By Michelle Higginbotham, associate publisher

Springfield Business Journal has been recognizing outstanding young professionals in Springfield and the surrounding communities since 1997, making Forty Under 40 our longest standing awards program. That means our list of previous recipients has many familiar names, including Mayor Jim Langfelder, this year’s keynote speaker. The recipients represent a wide variety of local businesses and industries, but all contribute to their communities through both their professional lives and volunteer service.

The individuals profiled in this issue were all selected from nominations made by our readers. While some received multiple nominations, the selection process is not based on the sheer number of votes, but rather the individual’s overall professional success and community participation. We are sure you’ll see some familiar names on the list, and we feel confident that the 2015 Forty Under 40 class will be making an impact in our community for years to come.

We are grateful for the ongoing commitment of our sponsors, Security Bank and the University of Illinois at Springfield MBA Program, which allows us to recognize a new group of successful young professionals each year. Thank you as well to all those who took the time to submit nominations and helped us identify these very deserving individuals.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER MAYOR JAMES O. LANGFELDER

A lifelong resident of Springfield, Jim Langfelder took office as mayor on May 7, 2015. Mayor Langfelder has charge over operations of the City of Springfield including the departments of Community Relations; Communications; Convention and Visitors Bureau; Corporation Counsel; CWLP; Planning & Economic Development; Human Resources; Library; Budget and Management, Police and Fire; and Public Works.

Mayor Langfelder served as City Treasurer from 2003-2015. While Treasurer, he served on the board of the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada and achieved national certification for the City’s Investment Policy. He also served as the Illinois Municipal Treasurers Association Board President from 2008 – 2010 and is a Certified Treasury Professional.

Prior to becoming a public servant, Mayor Langfelder worked in banking for 14 years and specialized in product and business development. He holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from University of Illinois Springfield and an Associates degree from Lincoln Land Community College, where his main course of studies was business management.

Mayor Langfelder has long been active in our community and served as Secretary of Downtown Springfield Inc., and past president of the Dana Thomas House Foundation, Springfield Center for Independent Living, and Leadership Springfield. He was also a past recipient of the Springfield Business Journal’s Forty under 40.

Mayor Langfelder and his wife Billie have been married for 25 years and have 3 children, Justin (23), Ryan (20) and Lauren (15).

See the 40 under Forty Winners Here in the July 2015 Edition

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