People on the Move

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 […]

Brandon Blackburn has joined the United Way of Central Illinois as director of strategic partnerships, effective Jan. 22. Most recently, he was director of operations for Mission BBQ and previously held a similar role with Panera Bread, overseeing operations from Chicago to St. Louis. In between, he worked in banking and founded WayPoint Crown Consulting, […]

Hospital Sisters Health System has announced Michael Scialdone will join the system’s executive leadership team as senior vice president and chief financial officer, effective Jan. 8, 2024, and oversee system financial services. “Michael brings over three decades of health care finance and operational leadership experience along with a faith-based mindset that will support our mission […]

Quinton Wadkins has joined Heartland Bank and Trust Company as a commercial lender for Heartland Bank’s Springfield market. Wadkins, who has six years of experience in the banking and financial services industry, has worked as a mortgage department supervisor, a trust investment officer, loan officer and a general financial services representative. He most recently worked […]

Elmada Meek has rejoined the management team for Conn’s Hospitality Group, Inc., as the new brand ambassador and marketing manager, effective Dec. 1. Meek has worked with global brands such as Holiday Inn, Renaissance and Crowne Plaza hotels, and has extensive experience in the hospitality industry. Meek will help bridge the gap between the individual ventures […]

Jasen Best has joined Heartland Bank and Trust Company as a treasury management officer for the Springfield market. Best, who has 19 years of experience in the banking industry, has worked as a banker and branch manager, business development officer and chief financial officer. He will be located at the 3601 Wabash Ave. branch. Best […]

Jean Bruner-Jachino has taken on a short-term leadership role with Downtown Springfield, Inc. Bruner-Jachino will step in part-time to assist the organization while DSI conducts a comprehensive search for its next executive director. Kayla Graven’s last day with DSI was Nov. 24 and she is now working for the city of Springfield’s Office of Planning […]

Jasmine Dickerson will become the Young Professionals Program Manager for the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, effective Jan. 1, a newly created position intended to expand the Chamber’s outreach to young professionals. The Chamber launched RISE Springfield in February 2023 as a way to foster professional development, resources and networking opportunities for emerging leaders. “RISE […]

Sara Linn has joined Central Illinois Security, Inc. (CIS) as an account executive for new and existing business development. Linn has two decades of customer service experience and most recently worked for AmeriCall Communications. She will focus on the eastern service area for CIS, including Champaign, Decatur and surrounding communities. Linn serves as a board […]

Matt Rutledge has joined Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield headquarters as a project manager. His initial focus will involve state college building updates, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects, state of Illinois facility projects and K–12 educational facility updates. Rutledge brings to Hanson over 12 years of experience as a project manager, most recently working […]