The Springfield Business Journal proudly features 40 leaders who are under the age of 40 in the Springfield and neighboring business communities. These individuals are selected based on their contributions to our local business community and the community in which they reside. They represent, in part, the future of business in our community and in central Illinois.
The selectees’ career paths, educational background, and community affiliations are varied. They represent the best and brightest from a wide range of occupations. You can expect to hear more from and about these leaders in the years ahead. The program is able to continue due to the commitment of local businesses that realize the importance of acknowledging these up and coming business leaders and supporting community business programs.
Below is a listing of all previous selectees. Before submitting a nomination, please verify that the person you are wishing to nominate has not already been selected to a previous year. ~ Thank you.
Forty Under 40 Previous Selectees
| First Name | Middle Name or Initial | Last Name | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff | Abernathy | |||||||||||
| Ayo | Dele | Abitogun | ||||||||||
| G | Abu-Saba | |||||||||||
| Aaron | D. | Acree | ||||||||||
| Don | P. | Adams | ||||||||||
| Dean | Adkins | |||||||||||
| Shane | Adkins | |||||||||||
| Jeffrey | Alan Gedrose | |||||||||||
| Peter | Anthony | Albanese | ||||||||||
| Jim | Alberts | |||||||||||
| Daryl | M. | Allen | ||||||||||
| Quinn | Allen | |||||||||||
| Rick | Allender | |||||||||||
| Danielle | Alstott | |||||||||||
| Jeff | Ambrose | |||||||||||
| Desmond | Anderson | |||||||||||
| Deb | Anderson Timoney | |||||||||||
| Kristen | L. | Andress | ||||||||||
| Lisa | Andrew | |||||||||||
| Joel | C. | Andrews | ||||||||||
| Stephan | Paul | Antonacci | ||||||||||
| Tom | Appelt | |||||||||||
| Gunther | Armbruster | |||||||||||
| Jennie | Ascher | |||||||||||
| Rachael | Atchison | |||||||||||
| Erica | Austin | |||||||||||
| Courtney | Babiak | |||||||||||
| Lisa | Badger | |||||||||||
| Jeff | Baker | |||||||||||
| Jeff | Ball | |||||||||||
| Don | Barber | |||||||||||
| Robert | Barber, Jr. | |||||||||||
| Julio | Barrenzuela | |||||||||||
| Amy | Barry | |||||||||||
| Stephanie | Barton | |||||||||||
| Jessica | Basham | |||||||||||
| Tom | Bayer | |||||||||||
| Amy | Beadle | |||||||||||
| Michelle | L. | Bearden | ||||||||||
| Adam | Beck | |||||||||||
| Emily | Becker | |||||||||||
| Jessica | Becker | |||||||||||
| John | Becker | |||||||||||
| April | Becker | |||||||||||
| Kristan | Becker Hoffman | |||||||||||
| Rachel | Beckett | |||||||||||
| Kim | Beggs | |||||||||||
| Scott | Belcher | |||||||||||
| Lawrence | Bell | |||||||||||
| Kyle | Belz | |||||||||||
| Jennifer | J. | Benanti | ||||||||||
| John | C. | Benanti | ||||||||||
| Vivian | Bennett | |||||||||||
| Molly | Berendt | |||||||||||
| Amanda | Bergdorf | |||||||||||
| Jennifer | Bettis | |||||||||||
| Sarah | L. | Beuning | ||||||||||
| Julie | Beveridge | |||||||||||
| Scott | D. | Bevill | ||||||||||
| Heather | Bigard | |||||||||||
| Brady | Bird | |||||||||||
| Greg | Birky | |||||||||||
| Nathan | Bishop | |||||||||||
| Larry | K. | Black | ||||||||||
| David | Blanchette | |||||||||||
| Justin | A. | Blandford | ||||||||||
| Alex | P. | Block | ||||||||||
| Erich | J. | Bloxdorf | ||||||||||
| Kevin | Boehm | |||||||||||
| Brent | Boesdorfer | |||||||||||
| Kendra | Leigh | Boesdorfer | ||||||||||
| Jill | Bohringer | |||||||||||
| Brent | Borah | |||||||||||
| Shannon | Brady | |||||||||||
| Rick | Brandt | |||||||||||
| Rudy | Braud | |||||||||||
| Jeremy | Bredemeyer | |||||||||||
| Katherine | Breen | |||||||||||
| Jeff | Bricker | |||||||||||
| Laura | Elaine | Bridges | ||||||||||
| J.T. | Britton | |||||||||||
| Josh | Britton | |||||||||||
| Zachery | Britton | |||||||||||
| Matt | Broch | |||||||||||
| Nicole | E. | Broch | ||||||||||
| Kevin | Broeckling | |||||||||||
| Zach | Bromley | |||||||||||
| Rachel | Brooks | |||||||||||
| Amanda | Brott | |||||||||||
| Joshua | P. | Broughton | ||||||||||
| Jarid | Brown | |||||||||||
| Andrew | Bruington | |||||||||||
| Christopher | A. | Bruley | ||||||||||
| Joseph | A. | Bruso | ||||||||||
| Randy | Bruso | |||||||||||
| Dr. | Bryne Willey | |||||||||||
| Josh | Budd | |||||||||||
| Meaghan | Buecker | |||||||||||
| Jim | Burke, Jr. | |||||||||||
| Malcolm | Burns | |||||||||||
| Michael | Buscher | |||||||||||
| Chris | Butler | |||||||||||
| Kelli | Butler | |||||||||||
| Michele | Y. | Butler | ||||||||||
| Francis | Butterfield | |||||||||||
| Nikole | Cain | |||||||||||
| Ben | Call | |||||||||||
| Jennifer | Call | |||||||||||
| Christopher | J. | Camp | ||||||||||
| Beth | Camplain | |||||||||||
| Kavitha | Cardoza | |||||||||||
| Andrea | Carl | |||||||||||
| Karen | V. | Carlson | ||||||||||
| Christine | Carrels | |||||||||||
| Wayne | Carrels | |||||||||||
| Aaron | Carter | |||||||||||
| Clint | Carter | |||||||||||
| Matthew | Cate | |||||||||||
| Bethany | Catherwood | |||||||||||
| Peter | C. | Cavanagh | ||||||||||
| Don | Cave | |||||||||||
| Karen | Cearlock | |||||||||||
| Kim | Cessna | |||||||||||
| John | Charles | |||||||||||
| Allen | Chastain | |||||||||||
| Beverly | Christian | |||||||||||
| Jokima | Christison | |||||||||||
| Amy | Chronister | |||||||||||
| Jay | Clark | |||||||||||
| John | W. | Clark | ||||||||||
| Josh | Clark | |||||||||||
| Trevor | J. | Clatfelter | ||||||||||
| Michelle | Clatfelter | |||||||||||
| Cari | Claussen | |||||||||||
| Gwendolyn | Clayton | |||||||||||
| Niccole | Clements | |||||||||||
| Brian | A. | Clemons | ||||||||||
| Melinda | Cobern | |||||||||||
| Ellen | B. | Cody | ||||||||||
| Clayton | Coe | |||||||||||
| Mike | Coffey, Jr. | |||||||||||
| Ryan | T. | Cole | ||||||||||
| Josh | Collins | |||||||||||
| Matt | Colonius | |||||||||||
| Ginette | Comstock | |||||||||||
| Lisa | Nicole | Conant | ||||||||||
| Frank | Conder | |||||||||||
| Karen | Rose | Conn | ||||||||||
| Kendra | Cooper | |||||||||||
| Denise | L. | Corcoran | ||||||||||
| Tyler | Cormeny | |||||||||||
| Jesse | Coultas | |||||||||||
| Ryan | Coultas | |||||||||||
| Valerie | Cowen | |||||||||||
| Brandon | C. | Cox | ||||||||||
| Michelle | Cox | |||||||||||
| Jennifer | Creasey | |||||||||||
| Justin | Creasey | |||||||||||
| Amanda | Crossland | |||||||||||
| Tracy | Crowley | |||||||||||
| Esteban | Cruz | |||||||||||
| Douglas | Cullers | |||||||||||
| Erica | Cusumano | |||||||||||
| Scott | Dahl | |||||||||||
| Renee | Dairaghi | |||||||||||
| Sampa | Das Ostrem | |||||||||||
| Kim | Daughton | |||||||||||
| Dr. Kirsten | Davin | |||||||||||
| Charles | Y. | Davis | ||||||||||
| Cindy | S. | Davis | ||||||||||
| Evan | Davis | |||||||||||
| Jodi | Davis | |||||||||||
| Leah | Davis | |||||||||||
| Chris | Davis | |||||||||||
| Korey | Davis | |||||||||||
| William | Davis | |||||||||||
| Katie | Davison | |||||||||||
| Matthew | T. | Dearing | ||||||||||
| Jessie | R. | Decker | ||||||||||
| Alex | Degman | |||||||||||
| Sarah | Delano Pavlik | |||||||||||
| Tony | DelGiorno | |||||||||||
| Brian | Denney | |||||||||||
| Lara | L. | Dennis | ||||||||||
| Megan | Derrig-Green | |||||||||||
| L. | Desanto | |||||||||||
| Jennifer | L. | Desart | ||||||||||
| Jodi | Deverman | |||||||||||
| Maureen | Di Donato | |||||||||||
| Tracie | Dickinson Taylor | |||||||||||
| Sarah | W. | Dietel | ||||||||||
| Jeff | Dillman | |||||||||||
| Jennifer | Dillman | |||||||||||
| Melanie | Dineen | |||||||||||
| Michael | Dixon | |||||||||||
| Stephanie | L. | Do | ||||||||||
| Dave | Doetsch | |||||||||||
| Dan | Dondanville | |||||||||||
| James | R. | Donelan | ||||||||||
| Jerry | Donovan | |||||||||||
| Lara | Donovan | |||||||||||
| Mark | R. | Donovan | ||||||||||
| Joseph | M. | Doone | ||||||||||
| Sheleda | Doss | |||||||||||
| Paulette | Dove | |||||||||||
| Steven | Dove | |||||||||||
| Kari | Downey | |||||||||||
| Hugh | F. | Drake | ||||||||||
| David | Drendel | |||||||||||
| David | J. | Drennan | ||||||||||
| Paula | J. | Drieci | ||||||||||
| Shelli | A. | Drummond | ||||||||||
| Karen | Duke | |||||||||||
| Jeff | Duval | |||||||||||
| David | B. | Earhart | ||||||||||
| Andrew | S. | Earles | ||||||||||
| Drew | M. | Early | ||||||||||
| Eric | Easley | |||||||||||
| Albert | O. | Eck III | ||||||||||
| John | P. | Eck, Jr. | ||||||||||
| Ashley | Edge | |||||||||||
| Aprill | Edwards | |||||||||||
| David | O. | Edwards | ||||||||||
| Kayla | Edwards | |||||||||||
| Pat | Edwards | |||||||||||
| Scott | Eggleston | |||||||||||
| Tim | Eggleston | |||||||||||
| Rodney | W. | Egizii | ||||||||||
| Lynn | Ehmen | |||||||||||
| Ryan | Ehmen | |||||||||||
| Kimberly | D. | Elliott | ||||||||||
| Stephanie | Emerson-Mcdannald | |||||||||||
| Matthew | Enright | |||||||||||
| Lisa | Ernst | |||||||||||
| Paris | Ervin Doyle | |||||||||||
| Steven | J. | Etheridge | ||||||||||
| Donald | H. | Evans | ||||||||||
| Joshua | Evans | |||||||||||
| Matthew | Evans | |||||||||||
| Jason | Evers | |||||||||||
| Emily | B. | Fathauer | ||||||||||
| Michael | Fear | |||||||||||
| Stacy | Lynn | Feldmann | ||||||||||
| Stepheni | Ferguson | |||||||||||
| Virginia | Ferguson | |||||||||||
| Vanessa | Ferguson | |||||||||||
| Amy | Finley | |||||||||||
| Lashonda | Fitch | |||||||||||
| Tom | Fitch | |||||||||||
| Truman | Flatt | |||||||||||
| Robert | M. | Flesher | ||||||||||
| Eric | Flick | |||||||||||
| Valerie | L. | Flynn | ||||||||||
| Mark | Forinash | |||||||||||
| Tracy | Formea | |||||||||||
| Holly | Fowler | |||||||||||
| Jenna | Fox | |||||||||||
| Catie | Franks | |||||||||||
| Greg | Frazier | |||||||||||
| Pamela | Frazier | |||||||||||
| Jane | Frech | |||||||||||
| Troy | Freeman | |||||||||||
| Sara | Freitag | |||||||||||
| Elizabeth | French Becker | |||||||||||
| Scott | J. | Freschi | ||||||||||
| Julia | Frevert | |||||||||||
| Chris | Fricke | |||||||||||
| Barry | Friedman | |||||||||||
| Brian | Frieze | |||||||||||
| Tana | K. | Frisina | ||||||||||
| Kimberly | Fuiten | |||||||||||
| Jeff | Fulgenzi | |||||||||||
| Jim | Fulgenzi, Jr. | |||||||||||
| Danielle | Fulgenzi-Giacomini | |||||||||||
| Rachelle | Fuller | |||||||||||
| James | K. | Fullerton | ||||||||||
| Donald | D. | Funk | ||||||||||
| Alyssa | Furling | |||||||||||
| William | Furling, III | |||||||||||
| Kristin | Fyans | |||||||||||
| J.P. | Fyans, III | |||||||||||
| Michael | Gaines | |||||||||||
| Jessica | L. | Galanos | ||||||||||
| Kevin | Gamble | |||||||||||
| Javier | A. | Gamboa | ||||||||||
| Sabha | Ganai | |||||||||||
| Roger | D. | Garrison | ||||||||||
| Scott | Germeraad | |||||||||||
| Doug | Gholson | |||||||||||
| Brian | Giacomini | |||||||||||
| Nick | Giacomini | |||||||||||
| Lauren | Gibson | |||||||||||
| Tammy | Gillette | |||||||||||
| Susan | L. | Gleason | ||||||||||
| Jason | Godar | |||||||||||
| Bill | Goldsberry | |||||||||||
| Maria | Gonzalez | |||||||||||
| Jennifer | Gordon | |||||||||||
| Rajesh | Govindaiah | |||||||||||
| Sherry | Grable | |||||||||||
| Staunzie | Grady | |||||||||||
| Gina | Graham | |||||||||||
| Peter | Graham | |||||||||||
| Sarah | Graham | |||||||||||
| Sara | Grahek | |||||||||||
| Sean | Grant | |||||||||||
| William | T. | Grant, III | ||||||||||
| Kayla | Graven | |||||||||||
| Aimee | Gray | |||||||||||
| Kent | Gray | |||||||||||
| Thomas | Gray | |||||||||||
| Mary | Green | |||||||||||
| Mike | Greer | |||||||||||
| Shawn | Gregory | |||||||||||
| Andrew | Griswold | |||||||||||
| Adam | Grojean | |||||||||||
| Brandy | Grove | |||||||||||
| Laura | A. | Gruneiro | ||||||||||
| Tracy | Guard | |||||||||||
| Rhiannon | Gurley | |||||||||||
| Joel | Gustafson | |||||||||||
| Amy | Hagen | |||||||||||
| Michael | Hall | |||||||||||
| Michael | A. | Halsne | ||||||||||
| Cindy | Hamilton | |||||||||||
| Melissa | Hamilton | |||||||||||
| Grant | Hammer | |||||||||||
| Doug | Hamrick | |||||||||||
| Kevin | Handy | |||||||||||
| William | Hankinson | |||||||||||
| Mark | E. | Hanna | ||||||||||
| Todd | R. | Hannah | ||||||||||
| Mary | Hansen | |||||||||||
| Jessica | Hanson | |||||||||||
| Lisa | Harding | |||||||||||
| Joe | Hardway | |||||||||||
| Jay | Harmony | |||||||||||
| Shane | Harris | |||||||||||
| Nina | M. | Harris | ||||||||||
| Jennifer | Harris | |||||||||||
| Evan | Hart | |||||||||||
| Andy | Hartman | |||||||||||
| Tate | Hartman | |||||||||||
| Alban | Haxhinasto | |||||||||||
| Katie | Heinz | |||||||||||
| Dave | Heinzel | |||||||||||
| Shannon | M. | Heisler | ||||||||||
| B. | Hellar Armbruster | |||||||||||
| Scott | Hempel | |||||||||||
| Mark | Henderson | |||||||||||
| Sean | M. | Hendrix | ||||||||||
| Clint | Henrikson | |||||||||||
| Brittany | Henry | |||||||||||
| Erica | S. | Henry | ||||||||||
| Joey | Lee | Henry | ||||||||||
| Matt | Herbst | |||||||||||
| David | A. | Herman | ||||||||||
| Michelle | Higginbotham | |||||||||||
| Doug | Hill | |||||||||||
| Janet | Hill | |||||||||||
| Sonja | Hilson | |||||||||||
| Stephanie | Hinds | |||||||||||
| James | Hockenyos | |||||||||||
| William | E. | Hoecker, III | ||||||||||
| Brian | J. | Hoffman | ||||||||||
| John | Hoffman | |||||||||||
| Zachary | Hoffman | |||||||||||
| Jayson | Hoffman | |||||||||||
| Dan | Hohl | |||||||||||
| Timothy | W. | Holliday | ||||||||||
| Carolyn | Holmes | |||||||||||
| Erika | Holst | |||||||||||
| Rhett | Holzmacher | |||||||||||
| Michael | Hoppe | |||||||||||
| Steve | Horrighs, Jr. | |||||||||||
| Kisha | Hortman | |||||||||||
| Joshua | Houser | |||||||||||
| Donna | Hubbard | |||||||||||
| Kenneth | Humble | |||||||||||
| Stephen | Hunt | |||||||||||
| Charles | F. | Huntley | ||||||||||
| Michael | Hurst | |||||||||||
| Rebekah | Huston | |||||||||||
| Amy | Ihnen | |||||||||||
| David | Impastato | |||||||||||
| Jarod | Ingebrigtsen | |||||||||||
| Darren | Iozia | |||||||||||
| Joshua | Ishmael | |||||||||||
| Luke | Isringhausen | |||||||||||
| Evelyn | Ivy | |||||||||||
| Alison | Jackson | |||||||||||
| Ben | Jackson | |||||||||||
| Brett | Jackson | |||||||||||
| Chuck | Jackson | |||||||||||
| Scot | Jacobs | |||||||||||
| Stacy | Jacobs | |||||||||||
| Bethany | Jaeger | |||||||||||
| Erin | James Predmore | |||||||||||
| Daniel | J. | Janssen | ||||||||||
| Matt | Jennings | |||||||||||
| Cory | Jobe | |||||||||||
| Bryen | Johnson | |||||||||||
| Jay | Robert | Johnson | ||||||||||
| Jeffrey | A. | Johnson | ||||||||||
| Jenifer | Johnson | |||||||||||
| Lucus | Johnson | |||||||||||
| Michael | Johnson | |||||||||||
| Stephen | R. | Johnson | ||||||||||
| Aaron | Johnston | |||||||||||
| Corie | Johnston | |||||||||||
| Christy | Johnston | |||||||||||
| Kevin | Jones | |||||||||||
| Sarah | Jones | |||||||||||
| Tate | T. | Jones | ||||||||||
| Kristi | Jones | |||||||||||
| Terrance | Jordan | |||||||||||
| Angela | Jurgena | |||||||||||
| Paul | Kabbes | |||||||||||
| Ryan | M. | Kaiser | ||||||||||
| Wade | Kammin | |||||||||||
| Darre | Kassing | |||||||||||
| Josh | Kauffman | |||||||||||
| Tom | Kavanaugh | |||||||||||
| Amy | Kay | |||||||||||
| Melodie | Keefe | |||||||||||
| Sean | Keeley | |||||||||||
| Katie | Keim | |||||||||||
| Travis | J. | Kelty | ||||||||||
| Chip | Kennedy | |||||||||||
| Elizabeth | D. | Kerns (Fiala) | ||||||||||
| Amy | Kiel Bulpitt | |||||||||||
| Kirsten | Kienzler | |||||||||||
| Kyle | Killebrew | |||||||||||
| Joseph | J. | Kim | ||||||||||
| David | Kimsey | |||||||||||
| Isaac | S. | King | ||||||||||
| Micah | R. | King | ||||||||||
| Wes | King | |||||||||||
| Amber | King | |||||||||||
| Janelle | Kirby | |||||||||||
| Mike | Kirchhoff | |||||||||||
| Tamara | M. | Kirk | ||||||||||
| Ashley | Kirzinger | |||||||||||
| Melissa | R. | Klemm | ||||||||||
| Steve | Klemm | |||||||||||
| Darlene | Kmett | |||||||||||
| Paul | Kmett | |||||||||||
| Jason | Knoedler | |||||||||||
| Ambra | Knox | |||||||||||
| Linda | Koch | |||||||||||
| Heidi | Jo | Koeppel | ||||||||||
| Jared | Koester | |||||||||||
| Frank | Kopecky | |||||||||||
| Bailey | Kramp | |||||||||||
| Kelly | A. | Kuchar | ||||||||||
| Joe | Kulek | |||||||||||
| Laura | Louise | Kunard | ||||||||||
| Amanda | Kurman | |||||||||||
| Tamar | Kutz | |||||||||||
| Allison | Lacher | |||||||||||
| Ben | Ladage | |||||||||||
| Chris | Laier | |||||||||||
| Amy | Lally | |||||||||||
| Shelley | Lamantia | |||||||||||
| Rod | A. | Lane | ||||||||||
| Beth | Lang | |||||||||||
| Jim | Langfelder | |||||||||||
| Josh | Langfelder | |||||||||||
| Susan | Langheim | |||||||||||
| Michael | Lansden | |||||||||||
| Ron | Lanton | |||||||||||
| Vic | Lanzotti | |||||||||||
| Lori | Large | |||||||||||
| Ray | Larson | |||||||||||
| Andrew | Lascody | |||||||||||
| Joshua | Laurent | |||||||||||
| Jackie | Lausen | |||||||||||
| Harald | Lausen | |||||||||||
| Jim | Lauwerens | |||||||||||
| Jessica | Leach | |||||||||||
| Lara | Lebeck-Gephart | |||||||||||
| Susan | Lee | |||||||||||
| David | Lee | |||||||||||
| William | S. | Legge | ||||||||||
| Kim | Leistner Little | |||||||||||
| Jerry | D. | Lemmon, II | ||||||||||
| Donna | Lemon | |||||||||||
| Brad | Leonard | |||||||||||
| Frank | Lesko | |||||||||||
| Marc | Levi | |||||||||||
| Mark | Lewis | |||||||||||
| Joe | Lockman | |||||||||||
| Jason | Loftus | |||||||||||
| Cora | Logsdon | |||||||||||
| Desiree | Logsdon | |||||||||||
| Jakob | Lohrenz | |||||||||||
| Tom | Londrigan | |||||||||||
| Amanda | Long | |||||||||||
| Chris | Long | |||||||||||
| Gemma | Long | |||||||||||
| Tara | Long | |||||||||||
| Jill | Loureiro | |||||||||||
| Candice | Lovelace | |||||||||||
| Lynne | Lowder | |||||||||||
| Chad | A. | Lucas | ||||||||||
| Megan | Luckey | |||||||||||
| Joseph | E. | Ludtke | ||||||||||
| Steve | Luker | |||||||||||
| Cris | Lust | |||||||||||
| Kimberly | Luz | |||||||||||
| Darrell | J. | Lynch | ||||||||||
| Cress | B. | Maddox | ||||||||||
| Anne | Madonia-Hubbard | |||||||||||
| Christopher | W. | Maender | ||||||||||
| Jason | P. | Mahon | ||||||||||
| Alison | Maley | |||||||||||
| Dave | Manfredo | |||||||||||
| Morgan | Manning | |||||||||||
| Michael | J. | Mannion | ||||||||||
| Paul | Marconi | |||||||||||
| Kevin | R. | Margeson | ||||||||||
| Gina | Marie Fuhrmann | |||||||||||
| Rich | Marsaglia | |||||||||||
| Dan | Marshall | |||||||||||
| Philip | G. | Martin | ||||||||||
| Sabrina | Martindale | |||||||||||
| Marc | Maslauski | |||||||||||
| Tara | A. | Matheson | ||||||||||
| Tiffany | Mathis | |||||||||||
| Phillip | L. | Maton, Jr. | ||||||||||
| Kim | Maxian | |||||||||||
| Shawn | Mayernick | |||||||||||
| Kyle | Mayes | |||||||||||
| Andrew | Maynerich | |||||||||||
| Sean | McCaffrey | |||||||||||
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| nominee-full-name | nominee-phone | nominee-email | employer-age | title-responsibility | affiliations | tell-us-why | nominator-full-name | nominator-email | comments | |||
| Mackenzie | Anderson | 217-414-9225 | Kenziejori90@gmail.com | 29 | Customer Support | Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery- Board Member Junior League of Springfield- Prior Board Member current Active Member Illinois State Museum- Children’s Play Museum Volunteer Girls of the Run- Coach and Practice Partner United Way- Volunteer | Mackenzie gives so much of herself to the organizations she supports and volunteers with. She is always willing to help whenever needed and does so with a smile and so much joy and passion. She truly cares about the people she is helping. | Jodi Baker | jbaker@wbsb.com | YES | ||
| Sarah Beth | Ayers | +1 (217) 622-1855 | sarahbeth@innovatespringfield.org | 35 | Business Incubation Program Coordinator, Innovate Springfield University of Illinois Springfield | Emerging Leaders Class of 2020, 2020 Capital Innovation Awards Committee, Public administration student association board secretary 2015-2016, Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault training committee 2012-2017, Illinois Women in Leadership Program committee 2017-2018, Illinois military museum annual fundraiser volunteer 2009-2011, past Springfield art association fine craft fair volunteer, past Phoenix center volunteer, past Habitat for humanity volunteer. | Sarah brings sparkle and light to everything she does. She designs and implements the educational programming for Innovate Springfield and the entrepreneurs served by the business incubation program. She serves as the lead facilitator for the 9-week business startup program, co.starters. She created a new program designed to assist members with a challenge they may be facing with their businesses by connecting them with a panel of local experts who can strategize and develop a growth plan. She provides one-on-one assistance to members to develop and advance their business and marketing strategies. She is the “go to†person at Innovate Springfield for startups and she does it all with a beaming smile. | Katie Davison | kdavison@innovatespringfield.org | YES | ||
| Jenifer Lyn | Badman | 217-899-7596 | jenbadman@gmail.com | 39 | Manager, Patient Finance Department, HSHS Hospital System | Founder, Everyday for Emmie – Emmie Badman Memorial Fund: Partnering with organizations such as the St. John’s Children’s Hospital, The Triple Heart Foundation of Springfield, IL, and The Finley Project of Winter Park, FL, The Emmie Badman Memorial Fund raises money and awareness focused on the support of families going through the daily struggles of infant and child loss. Member, St. John’s Children’s Hospital Parents Advisory Board, Springfield, IL Member, St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Chatham, IL Member, Chatham Elementary School PTO | Like so many modern women, Jenifer Badman wears more hats than she can probably count. From hauling her children to softball or hockey practice, to running the household while her Springfield Firefighter husband is on shift, to managing the Patient Finance Department for NINE Hospital Sisters Heath Systems hospitals across Central Illinois, Jenifer Badman’s strength and drive are second-to-none. Her “work hard, play hard, love hard†approach to how she lives her life is exemplified in her commitment to always find a way to overcome adversity. When the Badman family unexpectedly experienced the heartbreaking loss of their 3-month old daughter, Emilia Mae, Jenifer, along with her husband Josh, were determined to not allow the memory of their daughter go unknown and without purpose. Out of grief and hope, the Emmie Badman Memorial Fund was born. Raising over $77,000 in just two short years, the Emmie Badman Memorial Fund sponsors community-centric events such as their annual Music Trivia Nights, provides care packages that include simple things such as detergent, hand sanitizer, and food certificates, to families whose children are being cared for at the St. John’s NICU and partners with other family support groups to provide solutions to often-overlooked needs of families who have gone through the same loss as the Badman’s. Most-notably, as a direct result of the Memorial Fund’s efforts, within the new St. John’s Children’s Hospital’s NICU, one of the patient pods/rooms and the new sibling’s activity center will be named in Emmie Badman’s honor. While these events and gestures are very public efforts, Jenifer Badman does not look for recognition as a result of her actions. She does not look for pity nor looks for excuses. Jenifer Badman looks for purpose. The topic of pregnancy and child loss was once thought as a “taboo†topic of discussion; something kept within a mother’s heart. Now, through women like Jenifer, the ability to celebrate these children and their memories is becoming an inclusive experience. Jenifer Badman exemplifies the spirit that drives so many local women; women we all know, we all work with, we all live with - living simple, yet purposeful lives based on faith, family, and love. It is an honor to nominate Jenifer Badman, Founder of the Emmie Badman Memorial Fund for the Springfield Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40†award. | Leslie Vallar | leslie.vallar@busey.com | |||
| Christine | Bailey | 2174412342 | christine@bfi.us | 36 | Owner, Bailey Family Insurance | Land of Lincoln Honor Flight WECI - Women Entrepreneurs of Central IL Capitol Area Networkers West Side Christian Church Springfield Chamber of Commerce Member Local First Springfield Member Chatham VFW Springfield Land Lord Association Independent Insurance of Illinois Member Founding Member of Patrick Sheehan Memorial Golf Outing Founding Member of Mompreneurs | Christine is born and raised in Springfield, IL. She attended SHG, LLCC and UIS prior to launching her own business, Bailey Family Insurance. She continues to give back to the community through protecting & educating the community through insurance coverage, as well as serving on multiple boards and foundations ( as listed above). Christine is an all around amazing human who deserves to be recognized for always being thoughtful, optimistic and kind. | Jourdan Kitchens | jourdan@bfi.us | |||
| Mark | Bailey | 217-441-2342 | mark@bfi.us | 33 | Co-Owner/ Bailey Family Insurance | Lincoln Land Honor Flight Capitol Area Networkers West Side Christian Church Springfield Chamber of Commerce Member Local First Springfield Member Chatham VFW Springfield Land Lord Association Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois Member of Patrick Sheehan Memorial Golf Outing | Mark has a passion for helping people and giving back to the Springfield community. His Insurance Agency continues to grow because of the great care customers are given. As his agency has grown his commitment to giving back to the community has followed. Their promotions, giveaways, and incentives always come from a locally owned family business that keeps money in the Springfield community. As a Marine Veteran Mark is passionate about helping in several programs such a Springfield Honor Flight, Off Duty, and the Chatham VFW. | John Drum | john@bfi.us | |||
| Morgan | Beck | morgan.beck@brandt.co | Corporate Accounting, BRANDT | Destiny Nance-Evans | YES | |||||||
| Michael | Bice | 217 725 9868 | MBice@SpringfieldElectric.com | 38 | Showroom Manager/Springfield Electric Lighting and Design | Michael, who began working at Springfield Electric Lighting & Design in October 2018 as the new showroom manager, is an active member of both the Springfield Home Builders Association and National Home Builders Association. Before joining Springfield Electric Lighting & Design, Michael was sales manager for Central Stone and Landscape Supply from 2008 to 2010, which lead him to be the general manager of US Marble and Granite from 2010 to 2018. Michael attended Western Illinois University but left after two years to become an assistant golf pro and teach golf in the Lake of the Ozarks. Michael was born and raised in Riverton Illinois but has chosen to make Jerome, in Springfield, his and his family’s home. He and his wife, Gretchen, live with their two-year-old twin sons Huxley and Vander, and their dogs Zoey and Knuckles. Michael loves Jerome and Springfield because the city is small enough to know everyone but big enough to meet a lot of great people, and together make a difference. Michael was key to the success of last year’s Local First Springfield awards, which took place at Springfield Electric Lighting & Design. The event was such a success for Springfield Electric Lighting & Design in terms of getting new faces through the door and into the showroom, that the company will be hosting the event again this year. Whether the organization can hold the event in its traditional style or virtually in the fall, remains to be seen due to Covid-19 and social distancing measures, however, Springfield Electric Lighting & Design is on board and willing to help make the event a success again, no matter what. The event, which is now in its third year recognizes Local First Springfield members for their dedication in supporting local businesses and the community. Springfield Lighting & Design is a proud supporter of United Way. Michael makes it a priority to get involved in the organization’s fundraising and awareness-raising activities on an annual basis. Michael was heavily involved with the Springfield Junior League during his time at US Marble and Granite. He set up the houses on their ‘kitchens in bloom’ tour during a lot of those years. Michael is a valued member of our community. | Michael is committed to his industry, not only is he an active member of the Springfield Home Builders Association and National Home Builders Association, but he is a fantastic leader of the sales team at Springfield Electric Lighting & Design. He is committed to his team, customers, and the community. He helps nurture talent within the team, epitomizes a team player – willing to take on all jobs – and is well known in the industry as someone you can count on. Michael is well respected by his peers, whether his team at Springfield Electric Lighting & Design, the management team at the company, or fellow industry members; those in construction, retail, and design. Michael is keen to help those who need a hand up the career ladder, working to nurture those with talent and the support they need and deserve. I have no hesitation in recommending Michael for this year’s Springfield Business Journal Forty Under 40 award. It’s time to recognize those that make the greatest impact on our local, small, independent businesses, help our economy prosper, and most of all support our community and those who are most vulnerable such as those that are supported by Springfield Junior League and United Way. | Gemma Long | gemma@gemprmedia.com | |||
| Brytton | Bjorngaard | 507-273-0645 | bryttonb@gmail.com | 34 | Director of Visual Arts and Associate Professor at UIS | - Member, Marketing and Community Relations Committee, Springfield Art Association - Former member, Board of Directors, Springfield Art Association (two terms) - Former member, Transition Committee, Springfield Art Association - Organizer, DEMO Project - Volunteer website development for local non-profits or grassroots efforts: Springfield Art Association, DEMO Project, Enos Park Residency, and Enos Park Neighborhood Association - DSI, Inc. Mural artist (awarded) - Developed, in conjunction with State Farm sponsorship, the logo for Compass for Kids, a non-profit in town that provides academic and social-emotional support to empower at-risk children and families - Served as juror and judge for the Old Capital Art Fair, Judge for Arts in Central Park in Decatur (two times) | To all those concerned, It is my pleasure to nominate my colleague, Brytton Bjorngaard, for the Springfield Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award. At UIS, in the Art, Music and Theater Department, Brytton is known as Super Woman. She enjoys that reputation for many reasons: the dedication that she displays to her colleagues and students, the sheer amount of work that she is able to turn around while maintaining such high standards, her rising star in university and community leadership, her generosity in support, readiness to volunteer, her vision in graphic design, and a work ethic that humbles every single one of her colleagues. Brytton came to Springfield in 2013 when she accepted a position at UIS as an Assistant Professor of Digital Media. She quickly became engaged with the community; she joined the Board of Directors at the Springfield Art Association and was a co-organizer for DEMO Project, grassroots and alternative artspace that was artist-led (2013-2018). At the SAA, she was (and remains!) an important contributor. She has developed (for free!) countless designs for the organization, from postcards to new signage. She developed (for free!) a new website for the SAA, and continues to maintain it. Though she served two terms as a Board member for the SAA, she remains as a Marketing and Communications committee member, and continues to offer her expertise and technical skill-set, as needed. She volunteers for the organization, for events, and serves a liaison between SAA and UIS Visual arts – an important and synergistic relationship. She works with local start-ups at deeply discounted rates, so that new initiatives can begin to establish a community presence. This has included logo design and website development for local professionals and businesses: Amy Smith-Harris Counseling, JJ Build, Shelterbelt Press, Aspen Grove Wellness, and The Nosh Blog. Brytton is an extremely dedicated and invested educator. So many of her student have blossomed under her mentorship, and so very many of her graduates have gone on to established careers in Graphic Design right here in Springfield! At UIS, she is a constant advocate, for students and colleagues. She was quickly recognized for her leadership ability, and in 2018, she began to serve as Director of Visual Arts at UIS. Soon after, in 2019, she was awarded tenure (a slam dunk because of her stellar performance in teaching, scholarship, and university/community service), and at the beginning of 2020, she began to serve as Chair for all of Art, Music and Theater at UIS. On top of everything she does at UIS and for Springfield, she is an extremely active professional. Last year, she exhibited for the Terrain Biennial at Enos Park and also curated an exhibit at the UIS visual Arts Gallery that featured graphic design and featured over 30 graphic design professionals from around the country. She maintains a robust client list and maintains research in her field, at times presenting at prominent academic conferences. Note that her professional activity is wide in scope; she takes on a variety of challenges and then funnels connections, new knowledge and initiatives back to Springfield. Her generosity is well known. If you need something, ask Brytton – and expect her to turn it around in an astonishingly short timeframe. She has been pivotal to the visual arts culture here in Springfield, and generous with her time and volunteerism. Her leadership is well respected and I feel certain that we will be seeing so much more from her in the coming years. Lastly, I am very happy to let you know that Brytton has been awarded a sabbatical for the Fall semester of 2020! I am very proud to work with Brytton and can tell you that she embodies leadership and collegiality, and I’m rooting for her! Thanks for your consideration! | Allison Lacher | allisonlacher@gmail.com | YES | ||
| Dr. Jennifer | Bond | 217-788-4060 | Bond.Jennifer@mhsil.com | 39 | Vice President, Nursing at Memorial Medical Center | Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders, American Association of Critical Care Nurses, 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders in Illinois (Illinois Nurses Foundation) | Jennifer Bond, PhD. provides executive leadership and operational coordination for patient care services and nursing practice activities as vice president, nursing, for Memorial Medical Center. She focuses on implementation of patient-centered care delivery models, evidence-based standards of patient care, performance improvement activities that optimize safety and effective utilization of resources and ongoing monitoring of patient, staff and organizational outcomes. Jennifer also oversees the efforts to maintain MMC’s designation as a Magnet Hospital for Nursing Excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Bond began her career at Memorial Medical Center as a registered nurse in 2005. She has served as a nursing outcome improvement facilitator and most recently as director of professional nursing practice. Bond earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a master of science degree in nursing education from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Bond earned a post-master’s certificate in executive nursing administration from the University of South Alabama, where she recently earned a doctor of nursing practice in executive nursing administration degree. Dr. Bond is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives and the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders. She holds nurse executive board certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. | Ed Curtis | curtis.ed@mhsil.com | YES | ||
| Ryan | Caldwell | 217-971-9021 | ryan.caldwell@rsmus.com | 34 | Senior Manager at RSM US LLP | 1. Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois – Ryan has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2015. He served as the Treasurer from 2016 to 2019. He currently serves as a member of the finance committee, which he has been a member of since 2014. Ryan has organized volunteer days at the Boys and Girls Club for the RSM team. He has also volunteered many hours at the Boys and Girls Club over recent years. 2. Springfield Boys and Girls Club Foundation – Ryan has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 2016. He currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Trustees, a position he has held since he joined the Board in 2016. 3. Downtown Springfield, Inc. – Ryan has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2019. He currently serves as a member of the finance committee. Ryan has carried on RSM’s longstanding history of supporting Downtown Springfield, Inc. In addition to his time volunteering on the Board, Ryan has volunteered at various events hosted by Downtown Springfield, Inc., including the Levitt AMP Music Series and trivia night. 4. Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) – Ryan has been a member of the Board of Directors of the McMahon-Illini Chapter since 2017. He currently serves as the Treasurer of the chapter and is a member of the sponsorship committee. Members of this association include individuals from HSHS and Memorial Health System. 5. The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce – Ryan has been a member since 2015. RSM has been a sponsor of the Chamber’s Annual Gala for many years. 6. United Way of Central Illinois – RSM has participating in United Way of Central Illinois for many years through a workplace campaign. RSM has also been a table sponsor of the Campaign Kickoff Breakfast and Community Report and Awards Breakfast for many years. | Ryan is the local leader of RSM’s Springfield office and has lived and worked in Springfield most of his life. RSM is the 5th largest accounting firm in the United States and has had an office in Springfield for many years. Ryan is a leader in RSM’s healthcare, nonprofit, and government audit practices. Ryan has become a local community leader through his role at RSM, as well as his contributions to the community through his volunteer efforts. In addition to the community affiliations above, Ryan has volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois, and Kumler Outreach Ministries. The RSM US Foundation has provided monetary grants to some of these organizations to match Ryan’s volunteer hours. Ryan attended many events held by community organizations through RSM’s sponsorship, including Memorial’s Festival of Trees Gala, Girls on the Run Light the Way, Lincoln Land Championship, and Downtown Springfield, Inc. Annual Dinner. Ryan is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP). He has a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in Accounting from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Ryan is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Illinois CPA Society. | Leslie Bhakta | leslie.bhakta@rsmus.com | |||
| Justin | Carter | 215-989-1663 | jwcarter@sbgtv.com | 30 | Morning News Anchor, ABC News Channel 20 | Justin serves on the Board of Trustees for the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield and is a member of the Capital City Men’s Chorus. He is also a proud and active member of the National Association of Black Journalists. He has performed locally with the Hoogland Center for the Arts, Springfield Theatre Centre, and First Night. He has emceed countless events and fundraisers for local charitable organizations. | News Channel 20’s Justin Carter is a man of many talents. Since arriving in Springfield in April of 2018, he’s become a very popular and respected member of the community. His smooth delivery and positive energy shine through his early morning newscasts and allow him to connect with viewers. In his role as morning show anchor at ABC News Channel 20, Justin covers serious news, but he also has the opportunity to be relaxed and funny while delivering lighter entertainment and human interest stories. With three hours of news to fill each morning (5 a.m. until 7 a.m. on News Channel 20 Sunrise, and then 7 a.m. until 8 a.m. on Good Day Illinois on Fox 55/27), he has plenty of time to share the many aspects of his engaging personality. Justin first performed locally in the Springfield Theatre Centre production of “Bonnie and Clyde†in October of 2018. He quickly followed that with performances in STC’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame†and “42nd Street,†and the Hoogland Center for the Arts production of “Memphis the Musical,†where he gave an electrifying performance.He love’s being a part of the local community, talking to students at schools and hosting charity events. Justin participates in thirty to forty different public events each year. He feels it’s important to be out in the community and to be visible. He work and hobby also allow him to be a role model for younger people, and he relishes the chance to give back. | Gus Gordon | gordon@hcfta.org | |||
| Chantel | Corrie | 217-714-6078 | chantel@midwestmission.org | 39 | Executive Director | Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center Board Member The Outlet One Stop Christmas Shop Board Member Springfield First United Methodist Church- Mission Council Chatham Youth Basketball Association- Coach YMCA – Coach Chatham Youth Baseball Association Coach | It is a tremendous honor and privilege to write this nomination of Chantel Corrie for the Forty under Forty. Without a doubt, Chantel epitomizes the very best of a volunteer, a dedicated manager of non profits and her value to our community is unmatched. I have now known Chantel for seven years. As a member of the same church and witness of her work as volunteer and leader. I am very familiar with the quality of her work and her love to help others. She has helped many, without expecting anything in return. She assisted us during a fundraiser to bring our son home from China and she has created ways to bring food and necessary items to the homeless, to thousands in Haiti, just to mention a few. Friends who have had the pleasure of sharing time with Chantel in different areas and lines of work praise her abilities and her contributions to non profit organizations. While her amazing contribution to our community is indeed noteworthy, I have also been impressed by Chantel’s work ethic and drive. She has been front and center in many initiatives that have made an impact in the life of many as the Director of Midwest Distribution Center and as member of the Missions Council of FUMC in Springfield. | Yanin Sims | yanrodcr@hotmail.com | YES | ||
| Daniel | Deweese | 217-691-9338 | dan@dandeweesepainting.com | 36 | Owner/Dan Deweese Painting & Wood Finishing | SPARC - He & his employees have volunteered time painting in SPARC residences. He is also a financial supporter of the many SPARC charity events. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - He & his employees have volunteered time painting in a few Habitat for Humanity Projects. His company also donates financially to this organization. CONTACT MINISTRIES - His business started a Hoodies for the Holidays program in 2017 where they collected hooded sweatshirts for the clients at Contact Ministries. He has been intentional about partnering with other businesses to join the collection efforts & the program has grown. BRAGGIN RIGHT’S GAME - this started out as a friendly softball game in 2017 between his business and Michael von Behren Builders. The game developed into a fundraiser for a new charity of choice each year. Employees of each business donate money & the companies match the donations. DENIM & DIAMONDS - he has been a huge supporter of the event for several years. He has personally donated his time to refinish and paint furniture for their annual auction event. | Dan should be considered for the 40 Under 40 award because he truly loves the Springfield community. He started his business in 2014 because he wanted to create a place to work that would provide a good working environment for employees. He currently employs 20 people in Springfield, not bad for a business that started with just himself & a friend in 2014. I watch him sacrifice his finances and his time for the welfare of his employees. He truly puts them first. As far as customers go, he always goes above & beyond to make sure they are happy. No matter how busy he is, he is never too busy for a fun historical project! He personally jumped at the opportunity to get involved with the Staab family’s Abraham Lincoln Hearse project. The Staab family had the hearse reverse engineered in 2015 & after it’s 2015 funeral re-enactment, the wheels needed to be re-done. In 2019, Dan was able to paint them. I know Dan would be honored if he were to receive this award. It would reinforce what he is doing for the community, his employees and customers. He has a lot more to offer in the years to come & I am excited to see where he goes from here! | Amy Peterson | organizeutoo@gmail.com | |||
| Nabih | Elhajj | 217-741-3663 | nabih@sangamonceo.com | 32 | Executive Director of I Venture ED | Head facilitator and teacher for Sangamon CEO class ( I Venture ED) Community Advisory Board for NPR Adjunct Professor at Unversity of Illinois Springfield | Nabih should be considered for this award for a variety of reasons. He has been the instructor for Sangamon CEO for 6 years. In this role he has led high school seniors in learning about entrepreneurship, communication, and networking. He has connected the students with business leaders all over Sangamon County. He has guided the Board of Directors and investors of this program in powerful ways, to become our own 501C3 as I Venture ED with the possibility of leading other CEO programs in the county. Nabih has inspired hundreds of students in the program to see themselves as business people and to see the opportunities in our community. The ultimate goal is that students will return to Sangamon County and open businesses and many of the students have or are considering this. Nabih is an inspirational teacher and leader of young people . In this role he has proven himself to be extremely influential to the growth of business and networks in this community. Additionally, his role as an adjunct professor for entrepreneurship at UIS has furthered his influence. | Kathy Crum | kcrum@focusedschools.com | YES | ||
| Jenn | Fortin | 217-331-9011 | jfortin@systemaxsolutions.com | 31 | Sales Manager - Systemax | Professional Skaters Association - ice instructor for figure skating & hockey Race for the Cure Committee | Jenn is a powerhouse. She is self-motivated, assertive and exudes inspiration. She excels at her manager position at Systemax and spends her evenings teaching children how to skate. She is close with her family & friends, always looking for ways to help and volunteer in the community. | Cassandra Ostermeier | costermeier@systemaxsolutions.com | YES | ||
| Robert | French | 217-503-6434 | Rob@cook-witter.com | 39 | Director of Association Management Division, Cook-Witter, Inc. | Illinois Society of Association Executives (Immediate Past President) and Present Board Member Past Board Member Springfield Art Association Mask Makers of Illinois | Upon meeting Rob you IMMEDIATELY sense his focus on you and his desire to be helpful. He is willing to divert what he is doing and help you if he can. (This is easy for me to say...since I'm his boss.) BUT, you will find this same reaction from anyone else who has been around Rob. He is one of the most caring people I've worked with. He is smart, practical and always thinking. He knows himself and he maintains humility with all people he meets . He never bites off more than he thinks he can chew. When the pandemic hit, medical facilities were requesting homemade cloth masks because they were extremely low on PPE. Rob and his wife helped develop a face book page (Mask Makers-Illinois) which was created as a place to gather information, address this need and to create a distribution plan to assist where needed. The Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach received donated cloth masks, properly sterilize them and distribute them to medical facilities. At the time they were able to safely provide cloth masks to SIU Medicine, Memorial Medical, HSHS St. John’s, and Springfield Clinic in Springfield, IL. Today there are almost 2700 members of Mask Makers of Illinois. | Randall F. Witter | Randy@cook-witter.com | |||
| Ruchika | Goel | 9192654728 | ruchikagoel1@gmail.com | 38 | Professor , Simmons Cancer Institute , SIU School of Medicine | She is head of fundraising for charities for Asian Indian Women's Organization ( AIWO ). . AIWO has raised funds in hundreds of thousands over the years and given to local charitities such as Mercy , Central Illinois Food Bank , Ronald McDonald House | She is MD , MPH .She is spearheadng the effoert for Convalescent Plasmy Therapyfor COVID!9. She gave a talk in this regard to large number of physicians on 5/26/20.SJR will write an article She is also Medical Director of Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. She is also Adjunct Professor , Pathology , John Hopkins Medical School | Vinod Gupta | vkguptammmd@yahoo.com | YES | ||
| Sarah | Goleman | 217-525-4205 | sarah.goleman@ml.com | 38 | Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch | Old state capitol foundation board member Heritage foundation board member United way financial stability vision council Founding member of veterans networking group off duty Secretary of the midtown rotary club Volunteer EMT Divernon Fire Department Compass for kids volunteer Member of Illinois women in leadership, women entrepreneurs of central il, and Local first | Sarah has been very active in many causes to benefit the Springfield community. She has shown a passion for contributing to the growth and stability of downtown businesses and historic sites by coordinating volunteer activities. Sarah has spent 10 years teaching financial literacy to individuals of all ages and backgrounds and is constantly networking with people from diverse backgrounds. | Eric Graue | eric_graue@ml.com | YES | ||
| Pamela | Hart | 217-753-8200 | peh@scottnscott.law.com | 39 | Attorney, Scott and Scott Law Offices | Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery (Board of Directors), Girls on the Run Board of Directors, Community Fund’s Women for Women, Senior Services of Illinois Board of Directors, Young Philanthropists, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Young Springfield Professional Network-President and Board of Directors, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid Board of Directors, partner at Scott and Scott Law firm. | Pam Hart is a brilliant, talented and humble person. As you can see from the list of her community involvement, she has contributed so much to the Springfield community. I truly cannot figure out when she sleeps. She is a true professional who cares deeply for her clients and works diligently to serve their interests. She is a compassionate and empathetic person who is willing to set her own needs aside to serve others. She is a star, but never seeks the limelight for herself. She operates with the highest integrity and is most deserving of this recognition. | Carol Pope | carol.pope@gmail.com | YES | ||
| Danielle | Hartman | (618) 920-1476 | Danielle.Hartman@hshs.org | 34 | System Director, Organization Development and Diversity/Inclusion - Hospital Sisters Health System | Central Illinois Customer Service Association Springfield Jaycees | Danielle deserves the Forty under 40 award because of her community leadership and dedication to making Springfield and the surrounding area a better place to live, work, and play. She works tirelessly to improve herself, the lives of others, and the Springfield community. This award would be the recognition and confirmation of her efforts that she would be too humble to ask for on her own. In her work life, Danielle is a positive force within HSHS, influencing the culture in multiple ways. According to David Beach, Chief Human Resource Officer at HSHS, “Danielle has been a source of energy and insight since she became our Director of Organizational Development and Diversity/Inclusion. Danielle is a thoughtful and intelligent leader who is selfless and giving to others while demanding and disciplined in the continuous development of her individual character, competency, learning and performance. She is an incredibly kind, generous and compassionate person taking on numerous leadership roles in the community giving of herself and her time while also proactively innovative in ensuring the ongoing development of our colleagues and leaders at HSHS. I feel personally grateful and blessed to have someone of Danielle’s talent on my team. She is a living example of our core values of respect, care, competence and joy†In the community, Danielle displays leadership by serving as the current Board Chairperson and immediate past-President of the Springfield Jaycees. The Springfield Jaycees are a young person’s leadership development and community service organization for individuals between the ages of 18-40. With a Master’s degree in Training and Development, Danielle has always been drawn to opportunities to develop herself and others, and the Jaycees offers that through the various projects they take on, all with a focus on service and bettering the Springfield community. Under her leadership, they have provided service to Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, collaborated with Downtown Springfield, Inc. to put on the Capitol City Celebration on the 4th of July, cleaned up their namesake Jaycees Park, and put on the Holiday Lights Parade, for which they won the 2019 DSI Award for Best Event. Danielle’s leadership in the Jaycees is not limited to the Springfield chapter. In 2018, she was selected to be part of the inaugural cohort of the JCI USA Leadership Fellows program. This is a 24-month leadership development program focused on personal growth and learning how to mentor the next cohort of Fellows. The Leadership Fellows program includes a curriculum of developing networking skills, public speaking, conflict resolution skills, how to motivate others, and how to work with local governments. Additionally, Danielle sits on the board of the Central Illinois Customer Service Association. This organization is dedicated to making Springfield the “Friendliest City in Illinoisâ€. The goal is that by enhancing the customer service that Springfield businesses can provide, it will attract new visitors, new customers, and new businesses to Springfield and the surrounding area. As a board member, Danielle helps plan and coordinate quarterly networking events and workshops with nationally-known guest speakers. She was approached to sit on this board because of her passion for training, specifically when it comes to the customer experience. As a transplant to Springfield, Danielle is keenly aware of how much of an impact a few friendly experiences can make on how one views this area, and is able to share that through her training, networking events, and quarterly workshops that she helps setup. Ultimately, she wants other individuals, families and businesses to call Springfield home because of the care and attention they receive from the community. The CILCSA board feels so strongly about Danielle’s worthiness for this award, they have prepared their own recommendation letter, which I will e-mail in separately. | Tate Hartman | thartman@heartlandfinancialservices.org | YES | ||
| Rich | Klinker | 937-416-5820 | rklinker@cckautomations.com | 38 | Operations Manager, CCK Automations | Board of Directors, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Jacksonville Kiwanis Club Member of Jacksonville Chamber Contact Club Member of Jacksonville Young Professionals Network Parishioner at Our Savior Catholic Church Captain, U.S. Army (Veteran) – combat decorations include Bronze Star & Purple Heart Colonel, Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Working with Jacksonville business and educational leaders as an adviser to develop a course (similar to CEO program) to prepare high school students for future careers in manufacturing. Chair, Braggin’ Rights BBQ Competition / Fundraiser | ity of Illinois – Springfield and an undergraduate degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati. In addition to his career at CCK, Rich takes an active interest in the community and volunteers time to support several organizations. He is especially fond of supporting causes that benefit children in the local community. In his spare time, Rich loves to spend time with his beautiful wife, Katie and their son, Reid. | Stephanie Jones | SJones@cckautomations.com | YES | ||
| Eldina | Labranche | 2172993612 | elabranc@amfam.com | 39 | Sales District Leader/American Family Insurance | Illinois Women in Leadership | Throughout her life, she has strived to give her best effort without looking back. From a child who fled war-torn Bosnia; learning a new language and culture in the United States, to earning a tennis scholarship to the University of Illinois, she had to work hard to accommodate her competitive spirit which led her to being honored as Academic All-American, and earning a plethora of company sales awards. She's nationally recognized as a top producing senior level sales management professional. She has worked with American Family Insurance locally for over 12 years. She's fluent in Bosnian and German. She's the greatest leader in the insurance industry and supports local talent as often as possible. She's a mom, wife, and avid gym goer. Eldina is the best! | Sean Bull | sean@seanbull.com | YES | ||
| Jeffery | Large | 217-572-1131 | jlarge@cmtengr.com | 39 | Project Manager, Project Engineer and Structural Engineer | Mr. Large enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children. He also enjoys cheering on his Fighting Illini and playing golf. In his spare time, he has served as a Board Member for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois since 2015. He was involved in the renovation of the Springfield house and on the construction of the new Peoria house. | 40 UNDER 40 NOMINATION Jeffery E. Large, PE, SE Jeffery Large has worked in the Water Resources Group at Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT) since 2006, where he serves as structural engineer and hydraulic design engineer. He serves in a variety of roles as project manager, project engineer, and structural engineer. Mr. Large brings highly relevant experience from his 13 years with CMT focused on water resource infrastructure and buildings. Mr. Large received his master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois after receiving his bachelor’s degree in the same. He is a licensed professional engineer and structural engineer in the state of Illinois belonging to the following professional organizations: • Illinois Society of Professional Engineers, Past President • Illinois Engineering Initiative, Chairman • American Concrete Institute, committee member for the Code Requirements for Environmental Engineering concrete structures • American Council of Engineering Companies, where he serves on the Emerging Professionals and IDOT Bridge committees Over the last few years, Mr. Large has worked on the following important water infrastructure projects in central Illinois: • Structural Engineer of Record for the $55 million Sugar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant project for the Sangamon County Water Reclamation District (SCWRD). • Lead structural inspector for Sugar Creek and Spring Creek Wastewater Treatment facilities to determine structural and code deficiencies for the Capital Asset Management Plan for the Sangamon County Water Reclamation District (SCWRD). • Structural Engineer of Record for the Phase 4 improvements for the Spring Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant for the Sangamon County Water Reclamation District (SCWRD). • Structural Engineer of Record for the Illinois Realtors Bicentennial Plaza in downtown Springfield. • Client and Project manager for the Christian County Water Reclamation District (CCWRD). CCWRD is in the initial phase of a 10-year program to update all of their facilities. • Structural Engineer of Record for the replacement of an existing combined sewer pump station at Union Street for the City of Lincoln. • Structural steel designer for the pedestrian walkway between Memorial Medical Center’s Baylis Building and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine’s Cancer Institute in Springfield, IL. The above water and structural infrastructure is a vital component of our community and other communities in central Illinois. This infrastructure is essential to maintaining the health of our families, friends, and neighbors, as well as supporting our economy. “Jeff is a dedicated structural engineer who can identify critical paths on projects immediately and consistently assists other engineering staff on projects,†Said Ty Besalke, Springfield (IL) Water Group Manager and Jeff’s Supervisor. Ty continued, “Jeff proved his ability to take on a leadership role at CMT at an early point in his career and has developed into an outstanding project manager. Jeff has earned the trust of our clients through responsiveness, attention to detail and listening to our client’s needs. With Jeff as a Project Manager our clients are confident that CMT will deliver.†Mr. Large enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children. He also enjoys cheering on his Fighting Illini and playing golf. In his spare time, he has served as a Board Member for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois since 2015. He was involved in the renovation of the Springfield house and on the construction of the new Peoria house. Please consider Jeffery Large for the 2020 class of 40 under 40. | Chris Smith | csmith@cmtengr.com | YES | ||
| Jonathan | Nessler | 2178995158 | jtnessler@gmail.com | 38 | Attorney at Nessler Law Office | Capitol Art Fair Board | Jonathan Nessler is a respected and accomplished member of the local legal and business community. Jonathan has been practicing law for nearly 13-years. In that time, he has handled many significant cases, including cases before the Illinois Appellate Court and the Illinois Supreme Court. Jonathan is deeply involved in the legal community, including significant involvement in the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA). He served a three-year term as an elected member of the ISBA Assembly. Jonathan also served many years on the ISBA Standing Committee on Law Office Management & Economics. In addition, Jonathan was the Vice Chair of Law Practice Management Committee for the American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division (ABA-YLD) in 2011; and was the Chair of the ABA-YLD Law Practice Management Committee in 2013. Jonathan Is also a Barrister member of the Lincoln-Douglas American Inn of Court. Jonathan has received recognition, and many awards, from leading legal organizations, including being named an “Emerging Lawyer,†by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company’s Leading Lawyer Division. | Charles Y Davis | cdavis@bhslaw.com | YES | ||
| Morgan | Nessler | 2173908151 | morgan.nessler@me.com | 37 | Deputy Director of State Investments and Banking - Illinois State Treasurer’s office | Community Volunteer | Prior to taking on the responsibilities of the Deputy Director of State Investments and Banking, Morgan worked in banking. Immediately prior to accepting her position with the Illinois State Treasurer, Morgan was a Vice President with Hickory Point Bank, as Head of Retail Banking. While Morgan propelled her career forward, she did not let meeting her career goals interfere with her family life. Morgan is the mother of three boys and is, by all accounts, an excellent mother and wife. | Charles Y. Davis | cdavis@bhslaw.com | YES | ||
| Kolin | O'Brien | (217) 494-5555 | kjoirish@gmail.com | 35 | Axa Advisors | Springfield St. Patrick’s day parade president Contact ministries board president | Kolin O’Brien is a native son of Springfield that has been successful is his field at an early age. Kolin doesn’t solely focus on his own success but through his work his goal is to be prepare his customers for their future and make certain that they are on a path to success. Despite a busy career and a young family with two little girls Kolin makes volunteering a priority. As the board President Kolin spends countless hours throughout the year devoted to Contact Ministries and enhancing the reach of their mission to provide to mothers and their families in need. Kolin has also served as the president of the Springfield St. Patrick’s day charitable parade for many years. Kolin’s success in business and his commitment to Springfield and Sangamon county has helped raise many tens of thousands of dollars for multiple charitable organizations in our community which merits him the honor of being named one of Sangamon County’s 40 under 40. Perhaps the most impressive part is that Kolin never seeks attention for his charitable efforts nor try to profit from them. He truly realizes that his success and good fortune is meant to organize people in order to help others. Kolin O’Brien is a true community leader and would make an excellent addition to Sangamon County’s 40 under 40. | G Abu-Saba | gabusaba@gmail.com | Yes per Bob | ||
| Jack | O'Hara | 32 | CIO, Springfield Clinic | House | YES | |||||||
| Kimberly | Paskiewicz | 217-788-4381 | Paskiewicz.Kimberly@mhsil.com | 40 - just turned 40 March 30th. | Administrator, Specialty Services at Memorial Health System | Paskiewicz serves as a KidsLife teacher, finance committee member at her local church and volunteers for the James Project. Her professional memberships include Illinois Women in Leadership, Weight Management Public Policy Committee, American College of Healthcare Executives and Medical Group Management Association (will send CV for full listing). | Kimberly Paskiewicz is administrator of specialty services at Memorial Health System. In this role, she is responsible for Memorial ExpressCare, virtual care, telehealth, Memorial Physician Services - Women’s Healthcare, Memorial Physician Services - Vine Street, Memorial Weight Loss & Wellness Center and the Memorial Advanced Hernia Center. Paskiewicz has 15 years of experience in healthcare and first joined Memorial in 2006 as a clinical dietitian. She transitioned to a bariatric coordinator role in 2008 and later to manager in 2010. She was involved in the development of the Memorial Weight Loss & Wellness Center and was named director in 2013. She later assumed leadership of the Memorial Wound Center and Advanced Hernia Center. Paskiewicz, a registered dietitian, has a master of public health degree from the University of Texas School of Public Health. She is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. She is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and serves on the Weight Management Public Policy Committee. Kimberly was a 2019 speaker at both the American College of Surgeons Safety and Qualilty conference and the IHA Quality Advocacy Showcase. | Ed Curtis | curtis.ed@mhsil.com | YES | ||
| Megan | Peck | 217-801-5131 | meganp@cbai.com | 37 | Vice President of Governmental Relations / Community Bankers Association of Illinois | Woodside Township Trustee Official St. John's Children's Hospital - Advisory Board Hope Institute for Children and Families - Ambassador of Hope - Fundraising Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois - Developmental Committee Member Illinois Women in Leadership - Member Habitat for Humanity - Committee Member (formally) Big Brother Bid Sister Program - Big Sister | As a business owner in the City of Springfield, I greatly admire people with foundational balance in there lives. Megan is committed to community and family. She tirelessly advocates legislation on behave of the small bankers of Illinois. Her believe in job growth and stability starts at the community level. The community banks have an obligation to assist local citizens and small business. This keeps our communities alive to raise strong families. Her work at the Capitol is paving the way for better business and a better home. Her community involvement doesn't stop at the Capitol. As evident in her charity work, she's an equally passionate volunteer in the Springfield Community. Her charities all assist people in great need. Health and welfare of our community family is very important to her. Megan's greatest achievement is her own family. She and her husband are raising 3 young beautiful children. Family is always first for Megan, like is should be. Family is why Megan shines in her professional and volunteer career. | Matthew L Roland | Mroland@rolandmachinery.com | YES | ||
| Tina | Prather | 2178017782 | tina.prather@homeinstead.com | 31 | Marketing & Community Representative | Home Instead Senior Care Be A Santa To A Senior Alzheimer's Association of Springfield Walk to End Alzheimer's Theatre in the Park, Petersburg Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Past Ambassador Illinois Women in Leadership Springfield First United Methodist Church Menard Co. Jaycees Springfield Area Marketing Senior Lifestyles AgeLink Social Isolation member MacMurray College Alumni | Tina Prather, 31, has been working with seniors in the Springfield area for more than 9 years. She is now a valued member of the Home Instead Senior Care team as the Marketing/Community Representative. Tina never meets a stranger and always looks forward to sharing information and connecting others. She describes herself as a “connector†because she loves linking up friends and coworkers to others that may be able to help them whether personally or professionally. She is always available to help whether in the office or in the community. Tina joined the Home Instead Senior Care team in March of 2018. Tina worked to grow relationships in the community, and, as a result, the business has seen a large growth in clients served over the past two years. Due to Covid-19, Tina coordinated the first Central Illinois thank you parade for 8 senior faculties and included 12 other care agencies to bring smiles for seniors and support for caregivers. Plans are already underway for a parade next week which she is again organizing. She showed our support in the largest community parade to honor the Villas of Sherman seniors and caregivers braving this pandemic. She made countless video calls via our integrated care tablets in our client’s homes to help our seniors deal with social isolation when they were unable to leave the house and unable to accept family and friends as visitors. Social media pages (Facebook and Instagram) were updated daily, by Tina, to help seniors keep a smile on their face through shared links, cute pictures and words of inspiration. She used her creativity to make hearts and signs for family windows and baskets, full of flowers and candy, to surprise seniors with a warm gift during this time when seniors were in complete isolation. Each holiday season, Tina manages Home Instead’s Be A Santa To A Senior program. This involves organizing donated gifts to be given to over 250 seniors in the Springfield area who might otherwise be overlooked during the holidays. Tina’s organizational skills make this project run so smoothly that not only gifts donated but also the number of local partner agencies has grown under her leadership. Tina began her career right out of college with the Alzheimer’s Association Springfield office. At the end of her tenure, she was the Senior Manager of Special Events and responsible for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s events in Decatur, Jacksonville and Springfield as well as managing four other Walk Managers in remote offices throughout the state. When Tina started with the Alzheimer’s Association in 2011, the Springfield Walk to End Alzheimer’s was raising about $30,000 annually to eventually earning $120,000 in 2017. Tina has used her knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving and seniors at large in her role with Home Instead. Her foundation in the senior industry has been a true asset to the company and building our network in the community. Locally, Tina is also involved in several community efforts and leadership positions. She can be seen performing in local theatre productions in the Theatre in the Park in Petersburg and serving as a past Ambassador for The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce as well as completing the Leadership Springfield program in the fall of 2018. Tina currently serves as the Membership Chairperson for the Illinois Women in Leadership for the 2019 – 2020 year. She volunteers in her local church, the Springfield First United Methodist Church. Residing in Petersburg with her husband, she currently serves the area through the Menard County Jaycees as current Co-President. She also serves the senior community as she sits on the board of the Springfield area Marketing Senior Lifestyles and is a member of the Social Isolation Task Force through AgeLinc. Tina has also been recognized by the community at large. For example, she was recognized in 2018 as the Young Alumni Award recipient by her alma mater MacMurray College in Jacksonville. Tina is a well-rounded member of numerous networking, leadership, and senior care groups in Springfield. We value all that Tina brings to the Home Instead Senior Care team. We would like to nominate her to be recognized as a local 40 under 40 recipient. She is very deserving and has made an impact in our company and in our community. | Darla Lambert | darla.lambert@homeinstead.com | YES | ||
| Matt | Price | 217-652-9470 | matt.price@hshs.org | 37 | Director of Human Resources St. John's Hospital/St. Francis Hospital | Board member of 100+ who care in Springfield Member of Central Illinois chapter of SHRM Leadership Springfield Graduate | Matt worked hard to get himself through college, often times not being able to return home for holidays because he was also working full time. He graduated from Western with a Bachelors degree in Business. His first job was working at a payday loans company. He later was employed with a staffing agency where he excelled and moved up to being the director of his own branch. He was then hired a an HR generalist at Springfield Clinic in 2011. He was promoted to the manager of HR at Springfield Clinic in 2013, and shortly after Matt enrolled in Benedictine University where he graduated in 2016 with his MBA. He moved to HSHS in 2017 in the role of Director of Learning and Development, then moved to his current position at St. John's Hospital as Director of HR in 2019. Everyone that has the opportunity to work with Matt walks away with a great respect for him. He has a down to earth, friendly demeanor that puts everyone around him at ease. One of his past boss' has said he has a great respect for all people and treats the janitor in the same manor as he would the CEO. This sums up Matt perfectly. He has a great desire to learn and continue to grow as a person and build his connections with people. He sees no limits in his career and will continue to strive to do great things. It has been amazing to watch him succeed at everything he puts his mind to. It would be amazing to see him get this recognition for his hard work and dedication. | Stacie Price | stac_03@hotmail.com | |||
| Blake | Pryor | (217) 725-9518 | bpryor@cbcdr.com | ? Lower 30’s | Coldwell Banker Commercial Devonshire Realty | ? | Blake has continued to drive his business as a commercial realtor. In his five years of business, he has impressed me with his personal growth, commitment to his clients and community. | Bob Barber | bob.barber@sandler.com | YES | ||
| Josh | Seed | 217-481-0082 | jseed22@yahoo.com | 39 | Licensing Administrator/State of Illinois | Volunteer for the Habitat for Humanity Junior Vice Commander of VFW Post 755 Former President of the West Road Park Subdivision Active Member of the Illinois Air National Guard Active Member of the Air Force White Rope Chaplains Program Moderator for the Illinois State Employees Veterans Group Lifetime member of the National Guard Association of Illinois | As a former recipient of the Forty Under 40 award, I truly cannot think of another individual more deserving than Josh Seed to be considered for this honor. He is a life-long Springfield resident who has not only dedicated 300+ hours of volunteer work to the local Springfield community but is one who has served his country for 20 years with pride and dignity. Locally, Josh has volunteered on more than 10 Habitat for Humanity home builds, including 2 youth builds. He currently serves as the Junior Vice Commander for the VFW Post 755 and for 3 years, was President of the West Road Park subdivision. He has served two military deployments in combat locations, including Afghanistan and Kuwait. On one of those deployments, he was in charge of eight airmen carrying out critical tasks to keep the mission operating smoothly. While in Afghanistan, he volunteered at the Bagram Air Base hospital to help soldiers in need. In addition, he spent more than two years volunteering for the Yellow Ribbon Military Reintegration Program where he helped promote the well-being of National Guard and Reserve members, their families and communities, by connecting them with resources throughout their deployment cycle. Josh also graduated from the University of Illinois Springfield with a double major in Business Management and Business Administration, along with a Minor in Management Information Systems. The truth is, I could go on and on about the many things that Josh has done not only in the Springfield community but around the world to affect positive change. He is humble, hard-working, a devoted father to two sons and goes above and beyond for his community, his friends, his family and his country. He has the uncanny ability to bring out the best in others and is well-known for making people laugh until they cry. Josh is a flawless leader, a person of high moral character and integrity, one who embodies the mindset of a champion and who is a fierce advocate for his community. Josh stands out in the crowd and his efforts have shown that to him, service and humanity are the best work of life. | Amanda C. Long | amanda.long@springfield.il.us | YES | ||
| Mark | Stephens | 2174144584 | drmark22oms@gmail.com | 35 | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Oral and Facial Surgeons of Illinois | G.V. Black Dental Society, SIU School of Medicine Congenital Head and Neck Anomalies Clinic | Mark Stephens is Rochester, Illinois native who came back to the area to practice oral and maxillofacial surgery. Mark joined Springfield Associates in August of 2016 and became a practicing partner in 2018. Since that time, Mark has been integral in rebranding of the company to Oral and Facial Surgeons of Illinois. The company locally employs over thirty individuals. He has also been vital in the expansion of the company with additional satellite office opening in Decatur, IL. Mark volunteers for six weeks of oral and facial trauma call at Memorial Medical Center and participates in dental alveolar infection call with HSHS St. John’s Hospital. Mark also dedicates time to the SIU School of Medicine Congenital Head and Neck Anomalies Clinic, which involves the treatment planning of children with cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial abnormalities. Mark is involved locally in the dental community with the G.V. Black Dental Society. He also gives back volunteering for the Dental Mission of Mercy. I highly recommend Mark for the forty under forty as an exceptional board certified surgeon and business entrepreneur within the Springfield community. | Karina Stephens | karinaburgener@gmail.com | YES per Bob | ||
| Teri | Taylor | 217-862-1740 | Teri.Taylor@sikich.com | 40 (on 5/10/20) | Director / Sikich LLP | Treasurer for Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County. Past Treasurer of Springfield Road Runners Club and Co-Director of their Women’s Distance Festival. | Teri is perhaps one of the most well-rounded individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting. In her professional career, she elevated to the role of Director which has firm wide responsibilities requiring detailed knowledge of compliance and financial reporting. She also handles local responsibilities of staff mentoring, client retention, and employee development to name a few. She handles these responsibilities reflecting someone truly passionate about Sikich’s talented people, valued client’s, and trusted community. However, her deep professional responsibilities have not hindered her personal development. She gives her time willingly to local organizations, not only utilizing her intellectual skills, but also her compassion and organization. I have seen her step into voids for co-workers, family, and friends. In short, Teri is the person you want on your team, as a member if not the leader. | Richard Lynch | Richard.Lynch@sikich.com | YES | ||
| James | Waymack | 309-236-3667 | jwaymack@gmail.com | 38 | Emergency Medicine Residency Program Director/SIU School of Medicine | Lakeside Christian Church: Member Memorial Medical Center: Emergency Physician Springfield Chamber of Commerce: Military Affairs Committee Springfield Police Department: Emergency Response Team-Tactical Emergency Physician; ILEAS Region 6 WMD Special Response Team Taylorville Memorial Hospital: Emergency Physician | Dr. James Waymack has been serving the Springfield community for the past decade. After graduating from SIU School of Medicine in 2010, he matched into our inaugural SIU Emergency Medicine Residency Class and quickly began to distinguish himself as a leader. He was elected chief resident and then joined the SIU School of Medicine faculty upon completing his residency in 2013. James is a passionate educator and has been recognized for his teaching ability with numerous teaching awards. In 2017, he became the residency program director. As the residency leader, he has grown the program from 18 to 24 residents, thereby greatly enhancing the residency's impact on our communities. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, he was a vital part of the local surge capacity planning. Dr. Waymack serves in several national emergency medicine organizations and as teaching faculty in national board examination courses. In addition to practicing as an emergency physician in both Springfield and Taylorville, Dr. Waymack works with the Springfield Police Department. He and his colleagues serve as tactical emergency physicians working to ensure the safety of all during their high-risk police encounters. Beyond his service as a physician and educator, James is a dedicated husband and father. Both his learners and colleagues regard him as a role model both in and out of the hospital. It has been a pleasure to watch his career unfold and I look forward to his future impact as a valued leader in our community and beyond. | Christopher McDowell MD | cmcdowell@siumed.edu | |||
| Frederick | Weber | 820-4700 | fweber@fbhl.com | 38 | Flat Branch Home Loans | American business club Greater Springfield chamber of commerce ambassador, Little flower mens club 8th grade boys basketball coach Charities committee for ABC | Fred is a great mortgage loan officer who is paving the way at Flat Branch. He is professional, respectful and committed to customer service in every way. He has been in the mortgage business for a few years now and is making a lot of progress in the community. Fred exhibits community service along with professional excellence in every way. | Rachel Pate | rrachel@att.net | YES | ||
| Courtney | Wick | 2175210029 | CourtneyRaedio@gmail.com | 37 | Fine Arts Therapist | CURRENT: Hope- Fine Arts Therapist Wick Gypsy Tarot- Owner/ Operator Springfield Area Arts Council- Sitting Past Board President, First Night Chair (volunteer) Big Brother Big Sister- Big Sister for past 6 years (volunteer) Springfield Ballet Company- Board of Directors, Nutcracker Guest Performer (volunteer) The Springfield Muni Opera- Capital Development Team, Director, and Performer (volunteer) The Animal Protective League- Foster & Hospice Home to 100+ animals past 5 years (volunteer) NPR Illinois 91.9- Fund Drive Campaign writer, radio spot performer, and volunteer (volunteer) The Legacy Theater- Performer The Memorial Foundation- Festival of Tree Designer for the past 5 years (volunteer) DSI- Christmas Caroler for downtown locations during the Holidays (volunteer) University of Illinois Springfield- Performer IN THE PAST 5 YEARS: Boys & Girls Club- Drama program creator and leader for 21st Century after school program Engrained- former Bartender and social media marketing Kari Bedford Photography- Boudoir Photography Model | If we measured success by how much somebody gave others, rather than how much they made for themselves- Courtney would be at the top of the list. She donates nearly every free moment she has to non-profit organizations, inclusive causes, and children and animals who are not her own. She is an impressive woman to watch and I am proud to be her husband. Courtney is a true leader in every sense of the word. I must mention that Courtney had very little formal education until the age of 29 when she decided to attempt a college degree. Courtney grew up with a learning disability in a trailer park in MI. She never expected to go to college, nor assumed she would be good at it. After continuously being offered leadership positions at different jobs, she decided to go for it. In the course of 2 years she received her B.S. in Business/ Human Resource Development at the ripe old age of 30. Afterwards, she decided to go to grad school while paying the bills by bar-tending at night (sometimes until 4 am!) Somehow, she finished her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling a few years ago. She is now a Nationally Board Certified Counselor and was hired as Hope School's FIRST EVER Art Therapist- a position they created for her based on her education and arts community street cred. I have seen her single-handedly keep arts organizations afloat by fundraising over $30k in her free-time, and I was delighted to help out when she created an "all-inclusive performance stage" last year for The Springfield Area Arts Council at First Night; a place where children of all abilities had the chance to perform on New Year's Eve in downtown Springfield. She also co-directs a musical at Hope School every spring, where students alongside community members and teachers are able to live out their acting dreams on a real stage with lighting, sound, amazing costumes, and sets. It's one of the most heartwarming things I've ever watched. Courtney has been a Big Sister at Big Brother Big Sister for the past 6 years, and her "little" is enamored with her. She takes her on exciting new adventures like bike riding, ballet dancing, cake baking, work-out classes, and crafting. Her little often expresses how she wants to be "just like Courtney" when she grows up. Even though her little moved to another city a few years back, Courtney makes time (and the drive) to see her regularly. I, like many others in this town, also enjoy watching Courtney perform. She's hilarious, a great singer, and a dynamic performer. Seeing her on our local stages proves the kind of talent we have in Springfield. Along that same route, Courtney recently ventured into performing at Children's birthday parties as a "gypsy tarot card reader". She created a magical persona for herself and a kid-friendly psychic performance. I love how she's constantly combining all of her skills into unique ways to make money and provide our community with something they've never seen before. She's kind of a genius. There are about a million other reasons I could nominate her- like how she welcomes all of the stinky, poopy, animals I bring from work into our home (I'm the manager for the APL), or how whenever somebody needs a place to stay she opens our door to them, or how she can bring a group of people together to fight for a common cause. But really it comes down to her compassion, drive, and leadership abilities. Her cup runneth over with all three. She genuinely makes Springfield a better and brighter place. She would make an excellent addition to your 40 under 40 list. Please consider her and thank you for reading. Sincerely, Ian J. WIck | Ian Wick | bosaikanu@gmail.com | YES | ||
| Haley | Williams | 2173817919 | hwilson@iacaanet.org | 30 | Director of Membership and Executive Services/Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies | 1. Illinois Women in Leadership (Member) 2. Helping Hands of Springfield (Advisory Board Member) 3. St. Johns Breadline (Volunteer) 4. Illinois Women in Communications -Benedictine Chapter (Previous Vice-President) 5. Springfield School District 186 (Volunteer) | As the former President and CEO of the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies, I am writing with great pleasure to nominate Haley A. Wilson for the 40 under 40 award. I observed Ms. Wilson’s ability to problem solve, work with large groups of executive directors, coordinate and lead large scale projects. She has the innate ability to inspire the association’s team to strive for greatness as well as developing and nurturing a level of camaraderie amongst staff. She manages the needs of association Board members who are executives representing 16 community action agencies from around the State of Illinois. She has a passion for cultivating innovative thinkers, developing, and empowering individuals. As a longtime Springfield resident, Haley has volunteered to assist at numerous non-profit agencies in the Springfield area while at the same time, caring for her family and working towards acquiring her master’s degree. Because of these attributes and many others, I am nominating Haley A. Wilson for the 40 and under award. | Frankie L. Atwater | fatwater45@gmail.com | YES | ||
| Todd | Wood | 2177873000 | twood@ucbbank.com | 38 | Vice President of Lending & Business Services | • Ball Charter School Board - Currently serving 4th year as Board member and Treasurer • United Way Vision Council - Currently serving 1st year on council which is responsible for determining approved funding amounts for various non-profits in the Springfield area. • Illinois Real Estate Title Center Board member...serving 1st term • Springfield Chamber of Commerce Leadership Springfield - Served 4 years on board including President • American Business Club - Member for over 5 years • Member of the Capitol Area Realtor's Commercial Real Estate Network | Todd Wood is an outstanding employee, a great father, and a very involved member of our community. He is a leader in both our community and our company. In his exceptional 20+ year career with UCB, Todd has grown steadily in responsibility and success due to his hard work and level of commitment to his customers and fellow employees. As his list of community affiliation attests to, Todd is also very active in our community as an advocate for education, quality of life, and professional development and leadership. He is also a very dedicated and proud father. UCB is proud of Todd Wood and we believe he would make an excellent 40 Under Forty recipient. | Todd Wise | twise@ucbbank.com | YES | ||
| nominee-full-name | nominee-phone | nominee-email | employer-age | title-responsibility | affiliations | tell-us-why | nominator-full-name | nominator-email | comments | |||
| Mackenzie | Anderson | 217-414-9225 | Kenziejori90@gmail.com | 29 | Customer Support | Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery- Board Member Junior League of Springfield- Prior Board Member current Active Member Illinois State Museum- Children’s Play Museum Volunteer Girls of the Run- Coach and Practice Partner United Way- Volunteer | Mackenzie gives so much of herself to the organizations she supports and volunteers with. She is always willing to help whenever needed and does so with a smile and so much joy and passion. She truly cares about the people she is helping. | Jodi Baker | jbaker@wbsb.com | YES | ||
| Sarah Beth | Ayers | +1 (217) 622-1855 | sarahbeth@innovatespringfield.org | 35 | Business Incubation Program Coordinator, Innovate Springfield University of Illinois Springfield | Emerging Leaders Class of 2020, 2020 Capital Innovation Awards Committee, Public administration student association board secretary 2015-2016, Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault training committee 2012-2017, Illinois Women in Leadership Program committee 2017-2018, Illinois military museum annual fundraiser volunteer 2009-2011, past Springfield art association fine craft fair volunteer, past Phoenix center volunteer, past Habitat for humanity volunteer. | Sarah brings sparkle and light to everything she does. She designs and implements the educational programming for Innovate Springfield and the entrepreneurs served by the business incubation program. She serves as the lead facilitator for the 9-week business startup program, co.starters. She created a new program designed to assist members with a challenge they may be facing with their businesses by connecting them with a panel of local experts who can strategize and develop a growth plan. She provides one-on-one assistance to members to develop and advance their business and marketing strategies. She is the “go to†person at Innovate Springfield for startups and she does it all with a beaming smile. | Katie Davison | kdavison@innovatespringfield.org | YES | ||
| Jenifer Lyn | Badman | 217-899-7596 | jenbadman@gmail.com | 39 | Manager, Patient Finance Department, HSHS Hospital System | Founder, Everyday for Emmie – Emmie Badman Memorial Fund: Partnering with organizations such as the St. John’s Children’s Hospital, The Triple Heart Foundation of Springfield, IL, and The Finley Project of Winter Park, FL, The Emmie Badman Memorial Fund raises money and awareness focused on the support of families going through the daily struggles of infant and child loss. Member, St. John’s Children’s Hospital Parents Advisory Board, Springfield, IL Member, St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Chatham, IL Member, Chatham Elementary School PTO | Like so many modern women, Jenifer Badman wears more hats than she can probably count. From hauling her children to softball or hockey practice, to running the household while her Springfield Firefighter husband is on shift, to managing the Patient Finance Department for NINE Hospital Sisters Heath Systems hospitals across Central Illinois, Jenifer Badman’s strength and drive are second-to-none. Her “work hard, play hard, love hard†approach to how she lives her life is exemplified in her commitment to always find a way to overcome adversity. When the Badman family unexpectedly experienced the heartbreaking loss of their 3-month old daughter, Emilia Mae, Jenifer, along with her husband Josh, were determined to not allow the memory of their daughter go unknown and without purpose. Out of grief and hope, the Emmie Badman Memorial Fund was born. Raising over $77,000 in just two short years, the Emmie Badman Memorial Fund sponsors community-centric events such as their annual Music Trivia Nights, provides care packages that include simple things such as detergent, hand sanitizer, and food certificates, to families whose children are being cared for at the St. John’s NICU and partners with other family support groups to provide solutions to often-overlooked needs of families who have gone through the same loss as the Badman’s. Most-notably, as a direct result of the Memorial Fund’s efforts, within the new St. John’s Children’s Hospital’s NICU, one of the patient pods/rooms and the new sibling’s activity center will be named in Emmie Badman’s honor. While these events and gestures are very public efforts, Jenifer Badman does not look for recognition as a result of her actions. She does not look for pity nor looks for excuses. Jenifer Badman looks for purpose. The topic of pregnancy and child loss was once thought as a “taboo†topic of discussion; something kept within a mother’s heart. Now, through women like Jenifer, the ability to celebrate these children and their memories is becoming an inclusive experience. Jenifer Badman exemplifies the spirit that drives so many local women; women we all know, we all work with, we all live with - living simple, yet purposeful lives based on faith, family, and love. It is an honor to nominate Jenifer Badman, Founder of the Emmie Badman Memorial Fund for the Springfield Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40†award. | Leslie Vallar | leslie.vallar@busey.com | |||
| Christine | Bailey | 2174412342 | christine@bfi.us | 36 | Owner, Bailey Family Insurance | Land of Lincoln Honor Flight WECI - Women Entrepreneurs of Central IL Capitol Area Networkers West Side Christian Church Springfield Chamber of Commerce Member Local First Springfield Member Chatham VFW Springfield Land Lord Association Independent Insurance of Illinois Member Founding Member of Patrick Sheehan Memorial Golf Outing Founding Member of Mompreneurs | Christine is born and raised in Springfield, IL. She attended SHG, LLCC and UIS prior to launching her own business, Bailey Family Insurance. She continues to give back to the community through protecting & educating the community through insurance coverage, as well as serving on multiple boards and foundations ( as listed above). Christine is an all around amazing human who deserves to be recognized for always being thoughtful, optimistic and kind. | Jourdan Kitchens | jourdan@bfi.us | |||
| Mark | Bailey | 217-441-2342 | mark@bfi.us | 33 | Co-Owner/ Bailey Family Insurance | Lincoln Land Honor Flight Capitol Area Networkers West Side Christian Church Springfield Chamber of Commerce Member Local First Springfield Member Chatham VFW Springfield Land Lord Association Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois Member of Patrick Sheehan Memorial Golf Outing | Mark has a passion for helping people and giving back to the Springfield community. His Insurance Agency continues to grow because of the great care customers are given. As his agency has grown his commitment to giving back to the community has followed. Their promotions, giveaways, and incentives always come from a locally owned family business that keeps money in the Springfield community. As a Marine Veteran Mark is passionate about helping in several programs such a Springfield Honor Flight, Off Duty, and the Chatham VFW. | John Drum | john@bfi.us | |||
| Morgan | Beck | morgan.beck@brandt.co | Corporate Accounting, BRANDT | Destiny Nance-Evans | YES | |||||||
| Michael | Bice | 217 725 9868 | MBice@SpringfieldElectric.com | 38 | Showroom Manager/Springfield Electric Lighting and Design | Michael, who began working at Springfield Electric Lighting & Design in October 2018 as the new showroom manager, is an active member of both the Springfield Home Builders Association and National Home Builders Association. Before joining Springfield Electric Lighting & Design, Michael was sales manager for Central Stone and Landscape Supply from 2008 to 2010, which lead him to be the general manager of US Marble and Granite from 2010 to 2018. Michael attended Western Illinois University but left after two years to become an assistant golf pro and teach golf in the Lake of the Ozarks. Michael was born and raised in Riverton Illinois but has chosen to make Jerome, in Springfield, his and his family’s home. He and his wife, Gretchen, live with their two-year-old twin sons Huxley and Vander, and their dogs Zoey and Knuckles. Michael loves Jerome and Springfield because the city is small enough to know everyone but big enough to meet a lot of great people, and together make a difference. Michael was key to the success of last year’s Local First Springfield awards, which took place at Springfield Electric Lighting & Design. The event was such a success for Springfield Electric Lighting & Design in terms of getting new faces through the door and into the showroom, that the company will be hosting the event again this year. Whether the organization can hold the event in its traditional style or virtually in the fall, remains to be seen due to Covid-19 and social distancing measures, however, Springfield Electric Lighting & Design is on board and willing to help make the event a success again, no matter what. The event, which is now in its third year recognizes Local First Springfield members for their dedication in supporting local businesses and the community. Springfield Lighting & Design is a proud supporter of United Way. Michael makes it a priority to get involved in the organization’s fundraising and awareness-raising activities on an annual basis. Michael was heavily involved with the Springfield Junior League during his time at US Marble and Granite. He set up the houses on their ‘kitchens in bloom’ tour during a lot of those years. Michael is a valued member of our community. | Michael is committed to his industry, not only is he an active member of the Springfield Home Builders Association and National Home Builders Association, but he is a fantastic leader of the sales team at Springfield Electric Lighting & Design. He is committed to his team, customers, and the community. He helps nurture talent within the team, epitomizes a team player – willing to take on all jobs – and is well known in the industry as someone you can count on. Michael is well respected by his peers, whether his team at Springfield Electric Lighting & Design, the management team at the company, or fellow industry members; those in construction, retail, and design. Michael is keen to help those who need a hand up the career ladder, working to nurture those with talent and the support they need and deserve. I have no hesitation in recommending Michael for this year’s Springfield Business Journal Forty Under 40 award. It’s time to recognize those that make the greatest impact on our local, small, independent businesses, help our economy prosper, and most of all support our community and those who are most vulnerable such as those that are supported by Springfield Junior League and United Way. | Gemma Long | gemma@gemprmedia.com | |||
| Brytton | Bjorngaard | 507-273-0645 | bryttonb@gmail.com | 34 | Director of Visual Arts and Associate Professor at UIS | - Member, Marketing and Community Relations Committee, Springfield Art Association - Former member, Board of Directors, Springfield Art Association (two terms) - Former member, Transition Committee, Springfield Art Association - Organizer, DEMO Project - Volunteer website development for local non-profits or grassroots efforts: Springfield Art Association, DEMO Project, Enos Park Residency, and Enos Park Neighborhood Association - DSI, Inc. Mural artist (awarded) - Developed, in conjunction with State Farm sponsorship, the logo for Compass for Kids, a non-profit in town that provides academic and social-emotional support to empower at-risk children and families - Served as juror and judge for the Old Capital Art Fair, Judge for Arts in Central Park in Decatur (two times) | To all those concerned, It is my pleasure to nominate my colleague, Brytton Bjorngaard, for the Springfield Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award. At UIS, in the Art, Music and Theater Department, Brytton is known as Super Woman. She enjoys that reputation for many reasons: the dedication that she displays to her colleagues and students, the sheer amount of work that she is able to turn around while maintaining such high standards, her rising star in university and community leadership, her generosity in support, readiness to volunteer, her vision in graphic design, and a work ethic that humbles every single one of her colleagues. Brytton came to Springfield in 2013 when she accepted a position at UIS as an Assistant Professor of Digital Media. She quickly became engaged with the community; she joined the Board of Directors at the Springfield Art Association and was a co-organizer for DEMO Project, grassroots and alternative artspace that was artist-led (2013-2018). At the SAA, she was (and remains!) an important contributor. She has developed (for free!) countless designs for the organization, from postcards to new signage. She developed (for free!) a new website for the SAA, and continues to maintain it. Though she served two terms as a Board member for the SAA, she remains as a Marketing and Communications committee member, and continues to offer her expertise and technical skill-set, as needed. She volunteers for the organization, for events, and serves a liaison between SAA and UIS Visual arts – an important and synergistic relationship. She works with local start-ups at deeply discounted rates, so that new initiatives can begin to establish a community presence. This has included logo design and website development for local professionals and businesses: Amy Smith-Harris Counseling, JJ Build, Shelterbelt Press, Aspen Grove Wellness, and The Nosh Blog. Brytton is an extremely dedicated and invested educator. So many of her student have blossomed under her mentorship, and so very many of her graduates have gone on to established careers in Graphic Design right here in Springfield! At UIS, she is a constant advocate, for students and colleagues. She was quickly recognized for her leadership ability, and in 2018, she began to serve as Director of Visual Arts at UIS. Soon after, in 2019, she was awarded tenure (a slam dunk because of her stellar performance in teaching, scholarship, and university/community service), and at the beginning of 2020, she began to serve as Chair for all of Art, Music and Theater at UIS. On top of everything she does at UIS and for Springfield, she is an extremely active professional. Last year, she exhibited for the Terrain Biennial at Enos Park and also curated an exhibit at the UIS visual Arts Gallery that featured graphic design and featured over 30 graphic design professionals from around the country. She maintains a robust client list and maintains research in her field, at times presenting at prominent academic conferences. Note that her professional activity is wide in scope; she takes on a variety of challenges and then funnels connections, new knowledge and initiatives back to Springfield. Her generosity is well known. If you need something, ask Brytton – and expect her to turn it around in an astonishingly short timeframe. She has been pivotal to the visual arts culture here in Springfield, and generous with her time and volunteerism. Her leadership is well respected and I feel certain that we will be seeing so much more from her in the coming years. Lastly, I am very happy to let you know that Brytton has been awarded a sabbatical for the Fall semester of 2020! I am very proud to work with Brytton and can tell you that she embodies leadership and collegiality, and I’m rooting for her! Thanks for your consideration! | Allison Lacher | allisonlacher@gmail.com | YES | ||
| Dr. Jennifer | Bond | 217-788-4060 | Bond.Jennifer@mhsil.com | 39 | Vice President, Nursing at Memorial Medical Center | Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders, American Association of Critical Care Nurses, 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders in Illinois (Illinois Nurses Foundation) | Jennifer Bond, PhD. provides executive leadership and operational coordination for patient care services and nursing practice activities as vice president, nursing, for Memorial Medical Center. She focuses on implementation of patient-centered care delivery models, evidence-based standards of patient care, performance improvement activities that optimize safety and effective utilization of resources and ongoing monitoring of patient, staff and organizational outcomes. Jennifer also oversees the efforts to maintain MMC’s designation as a Magnet Hospital for Nursing Excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Bond began her career at Memorial Medical Center as a registered nurse in 2005. She has served as a nursing outcome improvement facilitator and most recently as director of professional nursing practice. Bond earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a master of science degree in nursing education from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Bond earned a post-master’s certificate in executive nursing administration from the University of South Alabama, where she recently earned a doctor of nursing practice in executive nursing administration degree. Dr. Bond is a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives and the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders. She holds nurse executive board certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. | Ed Curtis | curtis.ed@mhsil.com | YES | ||
| Ryan | Caldwell | 217-971-9021 | ryan.caldwell@rsmus.com | 34 | Senior Manager at RSM US LLP | 1. Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois – Ryan has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2015. He served as the Treasurer from 2016 to 2019. He currently serves as a member of the finance committee, which he has been a member of since 2014. Ryan has organized volunteer days at the Boys and Girls Club for the RSM team. He has also volunteered many hours at the Boys and Girls Club over recent years. 2. Springfield Boys and Girls Club Foundation – Ryan has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 2016. He currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Trustees, a position he has held since he joined the Board in 2016. 3. Downtown Springfield, Inc. – Ryan has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2019. He currently serves as a member of the finance committee. Ryan has carried on RSM’s longstanding history of supporting Downtown Springfield, Inc. In addition to his time volunteering on the Board, Ryan has volunteered at various events hosted by Downtown Springfield, Inc., including the Levitt AMP Music Series and trivia night. 4. Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) – Ryan has been a member of the Board of Directors of the McMahon-Illini Chapter since 2017. He currently serves as the Treasurer of the chapter and is a member of the sponsorship committee. Members of this association include individuals from HSHS and Memorial Health System. 5. The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce – Ryan has been a member since 2015. RSM has been a sponsor of the Chamber’s Annual Gala for many years. 6. United Way of Central Illinois – RSM has participating in United Way of Central Illinois for many years through a workplace campaign. RSM has also been a table sponsor of the Campaign Kickoff Breakfast and Community Report and Awards Breakfast for many years. | Ryan is the local leader of RSM’s Springfield office and has lived and worked in Springfield most of his life. RSM is the 5th largest accounting firm in the United States and has had an office in Springfield for many years. Ryan is a leader in RSM’s healthcare, nonprofit, and government audit practices. Ryan has become a local community leader through his role at RSM, as well as his contributions to the community through his volunteer efforts. In addition to the community affiliations above, Ryan has volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois, and Kumler Outreach Ministries. The RSM US Foundation has provided monetary grants to some of these organizations to match Ryan’s volunteer hours. Ryan attended many events held by community organizations through RSM’s sponsorship, including Memorial’s Festival of Trees Gala, Girls on the Run Light the Way, Lincoln Land Championship, and Downtown Springfield, Inc. Annual Dinner. Ryan is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP). He has a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in Accounting from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Ryan is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Illinois CPA Society. | Leslie Bhakta | leslie.bhakta@rsmus.com | |||
| Justin | Carter | 215-989-1663 | jwcarter@sbgtv.com | 30 | Morning News Anchor, ABC News Channel 20 | Justin serves on the Board of Trustees for the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield and is a member of the Capital City Men’s Chorus. He is also a proud and active member of the National Association of Black Journalists. He has performed locally with the Hoogland Center for the Arts, Springfield Theatre Centre, and First Night. He has emceed countless events and fundraisers for local charitable organizations. | News Channel 20’s Justin Carter is a man of many talents. Since arriving in Springfield in April of 2018, he’s become a very popular and respected member of the community. His smooth delivery and positive energy shine through his early morning newscasts and allow him to connect with viewers. In his role as morning show anchor at ABC News Channel 20, Justin covers serious news, but he also has the opportunity to be relaxed and funny while delivering lighter entertainment and human interest stories. With three hours of news to fill each morning (5 a.m. until 7 a.m. on News Channel 20 Sunrise, and then 7 a.m. until 8 a.m. on Good Day Illinois on Fox 55/27), he has plenty of time to share the many aspects of his engaging personality. Justin first performed locally in the Springfield Theatre Centre production of “Bonnie and Clyde†in October of 2018. He quickly followed that with performances in STC’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame†and “42nd Street,†and the Hoogland Center for the Arts production of “Memphis the Musical,†where he gave an electrifying performance.He love’s being a part of the local community, talking to students at schools and hosting charity events. Justin participates in thirty to forty different public events each year. He feels it’s important to be out in the community and to be visible. He work and hobby also allow him to be a role model for younger people, and he relishes the chance to give back. | Gus Gordon | gordon@hcfta.org | |||
| Chantel | Corrie | 217-714-6078 | chantel@midwestmission.org | 39 | Executive Director | Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center Board Member The Outlet One Stop Christmas Shop Board Member Springfield First United Methodist Church- Mission Council Chatham Youth Basketball Association- Coach YMCA – Coach Chatham Youth Baseball Association Coach | It is a tremendous honor and privilege to write this nomination of Chantel Corrie for the Forty under Forty. Without a doubt, Chantel epitomizes the very best of a volunteer, a dedicated manager of non profits and her value to our community is unmatched. I have now known Chantel for seven years. As a member of the same church and witness of her work as volunteer and leader. I am very familiar with the quality of her work and her love to help others. She has helped many, without expecting anything in return. She assisted us during a fundraiser to bring our son home from China and she has created ways to bring food and necessary items to the homeless, to thousands in Haiti, just to mention a few. Friends who have had the pleasure of sharing time with Chantel in different areas and lines of work praise her abilities and her contributions to non profit organizations. While her amazing contribution to our community is indeed noteworthy, I have also been impressed by Chantel’s work ethic and drive. She has been front and center in many initiatives that have made an impact in the life of many as the Director of Midwest Distribution Center and as member of the Missions Council of FUMC in Springfield. | Yanin Sims | yanrodcr@hotmail.com | YES | ||
| Daniel | Deweese | 217-691-9338 | dan@dandeweesepainting.com | 36 | Owner/Dan Deweese Painting & Wood Finishing | SPARC - He & his employees have volunteered time painting in SPARC residences. He is also a financial supporter of the many SPARC charity events. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - He & his employees have volunteered time painting in a few Habitat for Humanity Projects. His company also donates financially to this organization. CONTACT MINISTRIES - His business started a Hoodies for the Holidays program in 2017 where they collected hooded sweatshirts for the clients at Contact Ministries. He has been intentional about partnering with other businesses to join the collection efforts & the program has grown. BRAGGIN RIGHT’S GAME - this started out as a friendly softball game in 2017 between his business and Michael von Behren Builders. The game developed into a fundraiser for a new charity of choice each year. Employees of each business donate money & the companies match the donations. DENIM & DIAMONDS - he has been a huge supporter of the event for several years. He has personally donated his time to refinish and paint furniture for their annual auction event. | Dan should be considered for the 40 Under 40 award because he truly loves the Springfield community. He started his business in 2014 because he wanted to create a place to work that would provide a good working environment for employees. He currently employs 20 people in Springfield, not bad for a business that started with just himself & a friend in 2014. I watch him sacrifice his finances and his time for the welfare of his employees. He truly puts them first. As far as customers go, he always goes above & beyond to make sure they are happy. No matter how busy he is, he is never too busy for a fun historical project! He personally jumped at the opportunity to get involved with the Staab family’s Abraham Lincoln Hearse project. The Staab family had the hearse reverse engineered in 2015 & after it’s 2015 funeral re-enactment, the wheels needed to be re-done. In 2019, Dan was able to paint them. I know Dan would be honored if he were to receive this award. It would reinforce what he is doing for the community, his employees and customers. He has a lot more to offer in the years to come & I am excited to see where he goes from here! | Amy Peterson | organizeutoo@gmail.com | |||
| Nabih | Elhajj | 217-741-3663 | nabih@sangamonceo.com | 32 | Executive Director of I Venture ED | Head facilitator and teacher for Sangamon CEO class ( I Venture ED) Community Advisory Board for NPR Adjunct Professor at Unversity of Illinois Springfield | Nabih should be considered for this award for a variety of reasons. He has been the instructor for Sangamon CEO for 6 years. In this role he has led high school seniors in learning about entrepreneurship, communication, and networking. He has connected the students with business leaders all over Sangamon County. He has guided the Board of Directors and investors of this program in powerful ways, to become our own 501C3 as I Venture ED with the possibility of leading other CEO programs in the county. Nabih has inspired hundreds of students in the program to see themselves as business people and to see the opportunities in our community. The ultimate goal is that students will return to Sangamon County and open businesses and many of the students have or are considering this. Nabih is an inspirational teacher and leader of young people . In this role he has proven himself to be extremely influential to the growth of business and networks in this community. Additionally, his role as an adjunct professor for entrepreneurship at UIS has furthered his influence. | Kathy Crum | kcrum@focusedschools.com | YES | ||
| Jenn | Fortin | 217-331-9011 | jfortin@systemaxsolutions.com | 31 | Sales Manager - Systemax | Professional Skaters Association - ice instructor for figure skating & hockey Race for the Cure Committee | Jenn is a powerhouse. She is self-motivated, assertive and exudes inspiration. She excels at her manager position at Systemax and spends her evenings teaching children how to skate. She is close with her family & friends, always looking for ways to help and volunteer in the community. | Cassandra Ostermeier | costermeier@systemaxsolutions.com | YES | ||
| Robert | French | 217-503-6434 | Rob@cook-witter.com | 39 | Director of Association Management Division, Cook-Witter, Inc. | Illinois Society of Association Executives (Immediate Past President) and Present Board Member Past Board Member Springfield Art Association Mask Makers of Illinois | Upon meeting Rob you IMMEDIATELY sense his focus on you and his desire to be helpful. He is willing to divert what he is doing and help you if he can. (This is easy for me to say...since I'm his boss.) BUT, you will find this same reaction from anyone else who has been around Rob. He is one of the most caring people I've worked with. He is smart, practical and always thinking. He knows himself and he maintains humility with all people he meets . He never bites off more than he thinks he can chew. When the pandemic hit, medical facilities were requesting homemade cloth masks because they were extremely low on PPE. Rob and his wife helped develop a face book page (Mask Makers-Illinois) which was created as a place to gather information, address this need and to create a distribution plan to assist where needed. The Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach received donated cloth masks, properly sterilize them and distribute them to medical facilities. At the time they were able to safely provide cloth masks to SIU Medicine, Memorial Medical, HSHS St. John’s, and Springfield Clinic in Springfield, IL. Today there are almost 2700 members of Mask Makers of Illinois. | Randall F. Witter | Randy@cook-witter.com | |||
| Ruchika | Goel | 9192654728 | ruchikagoel1@gmail.com | 38 | Professor , Simmons Cancer Institute , SIU School of Medicine | She is head of fundraising for charities for Asian Indian Women's Organization ( AIWO ). . AIWO has raised funds in hundreds of thousands over the years and given to local charitities such as Mercy , Central Illinois Food Bank , Ronald McDonald House | She is MD , MPH .She is spearheadng the effoert for Convalescent Plasmy Therapyfor COVID!9. She gave a talk in this regard to large number of physicians on 5/26/20.SJR will write an article She is also Medical Director of Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. She is also Adjunct Professor , Pathology , John Hopkins Medical School | Vinod Gupta | vkguptammmd@yahoo.com | YES | ||
| Sarah | Goleman | 217-525-4205 | sarah.goleman@ml.com | 38 | Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch | Old state capitol foundation board member Heritage foundation board member United way financial stability vision council Founding member of veterans networking group off duty Secretary of the midtown rotary club Volunteer EMT Divernon Fire Department Compass for kids volunteer Member of Illinois women in leadership, women entrepreneurs of central il, and Local first | Sarah has been very active in many causes to benefit the Springfield community. She has shown a passion for contributing to the growth and stability of downtown businesses and historic sites by coordinating volunteer activities. Sarah has spent 10 years teaching financial literacy to individuals of all ages and backgrounds and is constantly networking with people from diverse backgrounds. | Eric Graue | eric_graue@ml.com | YES | ||
| Pamela | Hart | 217-753-8200 | peh@scottnscott.law.com | 39 | Attorney, Scott and Scott Law Offices | Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery (Board of Directors), Girls on the Run Board of Directors, Community Fund’s Women for Women, Senior Services of Illinois Board of Directors, Young Philanthropists, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Young Springfield Professional Network-President and Board of Directors, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid Board of Directors, partner at Scott and Scott Law firm. | Pam Hart is a brilliant, talented and humble person. As you can see from the list of her community involvement, she has contributed so much to the Springfield community. I truly cannot figure out when she sleeps. She is a true professional who cares deeply for her clients and works diligently to serve their interests. She is a compassionate and empathetic person who is willing to set her own needs aside to serve others. She is a star, but never seeks the limelight for herself. She operates with the highest integrity and is most deserving of this recognition. | Carol Pope | carol.pope@gmail.com | YES | ||
| Danielle | Hartman | (618) 920-1476 | Danielle.Hartman@hshs.org | 34 | System Director, Organization Development and Diversity/Inclusion - Hospital Sisters Health System | Central Illinois Customer Service Association Springfield Jaycees | Danielle deserves the Forty under 40 award because of her community leadership and dedication to making Springfield and the surrounding area a better place to live, work, and play. She works tirelessly to improve herself, the lives of others, and the Springfield community. This award would be the recognition and confirmation of her efforts that she would be too humble to ask for on her own. In her work life, Danielle is a positive force within HSHS, influencing the culture in multiple ways. According to David Beach, Chief Human Resource Officer at HSHS, “Danielle has been a source of energy and insight since she became our Director of Organizational Development and Diversity/Inclusion. Danielle is a thoughtful and intelligent leader who is selfless and giving to others while demanding and disciplined in the continuous development of her individual character, competency, learning and performance. She is an incredibly kind, generous and compassionate person taking on numerous leadership roles in the community giving of herself and her time while also proactively innovative in ensuring the ongoing development of our colleagues and leaders at HSHS. I feel personally grateful and blessed to have someone of Danielle’s talent on my team. She is a living example of our core values of respect, care, competence and joy†In the community, Danielle displays leadership by serving as the current Board Chairperson and immediate past-President of the Springfield Jaycees. The Springfield Jaycees are a young person’s leadership development and community service organization for individuals between the ages of 18-40. With a Master’s degree in Training and Development, Danielle has always been drawn to opportunities to develop herself and others, and the Jaycees offers that through the various projects they take on, all with a focus on service and bettering the Springfield community. Under her leadership, they have provided service to Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, collaborated with Downtown Springfield, Inc. to put on the Capitol City Celebration on the 4th of July, cleaned up their namesake Jaycees Park, and put on the Holiday Lights Parade, for which they won the 2019 DSI Award for Best Event. Danielle’s leadership in the Jaycees is not limited to the Springfield chapter. In 2018, she was selected to be part of the inaugural cohort of the JCI USA Leadership Fellows program. This is a 24-month leadership development program focused on personal growth and learning how to mentor the next cohort of Fellows. The Leadership Fellows program includes a curriculum of developing networking skills, public speaking, conflict resolution skills, how to motivate others, and how to work with local governments. Additionally, Danielle sits on the board of the Central Illinois Customer Service Association. This organization is dedicated to making Springfield the “Friendliest City in Illinoisâ€. The goal is that by enhancing the customer service that Springfield businesses can provide, it will attract new visitors, new customers, and new businesses to Springfield and the surrounding area. As a board member, Danielle helps plan and coordinate quarterly networking events and workshops with nationally-known guest speakers. She was approached to sit on this board because of her passion for training, specifically when it comes to the customer experience. As a transplant to Springfield, Danielle is keenly aware of how much of an impact a few friendly experiences can make on how one views this area, and is able to share that through her training, networking events, and quarterly workshops that she helps setup. Ultimately, she wants other individuals, families and businesses to call Springfield home because of the care and attention they receive from the community. The CILCSA board feels so strongly about Danielle’s worthiness for this award, they have prepared their own recommendation letter, which I will e-mail in separately. | Tate Hartman | thartman@heartlandfinancialservices.org | YES | ||
| Rich | Klinker | 937-416-5820 | rklinker@cckautomations.com | 38 | Operations Manager, CCK Automations | Board of Directors, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Jacksonville Kiwanis Club Member of Jacksonville Chamber Contact Club Member of Jacksonville Young Professionals Network Parishioner at Our Savior Catholic Church Captain, U.S. Army (Veteran) – combat decorations include Bronze Star & Purple Heart Colonel, Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Working with Jacksonville business and educational leaders as an adviser to develop a course (similar to CEO program) to prepare high school students for future careers in manufacturing. Chair, Braggin’ Rights BBQ Competition / Fundraiser | ity of Illinois – Springfield and an undergraduate degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati. In addition to his career at CCK, Rich takes an active interest in the community and volunteers time to support several organizations. He is especially fond of supporting causes that benefit children in the local community. In his spare time, Rich loves to spend time with his beautiful wife, Katie and their son, Reid. | Stephanie Jones | SJones@cckautomations.com | YES | ||
| Eldina | Labranche | 2172993612 | elabranc@amfam.com | 39 | Sales District Leader/American Family Insurance | Illinois Women in Leadership | Throughout her life, she has strived to give her best effort without looking back. From a child who fled war-torn Bosnia; learning a new language and culture in the United States, to earning a tennis scholarship to the University of Illinois, she had to work hard to accommodate her competitive spirit which led her to being honored as Academic All-American, and earning a plethora of company sales awards. She's nationally recognized as a top producing senior level sales management professional. She has worked with American Family Insurance locally for over 12 years. She's fluent in Bosnian and German. She's the greatest leader in the insurance industry and supports local talent as often as possible. She's a mom, wife, and avid gym goer. Eldina is the best! | Sean Bull | sean@seanbull.com | YES | ||
| Jeffery | Large | 217-572-1131 | jlarge@cmtengr.com | 39 | Project Manager, Project Engineer and Structural Engineer | Mr. Large enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children. He also enjoys cheering on his Fighting Illini and playing golf. In his spare time, he has served as a Board Member for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois since 2015. He was involved in the renovation of the Springfield house and on the construction of the new Peoria house. | 40 UNDER 40 NOMINATION Jeffery E. Large, PE, SE Jeffery Large has worked in the Water Resources Group at Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT) since 2006, where he serves as structural engineer and hydraulic design engineer. He serves in a variety of roles as project manager, project engineer, and structural engineer. Mr. Large brings highly relevant experience from his 13 years with CMT focused on water resource infrastructure and buildings. Mr. Large received his master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois after receiving his bachelor’s degree in the same. He is a licensed professional engineer and structural engineer in the state of Illinois belonging to the following professional organizations: • Illinois Society of Professional Engineers, Past President • Illinois Engineering Initiative, Chairman • American Concrete Institute, committee member for the Code Requirements for Environmental Engineering concrete structures • American Council of Engineering Companies, where he serves on the Emerging Professionals and IDOT Bridge committees Over the last few years, Mr. Large has worked on the following important water infrastructure projects in central Illinois: • Structural Engineer of Record for the $55 million Sugar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant project for the Sangamon County Water Reclamation District (SCWRD). • Lead structural inspector for Sugar Creek and Spring Creek Wastewater Treatment facilities to determine structural and code deficiencies for the Capital Asset Management Plan for the Sangamon County Water Reclamation District (SCWRD). • Structural Engineer of Record for the Phase 4 improvements for the Spring Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant for the Sangamon County Water Reclamation District (SCWRD). • Structural Engineer of Record for the Illinois Realtors Bicentennial Plaza in downtown Springfield. • Client and Project manager for the Christian County Water Reclamation District (CCWRD). CCWRD is in the initial phase of a 10-year program to update all of their facilities. • Structural Engineer of Record for the replacement of an existing combined sewer pump station at Union Street for the City of Lincoln. • Structural steel designer for the pedestrian walkway between Memorial Medical Center’s Baylis Building and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine’s Cancer Institute in Springfield, IL. The above water and structural infrastructure is a vital component of our community and other communities in central Illinois. This infrastructure is essential to maintaining the health of our families, friends, and neighbors, as well as supporting our economy. “Jeff is a dedicated structural engineer who can identify critical paths on projects immediately and consistently assists other engineering staff on projects,†Said Ty Besalke, Springfield (IL) Water Group Manager and Jeff’s Supervisor. Ty continued, “Jeff proved his ability to take on a leadership role at CMT at an early point in his career and has developed into an outstanding project manager. Jeff has earned the trust of our clients through responsiveness, attention to detail and listening to our client’s needs. With Jeff as a Project Manager our clients are confident that CMT will deliver.†Mr. Large enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children. He also enjoys cheering on his Fighting Illini and playing golf. In his spare time, he has served as a Board Member for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois since 2015. He was involved in the renovation of the Springfield house and on the construction of the new Peoria house. Please consider Jeffery Large for the 2020 class of 40 under 40. | Chris Smith | csmith@cmtengr.com | YES | ||
| Jonathan | Nessler | 2178995158 | jtnessler@gmail.com | 38 | Attorney at Nessler Law Office | Capitol Art Fair Board | Jonathan Nessler is a respected and accomplished member of the local legal and business community. Jonathan has been practicing law for nearly 13-years. In that time, he has handled many significant cases, including cases before the Illinois Appellate Court and the Illinois Supreme Court. Jonathan is deeply involved in the legal community, including significant involvement in the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA). He served a three-year term as an elected member of the ISBA Assembly. Jonathan also served many years on the ISBA Standing Committee on Law Office Management & Economics. In addition, Jonathan was the Vice Chair of Law Practice Management Committee for the American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division (ABA-YLD) in 2011; and was the Chair of the ABA-YLD Law Practice Management Committee in 2013. Jonathan Is also a Barrister member of the Lincoln-Douglas American Inn of Court. Jonathan has received recognition, and many awards, from leading legal organizations, including being named an “Emerging Lawyer,†by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company’s Leading Lawyer Division. | Charles Y Davis | cdavis@bhslaw.com | YES | ||
| Morgan | Nessler | 2173908151 | morgan.nessler@me.com | 37 | Deputy Director of State Investments and Banking - Illinois State Treasurer’s office | Community Volunteer | Prior to taking on the responsibilities of the Deputy Director of State Investments and Banking, Morgan worked in banking. Immediately prior to accepting her position with the Illinois State Treasurer, Morgan was a Vice President with Hickory Point Bank, as Head of Retail Banking. While Morgan propelled her career forward, she did not let meeting her career goals interfere with her family life. Morgan is the mother of three boys and is, by all accounts, an excellent mother and wife. | Charles Y. Davis | cdavis@bhslaw.com | YES | ||
| Kolin | O'Brien | (217) 494-5555 | kjoirish@gmail.com | 35 | Axa Advisors | Springfield St. Patrick’s day parade president Contact ministries board president | Kolin O’Brien is a native son of Springfield that has been successful is his field at an early age. Kolin doesn’t solely focus on his own success but through his work his goal is to be prepare his customers for their future and make certain that they are on a path to success. Despite a busy career and a young family with two little girls Kolin makes volunteering a priority. As the board President Kolin spends countless hours throughout the year devoted to Contact Ministries and enhancing the reach of their mission to provide to mothers and their families in need. Kolin has also served as the president of the Springfield St. Patrick’s day charitable parade for many years. Kolin’s success in business and his commitment to Springfield and Sangamon county has helped raise many tens of thousands of dollars for multiple charitable organizations in our community which merits him the honor of being named one of Sangamon County’s 40 under 40. Perhaps the most impressive part is that Kolin never seeks attention for his charitable efforts nor try to profit from them. He truly realizes that his success and good fortune is meant to organize people in order to help others. Kolin O’Brien is a true community leader and would make an excellent addition to Sangamon County’s 40 under 40. | G Abu-Saba | gabusaba@gmail.com | Yes per Bob | ||
| Jack | O'Hara | 32 | CIO, Springfield Clinic | House | YES | |||||||
| Kimberly | Paskiewicz | 217-788-4381 | Paskiewicz.Kimberly@mhsil.com | 40 - just turned 40 March 30th. | Administrator, Specialty Services at Memorial Health System | Paskiewicz serves as a KidsLife teacher, finance committee member at her local church and volunteers for the James Project. Her professional memberships include Illinois Women in Leadership, Weight Management Public Policy Committee, American College of Healthcare Executives and Medical Group Management Association (will send CV for full listing). | Kimberly Paskiewicz is administrator of specialty services at Memorial Health System. In this role, she is responsible for Memorial ExpressCare, virtual care, telehealth, Memorial Physician Services - Women’s Healthcare, Memorial Physician Services - Vine Street, Memorial Weight Loss & Wellness Center and the Memorial Advanced Hernia Center. Paskiewicz has 15 years of experience in healthcare and first joined Memorial in 2006 as a clinical dietitian. She transitioned to a bariatric coordinator role in 2008 and later to manager in 2010. She was involved in the development of the Memorial Weight Loss & Wellness Center and was named director in 2013. She later assumed leadership of the Memorial Wound Center and Advanced Hernia Center. Paskiewicz, a registered dietitian, has a master of public health degree from the University of Texas School of Public Health. She is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. She is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and serves on the Weight Management Public Policy Committee. Kimberly was a 2019 speaker at both the American College of Surgeons Safety and Qualilty conference and the IHA Quality Advocacy Showcase. | Ed Curtis | curtis.ed@mhsil.com | YES | ||
| Megan | Peck | 217-801-5131 | meganp@cbai.com | 37 | Vice President of Governmental Relations / Community Bankers Association of Illinois | Woodside Township Trustee Official St. John's Children's Hospital - Advisory Board Hope Institute for Children and Families - Ambassador of Hope - Fundraising Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois - Developmental Committee Member Illinois Women in Leadership - Member Habitat for Humanity - Committee Member (formally) Big Brother Bid Sister Program - Big Sister | As a business owner in the City of Springfield, I greatly admire people with foundational balance in there lives. Megan is committed to community and family. She tirelessly advocates legislation on behave of the small bankers of Illinois. Her believe in job growth and stability starts at the community level. The community banks have an obligation to assist local citizens and small business. This keeps our communities alive to raise strong families. Her work at the Capitol is paving the way for better business and a better home. Her community involvement doesn't stop at the Capitol. As evident in her charity work, she's an equally passionate volunteer in the Springfield Community. Her charities all assist people in great need. Health and welfare of our community family is very important to her. Megan's greatest achievement is her own family. She and her husband are raising 3 young beautiful children. Family is always first for Megan, like is should be. Family is why Megan shines in her professional and volunteer career. | Matthew L Roland | Mroland@rolandmachinery.com | YES | ||
| Tina | Prather | 2178017782 | tina.prather@homeinstead.com | 31 | Marketing & Community Representative | Home Instead Senior Care Be A Santa To A Senior Alzheimer's Association of Springfield Walk to End Alzheimer's Theatre in the Park, Petersburg Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Past Ambassador Illinois Women in Leadership Springfield First United Methodist Church Menard Co. Jaycees Springfield Area Marketing Senior Lifestyles AgeLink Social Isolation member MacMurray College Alumni | Tina Prather, 31, has been working with seniors in the Springfield area for more than 9 years. She is now a valued member of the Home Instead Senior Care team as the Marketing/Community Representative. Tina never meets a stranger and always looks forward to sharing information and connecting others. She describes herself as a “connector†because she loves linking up friends and coworkers to others that may be able to help them whether personally or professionally. She is always available to help whether in the office or in the community. Tina joined the Home Instead Senior Care team in March of 2018. Tina worked to grow relationships in the community, and, as a result, the business has seen a large growth in clients served over the past two years. Due to Covid-19, Tina coordinated the first Central Illinois thank you parade for 8 senior faculties and included 12 other care agencies to bring smiles for seniors and support for caregivers. Plans are already underway for a parade next week which she is again organizing. She showed our support in the largest community parade to honor the Villas of Sherman seniors and caregivers braving this pandemic. She made countless video calls via our integrated care tablets in our client’s homes to help our seniors deal with social isolation when they were unable to leave the house and unable to accept family and friends as visitors. Social media pages (Facebook and Instagram) were updated daily, by Tina, to help seniors keep a smile on their face through shared links, cute pictures and words of inspiration. She used her creativity to make hearts and signs for family windows and baskets, full of flowers and candy, to surprise seniors with a warm gift during this time when seniors were in complete isolation. Each holiday season, Tina manages Home Instead’s Be A Santa To A Senior program. This involves organizing donated gifts to be given to over 250 seniors in the Springfield area who might otherwise be overlooked during the holidays. Tina’s organizational skills make this project run so smoothly that not only gifts donated but also the number of local partner agencies has grown under her leadership. Tina began her career right out of college with the Alzheimer’s Association Springfield office. At the end of her tenure, she was the Senior Manager of Special Events and responsible for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s events in Decatur, Jacksonville and Springfield as well as managing four other Walk Managers in remote offices throughout the state. When Tina started with the Alzheimer’s Association in 2011, the Springfield Walk to End Alzheimer’s was raising about $30,000 annually to eventually earning $120,000 in 2017. Tina has used her knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving and seniors at large in her role with Home Instead. Her foundation in the senior industry has been a true asset to the company and building our network in the community. Locally, Tina is also involved in several community efforts and leadership positions. She can be seen performing in local theatre productions in the Theatre in the Park in Petersburg and serving as a past Ambassador for The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce as well as completing the Leadership Springfield program in the fall of 2018. Tina currently serves as the Membership Chairperson for the Illinois Women in Leadership for the 2019 – 2020 year. She volunteers in her local church, the Springfield First United Methodist Church. Residing in Petersburg with her husband, she currently serves the area through the Menard County Jaycees as current Co-President. She also serves the senior community as she sits on the board of the Springfield area Marketing Senior Lifestyles and is a member of the Social Isolation Task Force through AgeLinc. Tina has also been recognized by the community at large. For example, she was recognized in 2018 as the Young Alumni Award recipient by her alma mater MacMurray College in Jacksonville. Tina is a well-rounded member of numerous networking, leadership, and senior care groups in Springfield. We value all that Tina brings to the Home Instead Senior Care team. We would like to nominate her to be recognized as a local 40 under 40 recipient. She is very deserving and has made an impact in our company and in our community. | Darla Lambert | darla.lambert@homeinstead.com | YES | ||
| Matt | Price | 217-652-9470 | matt.price@hshs.org | 37 | Director of Human Resources St. John's Hospital/St. Francis Hospital | Board member of 100+ who care in Springfield Member of Central Illinois chapter of SHRM Leadership Springfield Graduate | Matt worked hard to get himself through college, often times not being able to return home for holidays because he was also working full time. He graduated from Western with a Bachelors degree in Business. His first job was working at a payday loans company. He later was employed with a staffing agency where he excelled and moved up to being the director of his own branch. He was then hired a an HR generalist at Springfield Clinic in 2011. He was promoted to the manager of HR at Springfield Clinic in 2013, and shortly after Matt enrolled in Benedictine University where he graduated in 2016 with his MBA. He moved to HSHS in 2017 in the role of Director of Learning and Development, then moved to his current position at St. John's Hospital as Director of HR in 2019. Everyone that has the opportunity to work with Matt walks away with a great respect for him. He has a down to earth, friendly demeanor that puts everyone around him at ease. One of his past boss' has said he has a great respect for all people and treats the janitor in the same manor as he would the CEO. This sums up Matt perfectly. He has a great desire to learn and continue to grow as a person and build his connections with people. He sees no limits in his career and will continue to strive to do great things. It has been amazing to watch him succeed at everything he puts his mind to. It would be amazing to see him get this recognition for his hard work and dedication. | Stacie Price | stac_03@hotmail.com | |||
| Blake | Pryor | (217) 725-9518 | bpryor@cbcdr.com | ? Lower 30’s | Coldwell Banker Commercial Devonshire Realty | ? | Blake has continued to drive his business as a commercial realtor. In his five years of business, he has impressed me with his personal growth, commitment to his clients and community. | Bob Barber | bob.barber@sandler.com | YES | ||
| Josh | Seed | 217-481-0082 | jseed22@yahoo.com | 39 | Licensing Administrator/State of Illinois | Volunteer for the Habitat for Humanity Junior Vice Commander of VFW Post 755 Former President of the West Road Park Subdivision Active Member of the Illinois Air National Guard Active Member of the Air Force White Rope Chaplains Program Moderator for the Illinois State Employees Veterans Group Lifetime member of the National Guard Association of Illinois | As a former recipient of the Forty Under 40 award, I truly cannot think of another individual more deserving than Josh Seed to be considered for this honor. He is a life-long Springfield resident who has not only dedicated 300+ hours of volunteer work to the local Springfield community but is one who has served his country for 20 years with pride and dignity. Locally, Josh has volunteered on more than 10 Habitat for Humanity home builds, including 2 youth builds. He currently serves as the Junior Vice Commander for the VFW Post 755 and for 3 years, was President of the West Road Park subdivision. He has served two military deployments in combat locations, including Afghanistan and Kuwait. On one of those deployments, he was in charge of eight airmen carrying out critical tasks to keep the mission operating smoothly. While in Afghanistan, he volunteered at the Bagram Air Base hospital to help soldiers in need. In addition, he spent more than two years volunteering for the Yellow Ribbon Military Reintegration Program where he helped promote the well-being of National Guard and Reserve members, their families and communities, by connecting them with resources throughout their deployment cycle. Josh also graduated from the University of Illinois Springfield with a double major in Business Management and Business Administration, along with a Minor in Management Information Systems. The truth is, I could go on and on about the many things that Josh has done not only in the Springfield community but around the world to affect positive change. He is humble, hard-working, a devoted father to two sons and goes above and beyond for his community, his friends, his family and his country. He has the uncanny ability to bring out the best in others and is well-known for making people laugh until they cry. Josh is a flawless leader, a person of high moral character and integrity, one who embodies the mindset of a champion and who is a fierce advocate for his community. Josh stands out in the crowd and his efforts have shown that to him, service and humanity are the best work of life. | Amanda C. Long | amanda.long@springfield.il.us | YES | ||
| Mark | Stephens | 2174144584 | drmark22oms@gmail.com | 35 | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Oral and Facial Surgeons of Illinois | G.V. Black Dental Society, SIU School of Medicine Congenital Head and Neck Anomalies Clinic | Mark Stephens is Rochester, Illinois native who came back to the area to practice oral and maxillofacial surgery. Mark joined Springfield Associates in August of 2016 and became a practicing partner in 2018. Since that time, Mark has been integral in rebranding of the company to Oral and Facial Surgeons of Illinois. The company locally employs over thirty individuals. He has also been vital in the expansion of the company with additional satellite office opening in Decatur, IL. Mark volunteers for six weeks of oral and facial trauma call at Memorial Medical Center and participates in dental alveolar infection call with HSHS St. John’s Hospital. Mark also dedicates time to the SIU School of Medicine Congenital Head and Neck Anomalies Clinic, which involves the treatment planning of children with cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial abnormalities. Mark is involved locally in the dental community with the G.V. Black Dental Society. He also gives back volunteering for the Dental Mission of Mercy. I highly recommend Mark for the forty under forty as an exceptional board certified surgeon and business entrepreneur within the Springfield community. | Karina Stephens | karinaburgener@gmail.com | YES per Bob | ||
| Teri | Taylor | 217-862-1740 | Teri.Taylor@sikich.com | 40 (on 5/10/20) | Director / Sikich LLP | Treasurer for Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County. Past Treasurer of Springfield Road Runners Club and Co-Director of their Women’s Distance Festival. | Teri is perhaps one of the most well-rounded individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting. In her professional career, she elevated to the role of Director which has firm wide responsibilities requiring detailed knowledge of compliance and financial reporting. She also handles local responsibilities of staff mentoring, client retention, and employee development to name a few. She handles these responsibilities reflecting someone truly passionate about Sikich’s talented people, valued client’s, and trusted community. However, her deep professional responsibilities have not hindered her personal development. She gives her time willingly to local organizations, not only utilizing her intellectual skills, but also her compassion and organization. I have seen her step into voids for co-workers, family, and friends. In short, Teri is the person you want on your team, as a member if not the leader. | Richard Lynch | Richard.Lynch@sikich.com | YES | ||
| James | Waymack | 309-236-3667 | jwaymack@gmail.com | 38 | Emergency Medicine Residency Program Director/SIU School of Medicine | Lakeside Christian Church: Member Memorial Medical Center: Emergency Physician Springfield Chamber of Commerce: Military Affairs Committee Springfield Police Department: Emergency Response Team-Tactical Emergency Physician; ILEAS Region 6 WMD Special Response Team Taylorville Memorial Hospital: Emergency Physician | Dr. James Waymack has been serving the Springfield community for the past decade. After graduating from SIU School of Medicine in 2010, he matched into our inaugural SIU Emergency Medicine Residency Class and quickly began to distinguish himself as a leader. He was elected chief resident and then joined the SIU School of Medicine faculty upon completing his residency in 2013. James is a passionate educator and has been recognized for his teaching ability with numerous teaching awards. In 2017, he became the residency program director. As the residency leader, he has grown the program from 18 to 24 residents, thereby greatly enhancing the residency's impact on our communities. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, he was a vital part of the local surge capacity planning. Dr. Waymack serves in several national emergency medicine organizations and as teaching faculty in national board examination courses. In addition to practicing as an emergency physician in both Springfield and Taylorville, Dr. Waymack works with the Springfield Police Department. He and his colleagues serve as tactical emergency physicians working to ensure the safety of all during their high-risk police encounters. Beyond his service as a physician and educator, James is a dedicated husband and father. Both his learners and colleagues regard him as a role model both in and out of the hospital. It has been a pleasure to watch his career unfold and I look forward to his future impact as a valued leader in our community and beyond. | Christopher McDowell MD | cmcdowell@siumed.edu | |||
| Frederick | Weber | 820-4700 | fweber@fbhl.com | 38 | Flat Branch Home Loans | American business club Greater Springfield chamber of commerce ambassador, Little flower mens club 8th grade boys basketball coach Charities committee for ABC | Fred is a great mortgage loan officer who is paving the way at Flat Branch. He is professional, respectful and committed to customer service in every way. He has been in the mortgage business for a few years now and is making a lot of progress in the community. Fred exhibits community service along with professional excellence in every way. | Rachel Pate | rrachel@att.net | YES | ||
| Courtney | Wick | 2175210029 | CourtneyRaedio@gmail.com | 37 | Fine Arts Therapist | CURRENT: Hope- Fine Arts Therapist Wick Gypsy Tarot- Owner/ Operator Springfield Area Arts Council- Sitting Past Board President, First Night Chair (volunteer) Big Brother Big Sister- Big Sister for past 6 years (volunteer) Springfield Ballet Company- Board of Directors, Nutcracker Guest Performer (volunteer) The Springfield Muni Opera- Capital Development Team, Director, and Performer (volunteer) The Animal Protective League- Foster & Hospice Home to 100+ animals past 5 years (volunteer) NPR Illinois 91.9- Fund Drive Campaign writer, radio spot performer, and volunteer (volunteer) The Legacy Theater- Performer The Memorial Foundation- Festival of Tree Designer for the past 5 years (volunteer) DSI- Christmas Caroler for downtown locations during the Holidays (volunteer) University of Illinois Springfield- Performer IN THE PAST 5 YEARS: Boys & Girls Club- Drama program creator and leader for 21st Century after school program Engrained- former Bartender and social media marketing Kari Bedford Photography- Boudoir Photography Model | If we measured success by how much somebody gave others, rather than how much they made for themselves- Courtney would be at the top of the list. She donates nearly every free moment she has to non-profit organizations, inclusive causes, and children and animals who are not her own. She is an impressive woman to watch and I am proud to be her husband. Courtney is a true leader in every sense of the word. I must mention that Courtney had very little formal education until the age of 29 when she decided to attempt a college degree. Courtney grew up with a learning disability in a trailer park in MI. She never expected to go to college, nor assumed she would be good at it. After continuously being offered leadership positions at different jobs, she decided to go for it. In the course of 2 years she received her B.S. in Business/ Human Resource Development at the ripe old age of 30. Afterwards, she decided to go to grad school while paying the bills by bar-tending at night (sometimes until 4 am!) Somehow, she finished her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling a few years ago. She is now a Nationally Board Certified Counselor and was hired as Hope School's FIRST EVER Art Therapist- a position they created for her based on her education and arts community street cred. I have seen her single-handedly keep arts organizations afloat by fundraising over $30k in her free-time, and I was delighted to help out when she created an "all-inclusive performance stage" last year for The Springfield Area Arts Council at First Night; a place where children of all abilities had the chance to perform on New Year's Eve in downtown Springfield. She also co-directs a musical at Hope School every spring, where students alongside community members and teachers are able to live out their acting dreams on a real stage with lighting, sound, amazing costumes, and sets. It's one of the most heartwarming things I've ever watched. Courtney has been a Big Sister at Big Brother Big Sister for the past 6 years, and her "little" is enamored with her. She takes her on exciting new adventures like bike riding, ballet dancing, cake baking, work-out classes, and crafting. Her little often expresses how she wants to be "just like Courtney" when she grows up. Even though her little moved to another city a few years back, Courtney makes time (and the drive) to see her regularly. I, like many others in this town, also enjoy watching Courtney perform. She's hilarious, a great singer, and a dynamic performer. Seeing her on our local stages proves the kind of talent we have in Springfield. Along that same route, Courtney recently ventured into performing at Children's birthday parties as a "gypsy tarot card reader". She created a magical persona for herself and a kid-friendly psychic performance. I love how she's constantly combining all of her skills into unique ways to make money and provide our community with something they've never seen before. She's kind of a genius. There are about a million other reasons I could nominate her- like how she welcomes all of the stinky, poopy, animals I bring from work into our home (I'm the manager for the APL), or how whenever somebody needs a place to stay she opens our door to them, or how she can bring a group of people together to fight for a common cause. But really it comes down to her compassion, drive, and leadership abilities. Her cup runneth over with all three. She genuinely makes Springfield a better and brighter place. She would make an excellent addition to your 40 under 40 list. Please consider her and thank you for reading. Sincerely, Ian J. WIck | Ian Wick | bosaikanu@gmail.com | YES | ||
| Haley | Williams | 2173817919 | hwilson@iacaanet.org | 30 | Director of Membership and Executive Services/Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies | 1. Illinois Women in Leadership (Member) 2. Helping Hands of Springfield (Advisory Board Member) 3. St. Johns Breadline (Volunteer) 4. Illinois Women in Communications -Benedictine Chapter (Previous Vice-President) 5. Springfield School District 186 (Volunteer) | As the former President and CEO of the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies, I am writing with great pleasure to nominate Haley A. Wilson for the 40 under 40 award. I observed Ms. Wilson’s ability to problem solve, work with large groups of executive directors, coordinate and lead large scale projects. She has the innate ability to inspire the association’s team to strive for greatness as well as developing and nurturing a level of camaraderie amongst staff. She manages the needs of association Board members who are executives representing 16 community action agencies from around the State of Illinois. She has a passion for cultivating innovative thinkers, developing, and empowering individuals. As a longtime Springfield resident, Haley has volunteered to assist at numerous non-profit agencies in the Springfield area while at the same time, caring for her family and working towards acquiring her master’s degree. Because of these attributes and many others, I am nominating Haley A. Wilson for the 40 and under award. | Frankie L. Atwater | fatwater45@gmail.com | YES | ||
| Todd | Wood | 2177873000 | twood@ucbbank.com | 38 | Vice President of Lending & Business Services | • Ball Charter School Board - Currently serving 4th year as Board member and Treasurer • United Way Vision Council - Currently serving 1st year on council which is responsible for determining approved funding amounts for various non-profits in the Springfield area. • Illinois Real Estate Title Center Board member...serving 1st term • Springfield Chamber of Commerce Leadership Springfield - Served 4 years on board including President • American Business Club - Member for over 5 years • Member of the Capitol Area Realtor's Commercial Real Estate Network | Todd Wood is an outstanding employee, a great father, and a very involved member of our community. He is a leader in both our community and our company. In his exceptional 20+ year career with UCB, Todd has grown steadily in responsibility and success due to his hard work and level of commitment to his customers and fellow employees. As his list of community affiliation attests to, Todd is also very active in our community as an advocate for education, quality of life, and professional development and leadership. He is also a very dedicated and proud father. UCB is proud of Todd Wood and we believe he would make an excellent 40 Under Forty recipient. | Todd Wise | twise@ucbbank.com | YES |