Meet the 2007 Economic Impact Awards Judges

Nancy Brown Dornan is a partner in Historic Walnut Street Development Co., which restores old buildings to their former glory. Doran, who also is president of the Springfield Landmarks Preservation Trust, spearheaded renovation of the Gillioz Theatre in downtown Springfield, a process that spanned 16 years. Dornan received the 2007 Rozier Award from the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation, an honor that wasbestowed on her in March by Gov. Matt Blunt, and was one of SBJ’s Most Influential Women in 2000.

Tom Finnie

Tom Finnie is a consultant who retired in April 2006 after serving for 16 years as Springfield city manager. During his tenure, the city saw a great deal of growth, including the opening of Jordan Valley Park, Springfield Exposition Center and Hammons Field. Finnie holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kentucky-Knoxville. He serves on the City Utilities Board of Directors, and his past honors include the Chamber of Commerce’s 2002 Springfieldian Award. In 2006, Finnie received SBJ’s Lifetime Achievement in Business Award.

Tami L. Knotts, D.B.A

Tami L. Knotts, D.B.A, is an associate professor of management at Missouri State University, and co-owner of Vroomin Groomin, a mobile dog-grooming business. She earned her Doctorate of Business Administration from Louisiana Tech University. Knotts has received several awards, including an Excellence in Research Award from MSU’s College of Business Administration and a Teaching Excellence Award from Theta Chi Fraternity. Knotts also developed the entrepreneurship program at MSU, and provides consulting services through the Small Business Development Center.

Shirley A. Lawler, Ed.D.

Shirley A. Lawler, Ed.D., is associate vice president of academic affairs and work-force development at Ozarks Technical Community College. She completed her doctorate in 2005 at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Lawler serves as a board member for the Dogwood Trails Girl Scout Council and on the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Solutions Committee. Her community involvement also has included working with the Workforce Investment Board, Springfield Public Schools and the Educational Community Credit Union.

Robert Wyatt, Ph.D.

Robert Wyatt, Ph.D., is the director of the Breech School of Business Administration at Drury University. He coordinates all activities for the school, which comprises six majors. Wyatt earned his Ph.D. in accounting from the University of Memphis and is a licensed certified public accountant. Wyatt has served as a judge for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year awards. Wyatt also has been named a 2007-08 American Council on Education Fellow.[[In-content Ad]]