Val Yazell says she decided to return to Springfield city government as director of the Office of Planning and Economic Development because she saw “so many things that still needed to be done.” Yazell was terminated by former mayor Jim Langfelder in March 2021, though Langfelder never said why. Misty Buscher, who defeated Langfelder and […]
People on the Move
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State’s Attorney Dan Wright a candidate for judge
Sangamon County State’s Attorney Dan Wright is among seven candidates vying to be appointed to an associate circuit judge vacancy created by the July 23 death of Matthew Mauer. And former State’s Attorney John Milhiser, Wright’s former boss when Wright was an assistant state’s attorney, is now working for Wright as an assistant state’s attorney […]
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Steve Gnuse joins First Bankers Trust
Steve Gnuse has joined First Bankers Trust Company, N.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Bankers Trustshares, Inc., as senior vice president of commercial banking, effective Sept. 18. Gnuse has 40 years of experience in the banking industry and most recently was a senior vice president at Heartland Bank and Trust Company, formerly Town and Country […]
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Virginia Colletti, Kathy Seadler join Compass for Kids
Compass for Kids has hired two staff members for newly created positions as part of the organization’s expansion. Virginia Colletti is serving as the coordinator of the new youth leadership development program, which will allow Compass to expand services to older students. Colletti previously worked as a teacher in the Ball-Chatham and Springfield school districts, […]
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Ryan Wolfe joins Bank of Springfield
Ryan Wolfe has joined Bank of Springfield (BOS) as vice president of commercial lending. His product specializations include commercial real estate financing, commercial lines of credit, small business lending and equipment financing. Wolfe has 23 years of banking experience and previously worked for Morton Community Bank, formerly Marine Bank, in Springfield as a commercial banker. […]
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Craig Tobias joins Warren-Boynton State Bank
Craig Tobias has joined Warren-Boynton State Bank as vice president and chief information officer. He previously worked for Marine Bank – now Morton Community Bank – and Illini Bank. He brings more than 27 years of experience in local community banking with a focus in operations and information technology. Tobias graduated from Eastern Illinois University […]
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Kimberly Eck rejoins Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln
The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln has hired Kimberly Eck as philanthropic administrator. Her responsibilities include processing gifts and grants, database management, providing support for the Foundation’s grant programs, and organizing and directing special events. “I am extremely excited to rejoin the Community Foundation team on a full-time basis,” said Eck. “It is […]
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Patrick Russell joins Springfield Art Association
Patrick Russell has joined the Springfield Art Association as the director of marketing and development. “The Art Association was a perfect landing spot for me,” said Russell. “It’s been a really nice transition from owning my own business to coming to a nonprofit.” He opened Reverie Apparel in November 2019 after completing the Co.Starters program […]
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Mark Mahoney joins ALPLM as chief of staff
Mark Mahoney has joined the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum as the chief of staff. “There’s no greater symbol of Illinois than Abraham Lincoln, and this library and museum is a leader in sharing his legacy with the world,” he said. “It also plays a key role in central Illinois tourism and contributes to […]
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Ben Hage named director of Innovate Springfield
Ben Hage (also known as Nabih Elhajj) has been named director of Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s business incubator located in downtown Springfield. “I am happy to accept this role and grateful to Chancellor Janet Gooch and Executive Director Rob Kerr for the opportunity to lead Innovate Springfield,” Hage said. “Innovate Springfield will […]
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Robert Kerr named director of new UIS Innovation Center in downtown Springfield
Robert Kerr of Springfield will lead the development of the new University of Illinois Springfield Innovation Center in downtown Springfield as executive director of innovation and opportunity. His appointment is effective Aug. 1. Kerr has more than 20 years of experience in economic development, innovation and entrepreneurship. The UIS Innovation Center, which will be located […]
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Mark Vance promoted to regional president of Carrollton Bank
Tom Hough, CEO of Carrollton Bank, has announced that Mark Vance has been promoted to regional president of the Springfield bank. Vance joined Carrollton Bank in 2008 and has over 30 years of banking experience. He assumes the role of Dave Haney, who is retiring. “Mark has outstanding relationships with his customers, strong local roots […]