Robin House

She began as a clerk typist, eventually obtaining her college degree and advancing her position, until she was offered what she calls her “ultimate goal”: the position of associate general manager-administration.

Her current job puts her in charge of five department directors who have responsibility for 242 employees and a total budget of $26 million. The responsibility has allowed her to hone her management technique.

“I try to live under the rule of ‘lead by example,’” she said.

“I use a team approach to solving problems or coming up with new ideas. I try to treat those who work with me and for me with respect, trust them to do their jobs, and show appreciation for a job well done.”

House has taken her expertise and experience to the state level, helping to develop the Missouri Public Utilities Alliance Customer Service Committee, for which she currently is chairwoman. She has also served as a member of the Midwest Energy Association Customer Relations Committee and the Keep Missourians Warm Committee.

Her state-level service is part of a personal mission to use her knowledge to live a life that serves as an example to others.

“It is very important to me to work and live in an honest and ethical manner, and I try to inspire others to do the same,” House said.

She also is a volunteer for the Central Advantage Program – the partnership in education between CU and Central High School.

Her work to aid others continues beyond the utility world.

House is president of the Affordable Housing Action Board, which she says fills a community need “by providing decent, safe, affordable housing to low-income families.”

She’s also a member of Continuum of Care, which comprises representatives from all the area agencies that provide services to low-income families and the homeless.

“Our goal is to end chronic homelessness by 2012,” she said.

House also volunteers for fund-raising activities for Developmental Center of the Ozarks and The Kitchen.

She is an alumna of both Leadership Springfield and Leadership Missouri and has participated in fund-raising for United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, American Diabetes Association, Multiple Sclerosis Society, March of Dimes and the Victory Mission Back to School Campaign.

Personally speaking

Please tell us about your family.

I married my high school sweetheart, Jack House, 30 years ago. Jack is the director of customer services for O’Reilly Auto Parts and has worked there for 33 years. We have been blessed with two great kids, Casey and Cade. Casey is 26, a second grade teacher in Republic. Cade is 21, a junior studying business at Westminster College. Two years ago, Casey married David Mitchell, who is a wonderful addition to our family. They now have an 8-month-old son, Mason David Mitchell, who has stolen his grandpa and grandma’s hearts. Our family enjoys the lake on summer weekends and Cade plays basketball for the Westminster Blue Jays, so the whole family is on the road most winter weekends to watch his games. I can’t exclude our family dog, Riley. She’s an English bulldog who has a great talent for sleeping.

What book are you reading now?

“Plantation,” by Dorothea Benton Frank.

Tell us something about you that most people probably don’t know.

I graduated from Glendale High School in 1975 and was a drummer and assistant majorette of the Glengarry Scots.

If you could go back in time, what one person would you most like to meet?

I regret that I never met my grandfather. I’ve heard so many wonderful stories about him from my mother, and I would love to have known him.[[In-content Ad]]