Bryan Rives will lead Sangamon Auditorium at the University of Illinois Springfield as the venue’s next director. Rives is transitioning into the role as current director Robert Vaughn prepares to retire at the beginning of October. “I am excited to be returning to the great state of Illinois,” said Rives, who most recently served as […]
People on the Move
Conklin named CFO, executive VP at Horace Mann
Springfield-based Horace Mann Educators Corporation has named Bret Conklin executive vice president and chief financial officer. Conklin, who started working at Horace Mann 15 years ago, has served as acting CFO since January due to the hospitalization and passing of Horace Mann’s former CFO, Dwayne Hallman. Conklin previously served as senior vice president, controller and […]
Klickna to retire as IEA president
By Patrick Yeagle When Cinda Klickna first started teaching in 1973, it was a yearly event for teachers to be pulled out of their classrooms in April, handed a pink slip and told to continue teaching until the end of the year. “We waited all summer to know whether we were going to be rehired,” […]
Springfield physician at SIU to lead national doctor’s group
By Patrick Yeagle A Springfield doctor was named last week to lead a nationwide group of internal medicine specialists. Dr. Susan Thompson Hingle, professor and internal medicine specialist at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, was chosen as chair of the Board of Regents for the American College of Physicians at the group’s annual conference […]
Meet Kara Rapacz – Q and A with SHG’s first lay principal
On March 13, Sacred Heart-Griffin High School named Kara Rapacz as its next principal and its first lay principal. Katherine O’Connor, president and interim principal of SHG, said the school examined several qualified candidates from around the nation, but Rapacz, who currently serves as assistant principal, was clearly the best fit. “This is an exciting […]
Sikich announces CPA promotions in Springfield office
Professional services firm Sikich LLP has recently announced promotions in the firm’s accounting practice. Craig Fiorito, CPA, and Danielle Caldwell, CPA, were promoted to Audit Managers. Fiorito was promoted from Supervisor to Audit Manager. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Illinois College and his master’s in accounting from the University of Illinois Springfield. He has […]
Hickory Point Bank appoints Dave Brandon
Hickory Point Bank has announced the appointment of Dave Brandon as an associate in its trust and wealth management group. In addition to trust account management, Brandon will develop new business in the areas of trust, shareholder services, investment management, and farm management. “Dave is a great addition to our team and we are confident […]
Brooke Thomas joins Marine Bank
Brooke Thomas has been named marketing coordinator for Marine Bank. Thomas has a strong background in nonprofit marketing and fundraising, with an emphasis on event planning. She has previously worked for Family Service Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Illinois Capital Region. She is heavily involved in the Springfield community and currently serves […]
Tom Fitch joins Springfield Clinic as director of facilities
Tom Fitch, long-time director of pre-construction services for O’Shea Builders has accepted the position of director of facilities at Springfield Clinic. “We already knew Tom very well from his days at O’Shea,” said Mark Kuhn, chief administrative officer for Springfield Clinic. “He has helped us with many projects. The opportunity suited his skill-set and the […]

