The July issue of Springfield Business Journal highlights 40 young professionals who are under the age of 40 in the Springfield and neighboring business communities. These individuals are selected based on their contributions to our local business community and the community in which they reside. Click to view 2025 winners Click to view past winners For […]
Forty Under 40
The Springfield Business Journal proudly features 40 leaders annually who are under the age of 40 in the Springfield and neighboring business communities.
These individuals are selected based on their contributions to our local business community and the community in which they reside. They represent, in part, the future of business in our community and in central Illinois.
The selectees’ career paths, educational background, and community affiliations are varied. They represent the best and brightest from a wide range of occupations. You can expect to hear more from and about these leaders in the years ahead.
The program is able to continue due to the commitment of local businesses that realize the importance of acknowledging these up and coming business leaders and supporting community business programs.
Click to see previous years’ winners.
For nomination deadlines and other details, See our Nominations Form Page
Posted inSpecial Issues
David Kienzler
David Kienzler 39 Occupation: Senior analyst, INB Email: dkienzler@inb.com Education: Bachelor of science in business administration with an emphasis in finance and a minor in economics from the University of Missouri Columbia Family: Wife, Sarah; sons, Owen and Nolan. Dogs, Archie and Albert. Affiliations/community activities: Leadership Springfield; Risk Management Association; former United Way funding panelist; […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Nick Oehmke
Nick Oehmke 37 Occupation: Corporate business services officer, Clock Tower Community Bank Email: nick.oehmke@mortonbank.com Education: Bachelor’s degree in business management, Southern Illinois University Carbondale Family: Wife, Brittney; children, Olivia, Max and Nora Affiliations/community activities: Christ the King Men’s Club; member of Knights of Columbus 364; volunteer youth baseball and basketball coach What is your guiding […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Sunny Hampsey
Sunny Hampsey 39 Occupation: Vice president, operations and quality at Springfield Clinic Email: suhampsey@springfieldclinic.com Education: MBA, master of science in nursing, Benedictine University Family: Cindy and Robbie Affiliations/community activities: Board member, American Nurses Association Illinois; board member, Illinois Nurses Foundation; member of American College of Healthcare Executives; Illinois Women in Leadership and Sigma Theta Tau […]
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Elana Fiscus
Elana Fiscus 35 Occupation: Chief financial officer at Heartland Credit Union Email: efiscus@hcu.org Education: Bachelor’s in accountancy at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Master’s in accountancy at University of Illinois Springfield Family: Parents, Sari and Randy Fiscus; Levi the cavapoo; siblings, Rebecca, Gabe and Ariel; proud aunt of six nieces and nephews What is your guiding […]
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Ross Hager
Ross Hager 35 Occupation: Principal/senior wealth adviser Email: rossh@kebcpa.com Education: Bachelor of science in agricultural and consumer economics with a concentration in financial planning Family: Wife, Marlee; 2-year-old son Hank; 6-week-old daughter, Annie Affiliations/community activities: Central Illinois Saddle Up for St. Jude, Sangamon Valley Estate Planning Council What is your guiding principle in life? Treat […]
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Tim Flinn
Tim Flinn 38 Occupation: Financial adviser, Stifel Investments, Jacksonville Email: flinnt@stifel.com Education: Western Illinois University Family: Wife, Colleen; children, Cashin (11), Robyn (9) and Leo (7) Affiliations/community activities: Board member, Prairieland United Way; treasurer, Jacksonville Main Street What is your guiding principle in life? I strive to be a source of light in the lives of […]
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Erika Eigenbrod
Erika Eigenbrod 37 Occupation: Veterinarian Email: eigenbrod3@gmail.com Education: Bachelor’s of science in animal science from University of Illinois Champaign Urbana and doctorate from University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Family: Husband, John; Our kids, Kaleb, Kodi and Kolt Affiliations/community activities: Vice president of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association What led you to your current career? A love of […]
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Rachel Thomas
Rachel Thomas 34 Occupation: Owner and jeweler of RLT Jewelry by Rachel Lauer Thomas Email: rltjewelry@yahoo.com Education: Bachelor's in psychology with a minor in art Family: Husband, Michael; daughter, Addy; bonus kids, Ethan and Jolee Affiliations/community activities: Partnerships with Butler Funeral Homes; First Steps Support Group; Five Star Vet; Staab Funeral Homes and Tails to Remember What […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Tim Sommer
Tim Sommer 39 Occupation: Chief of police, village of Rochester Email: tsom5985@gmail.com Education: Bachelor’s in law enforcement and justice administration Family: Spouse Ashleigh; daughter, Annabelle; son Henry Affiliations/community activities: Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police; Sangamon County Law Enforcement Executives; Central Illinois Association of Law Enforcement Executives; Massey Commission Law Enforcement Hiring, Training, Wellness and Cultural Competency Workgroup; Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors; Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special […]
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Ginny Evans
Ginny Evans 39 Occupation: Director of patient experience and hospitality for Memorial Health Email: evans.ginny@mhsil.com Education: Bachelor of business administration and marketing from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; MBA from University of North Florida Family: Husband, Aaron Evans; sons, Desmond (8) and Emric (5) Affiliations/community activities: Project SEARCH host; Memorial patient experience advisory committees What is […]
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Larry Luster III
Larry Luster II 39 Occupation: Lobbyist and real estate investor Email: larry@grconsultingil.com Education: William Rainey Harper College; Southern Illinois University Carbondale Family: Wife, Sierra; children, Kenadie, 17, Olivia, 6 Affiliations/community activities: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Omega Nu Chapter What is your guiding principle in life? If you make a mistake, make it going 200 miles […]