JOE AGNELLO
After graduating from Rockhurst College in 1989 with a B.S.B.A. in Finance/Economics, Joe Agnello has moved much further vertically than horizontally. Indeed, his office at the Lockton Companies is not much more than a mile from his dorm at Rockhurst. Joe has, however, moved up the corporate ladder with brio. Just 37, he is one of Lockton's biggest producers and now sits on their Executive Committee. Joe joined Lockton in 1994. He liked the fact that the company "understood the importance of exceeding customer expectation." In his tenure at Lockton Companies, Joe has been able to establish a client base of large, diverse companies in Kansas City and across the U.S. Joe's proudest accomplishment, however, is his family. He and wife Liz have three sons--Drew, Jack and Peter. He enjoys being able to help other kids through his work with the Children's Center for the Visually Impaired and Ozanam Home. When he manages to find some free time, Joe enjoys playing a little golf.
DOUG ANNING
Doug Anning, 38, has been able to accomplish something few young attorneys ever manage--and that is to strike a "balance" in his professional life. Doug provides advocacy for his clients and offers pro-bono educational services to the larger bar through his speaking and writing engagements. A partner/shareholder in the law firm Seigfreid, Bingham, Levy, Selzer & Gee, Doug specializes in healthcare law and tax-exempt/non-profit law and works with a number of charities, hospitals, schools, foundations and other non-profit organizations. He currently serves in two leadership roles for the nearly 10,000 member American Health Lawyers Association. Previously, he taught classes on health law at the University of Kansas. A bachelor, Doug takes particular pride in the work he has done as chair of the United Way's Young Leader's Society. Formed just two years ago with a mission to create the next generation of Kansas City philanthropists and civic leaders. YSL has recruited 300 members and has raised more than $300,000 each year.
DAN BARBER
To understand what a public relations professional does one need only review the career highlights of Dan Barber, 39. As senior vice-president and senior partner at Fleishman-Hillard, Dan has helped Hallmark launch its largest new product line in corporate history; helped transform the H&R Block brand from its image as a tax preparation firm to American's year-round financial partner; has worked with celebrities as diverse as Al Franken and Miss America on the Points of Life Foundation; and created an "Absolutely Incredible Kid Day" program that greatly energized Camp Fire Boys and Girls. Along the way Dan has picked up some Silver Anvils, the communications industry's version of the Oscar. Dan and wife Linda are the proud parents of three girls, and Dan is their soccer coach as well. His interest in sports has inspired him to serve on the board of directors of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. He was recently awarded the Buck O'Neil Legacy Award for this service to the museum.
DAVID BERNSTEIN
David Bernstein once took a personality test that concluded that he likes
to win with style. "I don't know about the style part," David says, "but
I do love a challenge." Family plays a big part in David's life. In fact,
family is the single most important influence on David's life, philanthropy
and business. After completing his MBA at UMKC in 1995, 32-year-old David
became the third employee hired for a start-up company called Beauty Brands
Salon Stores, a company founded by his father, Bob Bernstein, chairman of
Bernstein-Rein. Thrilled to be on the ground floor of a brand-new concept,
David immersed himself in every aspect of "the little brand that could"
and helped shaped the company's future and mission. Today, Beauty Brands
employs 1200 associates and operates 37 Beauty Brands Salon Stores in 10
major cities throughout the U.S. David is deeply involved in community service
work, serving for the past seven years as a member of the board of directors
for The Children's Center for the Visually Impaired.
