Curriculum Vitae
Personal
Husband, Richard, and three children: Pam, Peter and Morgan. Four grandchildren: Zoe, Ashleigh, Bailey and Ben.
Employment
2010- 2018 Presiding Commissioner, Newton County
2003-2010 Missouri State Representative, 131st District
1998-present Vice President, Ruestman Development Company
1997 District Administrator, Missouri State Senator Marvin Singleton
1989-1997 Field Coordinator, United States Congressman Mel Hancock
1979-1989 Broker/Owner, Ruestman Realty
1972-1979 Owner/President, Medical and Merchants Professional Services
Education
Master of Science Pittsburg State University
Bachelor of Science Missouri Southern State University
Associate of Arts Joplin Junior College
Memberships
Christ Community United Methodist Church
Neosho Area and Joplin Area Chambers of Commerce
Missouri Federation of Republican Women
National Federation of Republican Women
National Republican Party
National Rifle Association
Newton County Republican Women
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Soroptimist International
Interests
Fishing, politics and time with family
Civic Accomplishments
Awards
2019 Annie Baxter Award Recipient Missouri Southern State University
2010 Distinguished Alumni McDonald County R-1 School District
2009 Ten Most Influential Women Joplin Tri-State Business Journal
2009 John Walsh Award/Katie's Heroes NCSL Convention/DNA SAVES
2007 Presidential Award Missouri NAACP
2003 Legislator of the Year Missouri Bar Association
2003 Outstanding Alumni Missouri Southern State University
1999 Woman of the Year Missouri Federated Republican Women
1997 Woman of Distinction Soroptimist International
1990-1996 Special Selection - Biographee United States Congressional Staff
1st Place Missouri Volunteer Project of the Year for Camp Soroptimist
State of Missouri
2nd Place National Competition for Student Project Students in Free Enterprise
Alumni of the Year Missouri Southern State University
Positions Held
2003-2010 Missouri Women's Council Member
2000-2002 Missouri Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board
1996-2002 Missouri State Republican Committee State Committee Woman
1999-2000 Joplin Federate Republican Women President
(member of Board 1992-1998)
1996-1997 Women's Club of America Vice President
(member of Board of Directors 1990-1998)
1991-1992 Ozark Center, Board of Directors Vice President
1990-1991 Boys and Girls Club of Joplin President (first woman)
1989-1990 Vice President
1988-1989 Treasurer
1987-1991 Secretary
1989-1990 Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors Chairperson (first woman)
1987-1988 Organizational Development Division Vice Chairman
1986-1987 Board of Directors
1988-1989 Metro Exchange Club
Board of Directors President (first woman)
1987-1988 Vice President
1983-1988 Missouri Southern State University Alumni Association Board of Directors
1984-1985 Soroptimist International of Joplin President
1979 English Setter Association
Annual Hardback Managing Editor
Political/Public Service Accomplishments
Offices Held
Presiding Commissioner, Newton County Elected in 2010 and 2014
Missouri State Representative, 131st District Elected in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008
Majority Caucus Secretary Elected in 2004, 2006 and 2008
President, Women Legislators of Missouri Elected 2003-2005
Treasurer, Missouri House of Representatives Freshman Class Elected 2003-2005
Legislative Committee Memberships
Conservation & Natural Resources 2009-2010 Vice-Chairman, 2009-2010
Policy Development 2008-2010
Rural Community Development 2007-2010
Senior Citizen Advocacy 2007-2010 Vice-Chairman, 2005-2006
Professional Registration & Licensing 2003-2010 Vice-Chairman, 2007-2008
Judiciary 2003-2006
Homeland Security & Veterans Affairs 2003-2004
Joint Committee on Terroris, Bioterrorism & Homeland Security 2003-2004
Interim Committee on Job Creation & Economic Development 2003
Interim Committee on Water Quality Issues 2003
Legislation Passed
House Bill 75 Allotment of second set of "Silver Star" license plates
House Bill 155 Albert Brumley Memorial Highway
Senate Bill 38 Carver Prairie Drive Designation (by amendment)
Senate Bill 233 Congressman Mel Hancock Freeway Designation (by amendment)
Senate Bill 280 Cosmetology Board Changes (by amendment)
Senate Bill 749 Interior Design Professional Registration Changes (by amendment)
House Bill 62 George Washington Carver State Building Designation
House Bill 60 Defensive Use of Force - "Castle Doctrine"
House Bill 1341 Pool Safety and Insurance Requirements - "Ethan's Law"
House Bill 152 DNA Profiling Upon Arrest - "Katie's Law"
House Bill 154 Emergency Placement of Grandchildren with Grandparents
House Bill 919 Insurance Group Rates for Sole-Proprietors and Self-Employed
Senate Bill 435 Case Management Contracting for Developmental Disabilities