Amanda M. Brown, 24 Occupation: Member engagement coordinator, Illinois Senate Email: amandamarie275@gmail.com Education: Bachelor of arts in communication and education from UIS; Master’s in public administration with a certificate in community planning, UIS (in progress) Family: Parents and two younger brothers Affiliations/community activities: Board member and event committee for Kiwanis Club of Springfield Downtown, creator […]
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
John Pankau
John Pankau 39 Occupation: Senior vice president and commercial credit manager, United Community Bank Email: jpankau@ucbbank.com Education: Bachelor of Science in finance with minors in accounting and economics from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, MBA from Benedictine University Family: Wife, Maurielle; son, J.R.; parents, John and Holly Pankau What led you to your current career? I started my […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Becky Gabany
Becky Gabany 38 Occupation: Owner, ChangeBridge Consulting Email: Becky@ChangeBridgeConsulting.com Education: Bachelor of arts in communications; master of arts in human services Family: Husband, Adam; two sons, Julian and Arlo; 30-plus pets Affiliations/community activities: National Association for Community and Restorative Justice, co-chair, DEI committee; Washington Street Mission, life skills training facilitator, volunteer; St. Patrick’s Catholic School, community advisory […]
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Katie Beveridge
Katie Beveridge 38 Occupation: System director of talent acquisition at Memorial Health Email: Beveridge.katie@mhsil.com Education: Bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in human resources management and a minor in Spanish from Saint Louis University; master of human resources and industrial relations from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Family: Husband, Colin; children, Graham and Abigail Affiliations/community activities: […]
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Benjamin McGill
Benjamin McGill 39 Occupation: Sergeant with the Springfield Police Department Email: bmcgill2@gmail.com Education: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Family: Single with a golden retriever named Igloo Affiliations/community activities: Phi Beta Sigma Inc.; PBPA #5 Springfield; PBPA of Illinois; NOBLE; NAACP What is your guiding principle in life? My guiding principle is rooted in integrity and resilience. I […]
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Kelsey Varner
Kelsey Varner 26 Occupation: Assistant treasury management officer Email: kelseyvarner@carrolltonbanking.com Education: Bachelor’s in business administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; 2025 graduate of Illinois Bankers Association’s Future Leaders Alliance Family: Husband, John; dogs, Tuff and Bandit Affiliations/community activities: Ambassador/team captain for the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce; 2022 Leadership Springfield graduate; Friends of Sangamon County […]
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Brandi Goodin
Brandi Goodin 39 Occupation: Vice president of marketing communications, BUNN Email: brandi.goodin@bunn.com Education: Bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Family: Spouse, Eric; children: Max, Pierce and Brooke Affiliations/community activities: Board member and executive committee member of United Way of Central Illinois What is your guiding principle in life? My guiding principle is simple: Work hard. […]
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Manasi Hulyalkar
Manasi Hulyalkar 39 Occupation: Pediatrician and pediatric obesity specialist Email: mhulyalkar85@gmail.com Education: MD, MBA, Diplomat ABOM Family: Husband and two boys Affiliations/community activities: Asian Indian Women’s Organization What is your guiding principle in life? I treat my patients with the same care I want for my family. What led you to your current career? I wanted a […]
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Brandon Damm
Brandon Damm 37 Occupation: Public information officer, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Email: damm.brandon@gmail.com Education: Bachelor of arts in communication from University of Illinois Springfield Family: Wife, Jill; son, Braydan Affiliations/community activities: Volunteer director for Rock & Run for Mental Health, member of Springfield Road Runners Club What is your greatest hope for Springfield? I hope we […]
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Marscia Anderson
Marscia Anderson 32 Occupation: President and CEO of Solid Rock Youth Transitional Services Email: Manderson@solidrockyts.org Education: Bachelor of Arts in communication, public relations and marketing Family: Husband, three brothers including a brother-in-law, sister and two nieces Affiliations/community activities: Board member of Abundant Faith Christian Center What is your guiding principle in life? “Well done, my good and […]
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Brandon Hughes
Brandon Hughes 33 Occupation: General manager at Cafe Moxo Email: brandonhughes23@gmail.com Education: Riverton High School Family: Wife, Gabby; children: Landon and Lux Affiliations/community activities: Head coach for Springfield Youth Football’s eigth-grade Bears; volunteer with Christ the King Men’s Club What is your guiding principle in life? Growing my faith, providing for my family and living a […]
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Cory Libka
Cory Libka 39 Occupation: Director of operations, Isringhausen Imports Email: Cory@isringhausen.com Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from Indiana University Kelley School of Business; master’s of health care administration from St. Louis University. Family: Wife, Brittney; Kids: Navy, Rome, Lily Affiliations/community activities: SLSIA, board member; member, Hope Church What is your guiding principle in life? Professionally, I have always […]