At A Glance:

* Born in Ruleville, Mississippi. Later moved to Leland, Mississippi.

* Graduate of Leland High School.

* Before coming to the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation, worked five years at Delta and Pine Land Company in Scott, Mississippi.

* Personal interests include riding four-wheelers with her son and husband, spending quality time with her family, going on nature trail walks and taking care of her dogs and cats.

Up Close:

"Family is #1 to me. And what I do at the Foundation will make my family's life a lot better in the future. Working to ensure that Mississippians have clean water to drink, clean air to breathe, and bountiful resources for recreation are important to my family and I," says Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation Administrative Assistant, Michelle Owens.

"I am married and have one child- Bryan. Brannon manages All-State Tank Company. My eleven-year-old son keeps me busy with his school work and four-wheeler riding. By raising a child in Mississippi, I can see - first hand - the need to conserve our soil and provide a good quality of life."

According to Michelle, "My job at the Foundation is to basically keep things running smoothly."

Michelle helps manage the office, handles all membership and bookkeeping. Her bookkeeping duties include: Handles all aspects of accounting and paperwork for insurance (medical and vehicle), accounts receivable, accounts payable, fixed assets, inventory, expense accounts, payroll and taxes; Prepares financial reports; Handles all accounts; Assists in preparing an annual report; Assists with audits. Office duties include: Orders all office supplies; Coordinates advertising sales for the magazine; Ensures that all office duties are performed in a timely and professional manner; Handle and open all incoming mail; Answer the phone; Run errands as needed; Prepares all merchandise for mailing and shipping. Membership duties include: Ensures that all members are serviced in a professional and timely manner; Assists in the development of membership solicitation campaigns; Inputs new members into the computer; Sends out membership materials; Sends out renewal letters; Handles all membership complaints as a top priority; Keeps an accurate record of members; Helps develop membership solicitation campaigns; Helps distribute columns and press releases. Other duties as deemed necessary.

"I really enjoy working at the Foundation. We all get along great and it is a pleasure knowing that my work is making a difference," continued the Administrative Assistant.

E-mail: mowens@wildlifemiss.org

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