Although Theresa Verslues is active in the community through her position as vice president for the United Way of Central Missouri, she's also involved in other organizations, such as the Helias Advisory Board, the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Andrews Catholic Church.
She joined the United Way in 2005 because she wanted to work locally and be able to offer more support to her children.
"I wanted to stay local, support the kids and be more involved in the community," Verslues said. "My husband and I thought they needed us more through their middle and high school years."
Before joining the United Way, Verslues was the director of business recruitment for William Woods University's Jefferson City campus. She had previously worked for the Federal Job Training Program through the Private Industry Council from 1989-96, after she and her husband moved back to Mid-Missouri from Springfield.
Verslues received a bachelor's of science degree in marketing from Southwest Missouri State University and a master's of business administration degree from William Woods University. She's also a 2001 graduate of Leadership Jefferson City.
"I spent time in Springfield for college and then a few years after college," Verslues said. "We moved back here (Mid-Missouri) in 1989 when we were expecting our first child."
Verslues grew up in California and her husband, Philip, grew up in Taos.
They have three children, Anthony, Elizabeth and Sarah. Elizabeth and Sarah are both in college and Anthony recently graduated from college and is working in Kansas City.
"We're officially an empty nest," Verslues said. "It's okay, though. We both work full-time and are involved with organizations so we keep pretty busy."
She said her position at the United Way is rewarding because she gets to have a hand in many different aspects of the organization.
"We're a small staff and we're very busy," Verslues said. "It's a very rewarding job because we do many different things and are able to touch many lives."
As vice president, Verslues' primary duties include overseeing the organization's marketing and initiatives.
"It's really great to see that all of the volunteers, agencies, their leaders and staff are all passionate about what they do," Verslues said. "With all of the volunteers and the commitment involved, it's very humbling to see all the community support we have."