LYNN PARMAN
Lynn Parman got off the blocks quickly in her career and hasn't slowed down a bit since. Fresh out of college, in being named the city administrator for Buckner, Missouri, Lynn became the youngest administrator of any city in the U.S. From Buckner, Lynn moved to St. Joseph to become vice president of business development for the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2002, still in her 20's, she became the vice president of economic development for the Lawrence, Kansas Chamber of Commerce. Her career highlights include helping create more than $548 million in new investments and more than 3000 new jobs in St Joseph and Lawrence. Last year, the 31-year-old helped Lawrence achieve a remarkable one-year 160% increase in business attraction due to new marketing initiatives. Lynn also serves on the board of the Lawrence Technology Association, the Kansas University Center for Research, and the Douglas County American Red Cross. Lynn also helped generate a 50% increase in family size last year when she and her husband Jason had their first child, daughter Riley.
DONALD PROPHETE
In January 2002, President George W. Bush nominated Donald Prophete to be the General Counsel of the Equal Opportunity Commission in Washington, D.C. While honored, Donald turned down the nomination to remain here in Kansas City, his home- town. Now 36, Don is the Chair of the Kansas City Labor & Employment Law Group at Armstrong Teasdale LLP. He is also actively involved with the Urban League of Greater Kansas City and St. James United Methodist Church. Don believes in "fidelity to family, fidelity to friends and fidelity to profession." By focusing on fidelity, Don believes that many of society's ills would be elim- inated. A graduate of Fordham University and Boston University School of Law where he received the Wayne E. Budd scholar- ship for outstanding academic and social achievement, Don lives in Overland Park with his wife Lisa and children, Kendall, 3 and Clarke, 1.
JIM RINE
In 2002, Community Bank President Jim Rine was promoted to lead UMB Bank's city region. For the record, this region has UMB Bank's largest asset base and includes 14 branches from downtown to Lee's Summit. "Developing relationships," says Jim, "is my favorite part of being a commercial banker." Twice in the last five years, Jim, now 34, has received UMB's Excellence in Community Banking Award. Jim takes the word "community" seriously. With UMB's support, he has been able to take on leadership positions at Sunshine Center School, the Independence Rotary Club, and the Lee's Summit Economic Development Council. Early in life Jim was told, "Work at something you enjoy and that is worthy of your time and talents." This is a lesson he has taken to heart. As to his single greatest sales success, Jim lists the convincing of his wife, Melanie, that "short stocky guys are where it's at." The couple and 2 year-old Emily live in Lee's Summit.
ROBIN SCHLUTER
As chief operations officer for Truman Medical Center Lakewood, Robin Schluter is committed to improving the health status of area communities. She has been particularly keen on improving access to health care for different groups, especially the under-served. A great believer in community, Robin, now 39, serves on the boards of the Lee's Summit Chamber of Commerce and the Lee's Summit Economic Development Council. Robin is convinced that hospitals are the cornerstones of the community and must grow and develop to meet the community needs. "I have always believed," says Robin, "that to be a strong health care leader, you must be involved in and committed to your community." For any professional, a strong base on which to build can make all the difference. "I have been very fortunate to have a wise and challenging mentor in John Bluford," Robin says. "I am also very thankful for a wonderful, supportive family in my husband Steve and daughters Emma and Chelsea, who are the real treasures of my life."
