The Downtown Springfield, Inc. (DSI) board of directors has appointed Jay Shanle as the nonprofit’s new executive director. “I’m incredibly grateful for the trust the DSI board and our community have placed in me, and I’m honored to step into the role of executive director,” said Shanle. “Downtown Springfield has shaped so much of my […]
SBJ staff
Posted inAnnouncements
Reserve your vendor table – 6th Annual Women’s Business Showcase
Spring is the perfect time to put your business in front of new customers — and the Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois (WE-CI) Women’s Business Showcase is built to do exactly that. Join us on Thursday, April 16, at the Crowne Plaza Springfield for an annual event celebrating women-owned businesses. This is your opportunity to:• […]
Posted inMedical News
Taylorville Memorial Hospital names new president
Aaron Puchbauer has been named president and CEO of Taylorville Memorial Hospital, effective March 30. He replaces Kim Bourne, who retired in December. Puchbauer has extensive leadership experience at rural critical access hospitals, including as president and CEO of HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese. He is a […]
Posted inBest Places To Work
Best Places to Work 2026
Springfield Business Journal holds a variety of awards programs throughout the year, but Best Places to Work is unique because it requires employees to nominate their own company for recognition. Instead of simply trading their time for a paycheck, these employees realize that their work is serving a larger purpose and they feel valued and appreciated […]
Posted inColumns
UCB names new president, CFO
United Community Bank (UCB) has announced that David J. Drennan has been named president of the bank and elected to the bank’s board of directors, and Kayla Mahaffay-Musson has returned to the organization as chief financial officer. Drennan has served in multiple leadership roles during his 20 years with UCB. Most recently serving as chief […]
Posted inPeople on the Move
Kirsten Taylor joins Hickory Point Bank
Kirsten Taylor has joined Hickory Point Bank as a mortgage loan originator for the Springfield area. She will work out of the branch at 3131 W. Wabash Ave. in Springfield. “We are excited to welcome Kirsten to our Springfield team,” said Jeff Raes, Hickory Point Bank executive vice president. “The addition strengthens our successful lending […]
Posted inColumns
Aumann Auctions and Cory Craig Auctioneer to merge
Aumann Auctions and Cory Craig Auctioneer have announced a merger of the two Midwest auction companies. Founded in 1965, Cory Craig Auctioneer is a second-generation, full-service auction company serving clients throughout Illinois and surrounding states. Aumann Auctions has conducted auctions locally as well as across the U.S. and Europe since 1962. “Cory Craig has built […]
Posted inColumns
Compass receives $230K donation
Representatives from the Asian Indian Women’s Organization presented Compass for Kids with a $230,000 check, funds raised from the most recent India Night celebration. The Nov. 8 event at the Crowne Plaza featured cultural performances, an auction and bazaar. Dr. Richa Pandey, who served as AIWO president last year, told Springfield Business Journal prior to […]
Posted inArticles
AI workshops for local businesses
Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s downtown hub for business incubation and talent development, is launching a six-week artificial intelligence workshop series designed to help local businesses implement practical AI solutions. Nine local businesses are already signed up for the program, which begins Feb. 26. Participants include Itty Bitty Fashion Truck, Bloom Wine & […]
Posted inPeople on the Move
DSI appoints interim executive director
Downtown Springfield, Inc. is searching for a new executive director “following a mutual separation with Carlos Ortega,” according to a statement the organization issued Feb. 17. Always On Consulting, the human resources company led by Debbie Thompson, has been retained to lead the search process. Jay Shanle, who currently serves as DSI’s director of communications […]
Posted inMedical News
Carolyn Oldenburg joins Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach
Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, a global health medical supply and equipment recovery organization in Springfield and affiliate of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), has named Carolyn Oldenburg as the foundation director. She will begin her new role Jan. 20. As foundation director, Oldenburg will lead the strategy and implementation of all fundraising efforts for Hospital […]
Posted inMedical News
Springfield Clinic appoints new CEO
After a national search over the past six months, the Springfield Clinic board of directors has announced Rebecca Birenbaum as its new CEO, starting March 16. Birenbaum becomes the eighth CEO in the Clinic’s 86-year history. Birenbaum takes over for Jen Boyer, who was appointed acting CEO in December 2024 following Ray Williams’ retirement. Boyer will […]