Ozarks Profile - Julie Jones

What is your job?

Julie Jones is vice president of marketing and customer service at St. John's Health System, responsible for planning, market research, and customer service activities.

Please tell us about your company.

"St. John's Health System is an integrated health care delivery system dedicated to providing quality, compassionate care," Jones said. "The system includes a 1,016-bed hospital in Springfield; 50-bed hospitals in Lebanon and Berryville, Arkansas; an extensive network of physicians; and home care services located throughout southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas." Jones added that as a referral center for a 32-county region of one million people, St. John's offers "a full range of services, including 40 medical specialties and the latest medical technology." St. John's is a member of the Sisters of Mercy Health System-St. Louis, Inc., which sponsors health facilities in eight states, she said.

What prepared you for work in your business?

Jones has a communications degree from Southwest Missouri State University and also is a 1991 graduate of Leadership Springfield. She has worked as communications director for United Way of the Ozarks and as director of business assistance at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

Are recent events in the economy having any effect on your field?

"The health care industry is one that is in a constant state of change," Jones said. "The Balanced Budget Act has certainly affected the way in which health care is delivered. The government has continually reduced what it is willing to pay for Medicare and Medicaid. Employers and third-party payers will continue to have a major impact on health care costs."

What trends do you see now and anticipate seeing in your field?

"The Springfield area is a microcosm of the nation in terms of health care trends," Jones said. "The aging population and the growth of the uninsured will certainly be an area of focus. We will continue to deal with a shortage in the workforce, similar to other industries. Finally, we constantly try to keep up with technology, ensuring the best possible care of our patients."

What is the best part about your job?

"I am one of the lucky people in this world who can honestly say they love what they do," Jones said. "Every day, I can make a difference in the lives of my fellow coworkers and patients. Just sit for one minute in any one of our hospital waiting rooms, or talk to a patient who just had surgery, and you will feel the emotion and intensity of the situation."

Can you tell us something about your personal life and family?

"I'm married to Rodney Jones, who is employed with Major Brands," Jones said. "We live in Ozark and we have two children, Nathan, 9, and Nicole, 6. We have two dogs, Spike and Fluffy, both beagle mixes."

How do you like to spend your leisure time?

"When I am not at work, I am usually taking kids to soccer, gymnastics, or scouts," Jones said. "The kids are both active in activities in and around Ozark. No one in our house sits still for very long!"

by Frank Shipe