March's Executive Mom of the Month Jacqueline Goetter Jacqueline Goetter's professional career has mirrored her strong interest in children. Over the years, she's learned how to balance raising three boys, working with the school board and other community organizations. The most important lessons she's learned is "Each mother has got to know what's right for herself and for her family." Name: Jacqueline Goetter Occupation: Independent Contractor/Project Manager & President of the Decatur Board of Education Spouse: Stephen Goetter Children: Michael, 22 (senior in college), Scott, 20 (junior in college), Andrew, 16 (sophomore in high school) Your background reflects a lifetime of commitment to education and children's issues… I became a member of the school board in 1993, the vice-president from 1993-1997 and the president from 1997 to the present. Even thought I am a product of private education, I believe strongly in the public school system. Many people become interested and stay interested in the school system only when their kids are there. Even though my youngest son is already a sophomore, I really believe that schools need strong leadership. I am also an independent contractor and project manager, currently conducting a survey for a quasi-public company on the needs for after-school programs in our community. Throughout my professional career, I have always had involvement with kids' issues. My background is education and I have masters in diagnostic teaching. In the mid-seventies I taught early childhood special education. I've always been very active in community organizations. I was on the board of the Children's Museum of Illinois and chaired a capital campaign that raised over $2.5 million. I've also been Executive Director of "Partners in Education," the Director of Community Affairs for Millikin University as well as President of the Economic Development Corporation. How did you balance your work and your family through all of this? I have always felt it was very important to be home with children when they are young. Everything I've done revolved around my family. All my jobs had flexible time so I was always the caretaker of my children. I always had a housekeeper to help with the more mundane aspects of keeping a house. As the boys got older, I thought it was important to give them some level of independence. As children mature, a parent's emphasis shifts from one of caretaking. It is equally important to be with them, as they grow older. It's so important to communicate with your children and it's so important to LISTEN to them. Also, be a good role models- do it by action…. Show interest in what they do and provide resources for them to succeed. I believe that you have to make sacrifices if you are going to bring children into this world. What are some of the things you like to do with your kids, now that they are young adults? Sitting and talking, going to visit them at school. I am interested in their hobbies and love to watch them perform. Their interests have become my interests. How do you make time for yourself? I make sure that I maintain a good regimental diet and exercise program. I have learned that if moms don't take care of themselves, then no one else will! Keeping up with three boys, plus working and being involved in so many community activities is very hard! I just decided that I have to make time for myself. I do aerobics and weight training What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishment? Witnessing the skills that I have especially in not-for-profit groups has really made a difference. Helping organizations and leaving them better positioned than when I found them -there is a feeling of recognition there. It helps to strengthen communities and families! What advice do you have for other professional moms? The most important thing is to keep your priorities in perspective and pace. It's harder for women because we are the primary caretakers. Each mother has got to know what's right for herself and her family and her needs. Determine what's best for you. You've got to be content with yourself and what you're doing. Between the media and the women's movement, you can feel like you're not doing the best you can. PUSH that aside-- you know what's right for you and your family! You will know how to maintain your priorities. • Submit a nomination for Executive Mom of the Month • February's Mom of the Month: Lynne Bruce • December's Mom of the Month: Brenda Kouwenhoven • October's Mom of the Month: Jayne Gershkowitz • September's Mom of the Month: Ann Higgins • August's Mom of the Month: Peggy Garcia • July's Mom of the Month: Maria Vidal • June's Mom of the Month: Patricia Campbell