Amanda Gerstner: Rooted in Service, Driven by Heart
"Connection gives life meaning. The relationships we build are the reason we are who we are"
When it comes to balancing career, family, and community, Amanda Gerstner does it all with humility and heart. A Mater Dei alum, devoted wife and mom, and Chief of HR Recruitment & Placement at Scott Air Force Base, Amanda has built a life deeply rooted in Clinton County. From leading at All Saints Academy to captaining her Relay for Life team for 15 years, serving on local committees, and even giving the priceless gift of life as a gestational carrier, Amanda’s story is one of generosity, leadership, and love. Though she’ll tell you she’s just a small part of a bigger story, we think you’ll agree that Amanda is truly unforgettable.
Amanda’s Story
Amanda was first nominated as one of Anna’s Unforgettable People by her husband, who felt it was time others recognized the impact she has quietly made in Clinton County and beyond. Though Amanda is quick to downplay the title, insisting that she’s just a small part of a bigger story, her life of service, family, and leadership tells otherwise.
A lifelong Clinton County resident, Amanda graduated from Mater Dei High School in 2003 before marrying her high school sweetheart. Together, they’ve built their life in Breese, raising two children, now 12 and 9. Amanda went on to earn a Sociology degree from Southern Illinois University and a Master’s in Human Resources Management from Webster University, paving the way for a remarkable career in public service.
Her professional journey began as a student intern with the Department of the Air Force, learning the intricacies of human resources. Through dedication and strong leadership, Amanda rose to her current role as Chief of HR Recruitment and Placement at Scott Air Force Base. Today, she leads a team serving more than 3,000 civilian employees and advises commanders and supervisors on staffing, affirmative employment programs, and civilian workforce management, in support of the Department of Defense’s global mobility mission.
Family remains Amanda’s foundation. Her husband helps carry on the family business, Gerstner Plumbing, founded in 1979 by his father and now a trusted local name. Together, they’ve built a family life rooted in hard work, reliability, and service. Amanda credits her parents, known lovingly to her children as Momo and Popo, as constant examples of selflessness, always showing up with love, encouragement, and helping hands.
Outside of work, Amanda is often found at the ballfields, courts, or gyms, joyfully juggling her children’s busy schedules. She calls these “the best days,” embracing the fullness of this season of life. But Amanda’s story stretches far beyond family and career, her commitment to volunteering has touched countless lives.
She has poured hours into All Saints Academy, serving as a board member during its Capital Campaign, leading as School Board President for the 2024–2025 school year, and continuing today on both the Policy and Welcoming Committees. In earlier years, she lent her talents to the Breese Junior Women’s Club, helping create community events from Christmas floats to Easter egg hunts. She has also been a proud Clinton County Relay for Life committee member, captaining her team, J-Putts Lucky Crew, for 15 years to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society. Most recently, Amanda joined the Breese Christmas Lights Committee, helping bring holiday magic to the community park.
Her friendships are equally treasured. Amanda is blessed with a rare circle of friends dating back to kindergarten, grade school, and high school—relationships spanning more than 20 years. She considers their continued closeness a unique and wonderful gift.
One of Amanda’s most personal acts of service came in 2019, when she became a gestational carrier to help another family welcome a child. She calls it one of the greatest blessings of her life, a journey that deepened her perspective on love and generosity while forging a lifelong bond with the family she helped.
At her core, Amanda believes in community, connection, and giving back. Whether supporting local schools, organizing events, helping families in need, or simply showing up where she’s needed most, Amanda embodies what it means to be unforgettable.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by the people around me. My family, my friends, and this community. I don’t feel like I am doing anything extraordinary. I just try to give back where I can. I want to make the world just a little bit better for my kids and the people around me. I don’t need nor want the spotlight. I want my kids to see that giving back, working hard, and staying connected to people matters. And that even the smallest act of service can make a difference. So many others do the same and that’s what makes this community so special.
What’s one challenge you’ve overcome?
Like many people, one of my biggest challenges has been finding balance. Between a demanding career, my kids busy sports schedules, community service and making time for family and friends. It’s not always easy but it’s taught me how important it is to stay organized, lean on the support of family and embrace the chaos of this season of life. I don’t take these busy days for granted because I know they are the best days.
What do you hope to accomplish through your work?
For me, it all comes down to connection and being kind. Helping people is important and for some, it can be life changing. Whether its through work, kids activities, friendships, or volunteering in the community, I just hope what I do makes people feel supported and part of something bigger.
Who has been the biggest influence on your journey?
I have been lucky to have many influences in my life, but my family and friends have been the strongest. My parents and husband have shown me what hard work and giving back looks like, and my friends many of whom I have known since grade school, remind me of the power of connection and showing up for each other, always. They have all shaped the way I see service, kindness and the importance of helping others.
What’s one piece of advice you would share with others?
Stay connected and give back where you can. Relationships and community are what carry us through life. Appreciate the busy days and the people around you. Be thankful for the people who walk through life with you.
What makes you unique?
I don’t think of myself as someone who stands out. I love bringing people together, planning things, and keeping connections strong. What makes me different isn’t anything extraordinary. It’s just that I really care about people. I believe in showing up and helping where I can.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?
In 1994, when I was 11 years old, I ran with the Olympic Torch down Clinton Street in Breese for the U.S Olympic Festival.
How do you hope people feel after interacting with you?
I don’t need to be remembered for big accomplishments or recognition but I do hope people remember me as someone that tried to make life a little better for others.
What does being part of the community mean to you?
Connection gives life meaning. The relationships we build are the reason we are who we are. Connections gets us through the good times and the hard days and it’s what makes busy days worth it. Growing up and raising my family in Clinton County has shaped me in many ways. This community gives us opportunities, support, and friendships that have lasted decades. People come together here whether it’s for a school event, a fundraiser or simply cheering on each others kids at a ball game. I have seen first hand how this community rallies when someone is in need, celebrates each other’s successes and build traditions that bring us closer together. This place is special and has helped shape me into who I am.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Besides my family and friends, one thing I couldn’t live without is my tumblers. Its kind of a running joke with my husband but I have an embarrassingly large collection and always have one with me. Whether I am at work, at a game, or running around town. I always have at least 2 in my vehicle. They have basically become part of my personality, lol.
What’s the most surprising thing on your bucket list?
In no particular order….. Re-open ‘Subs N Stuff’ in Breese with my Sister-In-Law, Learn to Quilt, Witness Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio get together in real life, lol Attend a Coldplay concert
What’s one thing you’ve done recently that brought you unexpected joy?
Something that has brought me joy is getting all the laundry done. For anyone who knows me, they know this is an impossible feat with how much I despise the chore of laundry. So when it’s caught up, its a major victory…even if it only lasts for 24 hours.