Ozarks Profile - Diane Whorton

What is your job?

Whorton is the administrator for a variety of accounts, including personal trusts, investment management and probate estates.

Tell us about your involvement with the Missouri Bankers Association.

"In July 2001 I was asked to serve a three-year term on the Trust Services Committee for the Missouri Bankers Association. We are currently organizing and planning the annual MoKan Trust Conference that will be held in May," Whorton said. She added that the conference originally was for Missouri and Kansas trust professionals, but it now includes trust professionals from Iowa, Oklahoma, Illinois, Nebraska and Texas.

What are some of the most challenging things about your job?

"I feel very fortunate to work in a position that is rewarding and challenging. My goal is to be the client's trusted adviser. I accomplish this by developing long-term relationships with each of my clients. This relationship enables me to know their needs and find solutions that meet those needs. Many times, we become the client's surrogate family," she said.

What effects, if any, does the present economy have on the banking/trust industry?

"Because the trust industry is both estate planning and investment management, tax law changes and the economy play a critical role. We assist our clients with their estate planning needs by being part of a team," Whorton said.

"This team includes their attorney, (certified public accountant) and insurance specialist ... we try to educate our clients concerning the effects that the economic changes can have on their portfolio. The main goal is minimize the risk by maintaining a well-diversified portfolio."

Tell us about your family.

"My husband, Clinton, and I have been married for 19 years. We have one son, Cody. He is 16 and is a sophomore at Mansfield High School," she said.

How do you like to spend your free time?

"I like to spend my free time watching my son play sports. He plays both baseball and basketball. During the off season, I enjoy working in my flower gardens and spending time with friends. I have starting playing golf, but I am not yet ready for any tournaments," Whorton said.

by Maria Hoover