United Community Bank has announced key leadership transitions and market reorganizations for the Springfield area. Steve Otten, who serves as the current Springfield market president, is transitioning to a mentorship role. He has been named UCB Ambassador, which will allow him to provide strategic guidance and leadership support while enjoying more time with his family, […]
People on the Move
Maureen Faller joins Brown, Hay & Stephens
Maureen Faller has joined the law firm of Brown, Hay & Stephens. She focuses her practice on trusts and estate planning, fiduciary representation in trust and estate administration, banking, real estate, commercial transactions, employment law and the rights of minors as a guardian ad litem. Prior to joining Brown, Hay & Stephens, Faller served as […]
Joey McLaughlin leaving WTAX
Joey McLaughlin, the longtime Morning Newswatch radio host on WTAX, is leaving to join the Illinois Department of Public Health communications team. His last day on air is June 25. McLaughlin worked in radio in Alton, Carbondale, Vandalia and Decatur before moving to Springfield in 1998. Initially, he hosted a morning show on the station […]
New ownership for Turasky Meats
Kris Sterbinsky, a longtime employee of Turasky Meats, has purchased the business founded in 1949. Sterbinsky said he is already familiar with both small business ownership and the meat industry. “I grew up as part of a family lawncare company,” he said. “And I’ve been in the meat industry for 21 years now. Prior to […]
Jay Shanle joins SAAC
The Springfield Area Arts Council has hired Jay Shanle as its new program director, effective May 27. His position will primarily focus on organizing the 2026 Levitt AMP concert series under the direction of SAAC’s board of directors and with the guidance of former Levitt AMP organizers. SAAC has assumed direction of the 2025 Levitt […]
Lana Shovlin joins Lincoln Library
Lana Shovlin, the new public relations manager for Lincoln Library, describes the role as her dream job. “I’m an avid reader, and I love the library,” she said. “I was not actively looking (for employment), but a girlfriend of mine sent me the job listing.” Shovlin said her love for libraries dates back to her […]
Charlie White joins First Women’s Bank
Charlie White has joined First Women’s Bank as a senior vice president business development officer. The bank, which will celebrate four years in business in July, describes itself as “the nation’s only bank with a strategic focus on supporting the women’s economy and closing the gender lending gap.” White spent nearly seven years as a […]
Hinshaw adds health care partner to Springfield practice
Katie Anderson has joined the health care practice group in the Springfield office of Hinshaw & Culbertson. Previously with Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, she brings significant in-house experience at a hospital and regional health system, in addition to private law practice. “Katie adds significant knowledge of the inner workings and business considerations for health […]
Will Stevenson returns to WTAX
Will Stevenson is returning to Springfield and will once again be working for radio station WTAX. Stevenson will start his new role as editor-in-chief of CapitolCityNow.com on May 5. He will also have some anchoring and reporting duties and be the fill-in host for WTAX Morning Newswatch. Stevenson was previously employed at WTAX from 2015-2017, […]
Tom Lex to retire from Heartland Credit Union
Tom Lex, president and CEO of Heartland Credit Union, has announced he plans to retire in February 2026 after a 45-year career with the organization. “Throughout this journey, I have been fortunate to work alongside an outstanding board and dedicated staff, whose commitment and teamwork have made our success possible,” Lex said. Lex joined HCU […]
New CEO for Memorial Health
Dr. Mandy C. Eaton has joined Memorial Health as the organization’s president and CEO. She succeeds Ed Curtis, who retired on March 31 after a 50-year career with Memorial. “It was evident to me that Memorial Health is here to serve its community, and the mission of this health system aligns so well with my […]
Bonni Waters retiring from JREDC
Bonni Waters is retiring after nearly three decades with the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation. Her journey with the JREDC began in 1996 as an administrative assistant. Over the years, her role evolved, first to market research analyst and eventually to vice president. Waters has helped to shape the organization’s strategies, ensuring that Jacksonville and the […]

