The Ali Group, which acquired Springfield-based BUNN in March, has appointed a new president and CEO to lead the beverage equipment manufacturer. Brad Willis, who is currently the chief financial officer of Ali Group, will take the reins at BUNN as of May 11, according to a statement from Chicago-based Ali Group. As president and […]
People on the Move
Ben Hage leaving Innovate Springfield
After nearly three years leading the University of Illinois Springfield’s downtown business incubator, Ben Hage’s last day at Innovate Springfield will be May 31. Hage has been named director of the Petrick Idea Center at Illinois Wesleyan University, effective June 1. The Petrick Idea Center is set to open this fall in a 15,000-square-foot facility […]
DSI names executive director, presents annual awards
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Heartland Credit Union selects new CEO
Heartland Credit Union has selected Aaron Rios to serve as its new chief executive officer. He succeeds longtime CEO Tom Lex, who spent 45 years with the organization. “We’re excited to welcome Aaron as our next CEO,” said board chair Jane Kiel. “His extensive experience in financial services and proven leadership make him well-suited to […]
New co-owner for Coble Animal Hospital
Dr. Sandra Gilmore has become a co-owner of Coble Animal Hospital after returning to the practice in August 2024. Gilmore is a native of Oquawka, Illinois, and earned her doctor of veterinary medicine from University of Illinois in 2004. She began her career in mixed animal practice in Pike County, serving rural farmers and families […]
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 […]
LLCC names new president
Lincoln Land Community College has named Curt Oldfield as its next president. Oldfield currently is president of Spoon River College, a community college in Canton, Illinois. He will replace current LLCC President Charlotte Warren, who announced in August that she would be retiring at the end of June. She has been LLCC’s president since 2006. […]
Quinton Wadkins joins Warren-Boynton
Quinton Wadkins has joined Warren-Boynton State Bank as vice president of commercial lending, based out of the New Berlin office. He most recently worked as a commercial lender with Heartland Bank & Trust Company and worked in several roles with FNB Community Bank prior to that. Wadkins has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Illinois […]
Brooke Peterson joins Resource One
Brooke Peterson has joined Resource One as an account executive, effective Jan. 12. He most recently spent three years as a designer for DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Springfield and worked in various sales and training roles for Organizers Direct Industries prior to that. He and his wife, Amy Peterson, founded The Closet Guy in […]
Samuel Moore joins Community Foundation
Samuel Moore has joined the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln as an accounting and finance associate. In this role, Moore will support the Community Foundation’s financial operations and data management efforts, including accounting and recordkeeping functions that help ensure the organization’s fiscal integrity and effectiveness. “I am excited to begin my journey at […]

