Gregg Larsen Landscaping. Bailey (one very special cat) and Shesa (happily retired quarter horse) complete the family.

[[In-content Ad]]