The Mid-Illinois Communications Association has named Cathy Schwartz of Springfield as the inaugural recipient of the Good Golly Miss Molly Kindness Award, which honors individuals in central Illinois who demonstrate exceptional kindness and a commitment to uplifting others within the community. The award was established in memory of communications professional and former MICA president Molly […]
SBJ staff
Posted inMedical News
Ceremony honors faculty leadership, pioneers of academic medicine
The June 29 investiture ceremony at the Memorial Learning Center in Springfield recognized three faculty leaders whose careers have shaped surgery, plastic surgery and emergency medicine across central and southern Illinois. Dr. Michael Neumeister was invested as the J. Roland Folse, MD, Endowed Chair of Surgery. Dr. Nicole Sommer became the Elvin G. Zook, MD, Endowed Chair […]
Posted inColumns
New owners for DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen
After more than 20 years in business, Curt and Deb Trampe have sold DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen of Springfield. Matt and Beth Bozarth purchased the local franchise of DreamMaker, a full-service kitchen, bath and interior remodeling company, from the Trampes. “We are committed and excited to continue serving customers in a way that keeps DreamMaker […]
Posted inArticles
Heather Burton wins 2026 Athena Award
Heather Burton has been chosen as the recipient of the 2026 Athena Award, sponsored by Illinois Women in Leadership. IWIL held an awards ceremony at Erin’s Pavilion in Southwind Park on July 23 to recognize the six nominees for this year’s award and announce the recipient. Heather Burton is president and Chief Executive Officer of […]
Posted inColumns
Illinois Press Association names new CEO
Jeff Rogers will become the next president and chief executive officer of the Illinois Press Association, IPA Board President Jim Slonoff announced July 20. Rogers will also remain as executive director of the Illinois Press Foundation. He will begin his leadership role with the Illinois Press Association on July 21, focusing on member relations and […]
Posted inColumns
Christina Shutt to leave ALPLM
Christina Shutt, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM), announced Wednesday that she will be stepping down at the end of her current term after five years of leadership, Shutt has led the presidential library and museum since June 2021, making her the longest-serving director in its history. Under her leadership, […]
Posted inColumns
Security Bank names controller
Security Bank has appointed Randall Forbes as vice president and controller. Forbes, a certified public accountant, joined the bank in June and brings 17 years of public accounting experience to the role. In his current position, he oversees accounting operations, financial reporting and financial management functions that support the bank’s continued growth and long-term financial […]
Posted inColumns
New president for LLCC
Lincoln Land Community College officially welcomed Dr. Curt Oldfield as its seventh president July 1. Oldfield previously served as president of Spoon River College for 14 years where he championed student success, community engagement and economic development. Dr. Charlotte Warren officially retired on June 30 after serving 20 years as the president of LLCC. Oldfield […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
2026 Forty Under 40
The July issue of Springfield Business Journal highlights 40 young professionals 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. Click to view 2026 winners Click to view past winners For […]
Posted inForty Under 40
Chelsey Ziebler
Age: 39 Occupation: Owner, Vine & Rind; entrepreneur; principal, Jefferson Middle SchoolEmail: chelseyziebler@gmail.comEducation: Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management; master’s degree in consumer studies; master’s degree in educational leadershipFamily: Husband, David; twins, Landon and Leah, 11Affiliations/community activities: Local business owner, educational leader, mentor, community event organizer, youth advocate and supporter of numerous Springfield-area charitable and community […]
Posted inForty Under 40
Amanda Zentefis
Age: 39 Occupation: Vice president, finance operations, Memorial HealthEmail: zentefis.amanda@mhsil.comEducation: Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in accounting, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFamily: Husband, Todd; children, Kaylyn, Evelyn and RosalynAffiliations/community activities: Illinois CPA Society, Healthcare Financial Management Association What is your guiding principle in life?Lead with empathy and choose kindness. What led you to your career?I chose […]
Posted inForty Under 40
Rick Wiese
Age: 39 Occupation: Arson investigator and RealtorEmail: rwiese3@wiesepropertiesinc.comEducation: Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services; ssociate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology; Bachelor of Science in Emergency ManagementFamily: Wife, Amy; daughter, Emma, 19; sons Ryker, 9, and Beckett, 6Affiliations/community activities:Youth baseball coach, Springfield Shamrocks; Illinois Chapter of International Association of Arson Investigators; Capital Area […]