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Robert Stephens was born and raised in Springfield—having attended school at Campbell Elementary, Jarrett Junior High, and Parkview High School. He also graduated from Southwest Missouri State College (the final graduating class of SMS College before it became SMS University!) He brings a strong background in management and volunteerism to the campaign for a seat on Springfield’s City Council.

Professional Background: Bob’s resume consists of 25 years of human resource management (16 years at 3M as well as ten years in the electronics field.) He also has been the owner of a successful small business (A Perfect Fit Alteration Shop), which he sold at a profit. His background in HR taught him to listen to all sides of an issue before deciding on the fairest and most equitable solution. This willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints will be invaluable as City Council tackles some of the major issues facing Springfield in the next four years.

Volunteer Positions: Bob has always felt that Springfield is a great place to live and that we all have an obligation to make it better. He has long been involved in volunteer positions—most of them involving Board service.

In the past, he has served on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Ozarks, the Springfield Family Y, and the Board for Camp Fire Boys and Girls. Most of his volunteer positions have dealt with enhancing the quality of life for Springfield’s young people.

In addition, his municipal government experience includes two terms on the Springfield Art Museum Board, including one year as Chair during a major building renovation project. He also completed an unexpired term on the Springfield Personnel Board because of his background as  an HR professional. These two positions have given him a working knowledge of how our municipal government operates.

Family: Bob and Cindy have been married for 14 years. She is an administrator in Workforce Development at OTC. Bob is dad to two daughters: Alicia is married, lives in Denver, and is a certified Physician’s Assistant with an Master’s Degree from St. Louis University. She assists with spinal surgeries and was recently selected to be Denver Nuggets cheerleader for 2008-2009. Rebecca graduated from MU with a double major in International Business and Accounting. She works as a Financial Analyst in Kansas City and she and Jason have presented Bob and Cindy with their first grandchild. The Stephens household is also ruled by a somewhat rotund cat named Tristan.

Education: In addition to his degree from SMS, Bob also holds a Master’s degree in Communication from Drury University and a Specialist Degree in Technical Communication from California State University. He has taught courses in HR Management at Phillips Junior College and a number of Communications courses at Drury University. Also, he has conducted numerous workshops and training sessions based on his background in management and human resources.