Gov. Bruce Rauner today appointed Michelle Ownbey, associate publisher of the Springfield Business Journal, to the board of the Mid-Illinois Medical District in Springfield.

“Ownbey’s economic experience will be influential in her new role,” said a statement from Rauner’s office announcing the appointment.

The Mid-Illinois Medical District sits on the north end of Springfield’s downtown and includes part of the Enos Park neighborhood. The medical district’s purpose is to promote the growth of the medical industry within the district’s boundaries.

Ownbey says her role on the board will mesh well with her existing role as president of the Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association.

“I had the opportunity to be very involved in the Master Plan for the Enos Park neighborhood that was completed in 2010, as well as our ongoing efforts since then to implement the recommendations of the plan,” Ownbey said. “I look forward to working with the Mid-Illinois Medical District to assist in helping them move forward with implementing their own plan, especially since Enos Park is the residential component of the Medical District. I am very pleased to be able to represent the neighborhood that is part of this area which is so critical to the economic growth and vitality of our community. ”

Contact Patrick Yeagle at patrick@springfieldbusinessjournal.com.