People on the Move

Dave Bretz, chief financial officer of Heartland Credit Union, will retire from his position effective May 1, after more than 33 years of service to the organization. Bretz joined the HCU Board of Directors in February 1991 and served on the board until June 1998. Following his tenure on the board, Bretz was hired at […]

Brian Barstead has spent most of his professional career helping clients learn to manage their money and plan for retirement, and now he’s preparing to take his own advice. “I’m retiring from Ameriprise and financial planning and have transferred ownership of my franchise to Jennifer Sylvia,” Barstead said. “My last official date is still tentative, […]

Jason Knoedler has been appointed as the new chief executive officer for Bank of Springfield (BOS), effective immediately. Knoedler has been with BOS for 18 years. “Jason’s proven track record of leadership and his ability to inspire those around him make him the perfect choice to lead BOS into the future,” said Mike Pence, president […]

Katie Andel has joined Rose Aesthetics & Wellness Clinic as an additional provider. Cori Jahns launched the business, located at 2525 W. Iles Ave., three years ago. “We are so excited to add another nurse to our team,” said Jahns. “Katie brings a lot of experience to Rose. Her patients love her, and we cannot […]

The Memorial Health Board of Directors has approved a succession plan to ensure continuity of leadership for the nonprofit health system. Effective July 1, current president and CEO Ed Curtis will assume the title of Memorial Health CEO and Kevin England, who currently serves as senior vice president and chief administrative officer, will become Memorial […]

The Springfield Park District has appointed Nathan Essex as the director of recreation and marketing, effective March 18. Originally from Farmington, Illinois, Essex relocated to Sangamon County in 2002. Before joining the Springfield Park District, he served as the principal of Auburn High School from 2012-2023, and as assistant principal for three years prior to […]

David James has joined the insurance agency team for Bank of Springfield. He has 28 years of insurance and banking experience and will serve as vice president.  His product specializations are in employee benefits which includes health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. James received his bachelor’s degree in management from Quincy University.  He and […]

Catie Sheehan is joining the Southern Illinois University system leadership team as the executive director of marketing and communications, effective Feb. 28. Sheehan most recently served as the vice president of communications, marketing and advocacy for Hospital Sisters Health System, a position she held for five years before stepping down in May 2023. Prior to […]

Carlos Ortega, a man with a passion for promoting economic development, has set his sights on improving his hometown’s central business district. The Springfield native is Downtown Springfield Incorporated’s new executive director. He began the job Feb. 1. “He brings with him extensive nonprofit and business knowledge that we feel is going to translate very […]

Downtown Springfield, Inc. (DSI) has named Carlos Ortega to lead the organization as executive director, effective Feb. 1. Ortega most recently served as the executive director of Elevate CCIC, Inc. in Mattoon for nearly five years. Prior to that, he was a Peace Corps Fellow and also spent time working for the Peace Corps in […]

Following a nationwide search, Springfield resident Isabella Szabo has been chosen as the next executive director of the Springfield Area Arts Council. She will assume her new role Feb. 1. Szabo has been the manager of the University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery since 2022. She also is a UIS Art and Artifacts Committee […]