Ozarks Profile: Louise Henson

What is your job?

Executive officer, Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield. Henson runs the HBA office in Woodhurst Office Park. "I implement the things the HBA board of directors decides and take care of the day-to-day business of the office," she said. "I attend national meetings, and once a year we have a seminar for HBA officers in other cities in which we exchange ideas." She said marketing the association is also one of her responsibilities.

Tell us about your organization.

The HBA of Greater Springfield was chartered in 1954 and is a member of the National Association of Home Builders, which has its headquarters in Washington, D.C. Henson said the HBA has about 200,000 members nationally and about 375 locally. The organization's purpose is to serve as the political voice of the home building industry, representing builders, remodelers and associates. "Since it's been in existence in Springfield, the HBA has always had a Parade of Homes," Henson said. The HBA has also put on its Home Show annually for 20 years and is introducing its Remodeling Show this year.

What is your educational background?

Henson has a bachelor of science degree in language arts and journalism from Phillips University in Enid, Okla. She also holds a teaching certificate.

What jobs led you to your current one?

"I've taught school, I've worked in retail, I've worked in the advertising industry ... I think everything I've done has added up and enabled me to do what I'm doing now." Henson has substitute-taught for most grades and subjects with the exception of boys' PE, she said. She said she also worked at the Hallmark store in the Battlefield Mall and served as the executive assistant to the president of Noble & Associates prior to joining the HBA.

Give us some personal information.

Henson is 59 and has lived in Springfield for 30 years. She grew up in Oklahoma and is married to Garold, a landscape designer and teacher at Ozarks Technical Community College and Drury University. They have one daughter, Sarah, and two grandchildren. She is a member of the Association of Women in Communications, serves on the OTC foundation board, and is the vice president of Safety Council of the Ozarks and a past president of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Missouri. Henson also belongs to King's Way United Methodist Church, where she is a member of the bell choir. She said she and her husband enjoy outdoor sports, traveling and Table Rock Lake.

What is your favorite business lunch spot?

Henson said she usually eats lunch at the HBA offices because most HBA committee meetings are held during the lunch hour. However, she said she enjoys taking business associates to Steak & Ale when she does go out for lunch.