Louise Beasley | People You Should Know

Development Officer, KMOS-TV Missouri PBS
AGE: 48 | YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA: 5 | HOMETOWN: Dallas
JOB DESCRIPTION: The station is based in Warrensburg at UCM. We cover a 34-county area in mid-Missouri. I am based in Columbia, which is our largest viewing area, and am responsible for marketing and branding the station here. I solicit corporate funding, which is called underwriting, volunteers and just overall support for KMOS in the Columbia and Jefferson City areas.
EDUCATION: Associate’s degree from Richland College, Dallas. Attended Western Michigan University and Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Mich.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Member of Columbia Chamber and Women’s Network, on Business Showcase and Women’s Network program committees, member of Boonslick Kiwanis Club, member of Columbia Advertising Federation Club
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: I have been in sales most of my career in diverse areas, including the fire hydrant industry, the hotel industry, career counseling and, for the past 10 years, television and radio. This is truly my favorite job, so I am crossing my fingers and hoping it lasts for many more years.
A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE AND WHY: The standard answer is there are so many great ones, but it’s true. I am glad to say that I work with a lot of them. But the first businessperson in this category is one I met before I even moved here: Chuck Everitt. Imagine that.
WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT MY JOB: Public TV was created back many years ago for educational purposes, and now it is in danger due to proposed budget cuts. Its mission has always been to educate, inspire, entertain and inform, and it does just that from cradle to grave. Nothing makes me feel prouder than when someone says to me they are a fan of Nova, Antiques Roadshow, Sesame Street or any of the other great programs we air.
IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING, I WOULD: Because I never had any children and love them, I would like to be independently wealthy and volunteer at all children’s organizations in town.
BIGGEST CAREER OBSTACLE I’VE OVERCOME AND HOW: Times have changed so much, and my generation seems to have to change jobs more than our parents did. So I feel fortunate that whenever I have had to find a new job, I have always stayed positive and landed on my feet and have always found a job better than the one before.
A FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: My favorite project at work is our KMOS Kids Day event. Last year it was in June, and this year it is May 14 at the Holiday Inn. I enjoy recruiting the sponsors and volunteers and planning the fun and educational activities because I know the kids love it. They will also learn something along with spending time with their family.
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROFESSION: This is a nonprofit station. There are so many nonprofits in this town that are all worthy, but we all have our hands out for funds. That makes it difficult at times. To top it off, sales is just difficult in these economic times to begin with. PBS is worth it, in my opinion.
FAMILY: In Columbia, there’s my husband, Roger, who is a sales and service consultant for Atkins; and step-kids Sydney, almost 15, and Jack, almost 12. In Dallas, there’s my mom, older sister and 95-year-old grandmother, who I miss every day.
WHAT I DO FOR FUN: We go camping in the summer to the Meramec River in Leasburg. We tailgate in the fall, and of course my hubby has turned me into an MU fan. I also like to cook, read, swim and hang out with my friends and husband; he is my best friend and makes me laugh all the time. I like to take road trips (when gas is not high) to explore the state I live in. Listening to music is fun for me, especially when you can dance.
FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: Well, of course I love Booches burgers for food, but there are a lot of great places to eat. I love walking around The District on nice days.
ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M MOST PROUD OF: Moving to Columbia not knowing a soul but my husband and doing what needed to be done to make it feel like my home. I love this town.
MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT I: I wanted to be a Dallas policewoman when I was in high school.