Age: 23 Occupation: Founder and director of ILSportsWire Email: jhart@hartmg.com Education: Bachelor’s degree, Illinois State University Family: Parents, Julie and Matthew; sisters, Jane and Kate. Affiliations/community activities: I work full time in the small-town communities around central Illinois covering high school sports throughout the year. What is your guiding principle in life? Compassion. ILSportsWire is […]
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 inForty Under 40
Zhavier J. Harris
Age: 30 Occupation: Marketing and communications manager I, Springfield Urban League, Inc. Email: zhavijharris@gmail.com Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications, Hampton University Family: Parents, Darryl and Angela Harris; brother, Zaire J. Harris Affiliations/community activities: National Urban League-appointed Whitney M. Young leader; cross-cultural media correspondent for ICN TV Network (China), the Long March in 2016 […]
Posted inForty Under 40
Michelle Graven
Age: 34 Occupation: Marketing and communications manager at Echo Electric, a Sonepar Co.Email: Michelle.graven@echoelectric.comEducation: Bachelor of Arts in marketing and communications with a concentration in public relations and a minor in fashion business from Columbia College ChicagoFamily: Engaged, Arthur; cats, Remy and RooAffiliations/community activities: Women Advocating Today for Tomorrow; employee resource group, Sonepar USA; Big Brothers Big Sisters; Leadership Springfield […]
Posted inForty Under 40
Isaac Freeman
Age: 31 Occupation: Chick-fil-A owner/operator Email: isaac.freeman@cfafranchisee.com Education: Bachelor of Arts, public relations, Middle Tennessee State University Family: Wife, Abby; son, Oliver, 4; daughter, Lily, 2 Affiliations/community activities: Springfield Sunrise Rotary Club, president; member of Cherry Hills Church What is your guiding principle in life? To glorify Jesus Christ by serving others, promoting growth and […]
Posted inForty Under 40
Craig Fiorito
Age: 39 Occupation: Corporate controller, Hanson Professional Services Inc.Email: cfiorito@hanson-inc.comEducation: Bachelor of Science, accounting, Illinois College; Master of Arts, accountancy, University of Illinois SpringfieldFamily: Wife, Laura; daughter, Sutton; son, BridgerAffiliations/community activities: Vice president of finance, Abraham Lincoln Council, Scouting America; finance committee member, American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois; Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional; […]
Posted inForty Under 40
Connor Etheridge
Age: 30 Occupation: Assistant vice president, commercial banking, Hickory Point Bank Email: connor.etheridge@hickorypointbank.com Education: Bachelor’s degree, Belmont University Family: Wife, Hayley, currently pregnant with our first (boy) Affiliations/community activities: Board chair, Land of Lincoln Goodwill; School board member, Sacred-Heart Griffin; advisory committee member, Central Illinois Customer Service Association; board member, Animal Protective League What is […]
Posted inForty Under 40
Robert J. Ellison
Age: 39 Occupation: Vice president, business development and strategy execution, Memorial Health Email: Ellison.robert@mhsil.com Education: Bachelor’s degree in health administration, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign; Master of Health Administration, Saint Louis University Family: Wife, Rachel; son, Ethan, 15; five German shorthaired pointers, Lily, Chief, Rye, Ty and Tailor Affiliations/community activities: Board of directors, Greater Springfield […]
Posted inForty Under 40
Yves Doumen
Age: 37 Occupation: Illinois Army National Guard as a logistics officer, second lieutenant, an ecosystem builder, an agribusiness consultant, a community-oriented leader and the founder of many local and international business ventures, notably Afro House Springfield, DM Global Group LLC and The Motherland Community Project, a nonprofit that works to address food insecurity in underserved […]
Posted inForty Under 40
Rebecca Dill
Age: 36 Occupation: Lending compliance officer, United Community Bank Email: rparker@ucbbank.com Education: Bachelor of Science, business administration, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Family: Husband, Matthew; sons, Parker and Jordan Affiliations/community activities: Member of Illinois Women in Leadership Springfield; St. Joseph’s Catholic Church; Ball-Chatham Parent Teacher Organization; volunteer at Glenwood Elementary School What is your guiding principle […]
Posted inForty Under 40
Erin Crumly
Age: 39 Occupation: Wealth adviser/president at Evergreen Wealth Email: erin.crumly@EGWadvisors.com Education: Bachelor of Science, finance and insurance, Illinois State University Family: Parents, Kevin and Diane Crumly; two siblings Affiliations/community activities: CFP Board; St Pat’s School; Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln What led you to your career? My father started our company in the […]
Posted inForty Under 40
Jessica K. Covey
Age: 34 Occupation: Regional hospice care coordinator Email: jessica.covey@transitionscare.com Education: Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration; master’s degree in communication; Leadership Springfield Graduate 2023 Affiliations/community activities: Ambassador, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce; board member, Senior Services; board member, Illinois Women in Leadership; chair, Athena Award What is your guiding principle in life? Lead with compassion, serve with […]
Posted inForty Under 40
Eli Cook
Age: 30 Occupation: Financial adviser, growth and development director Email: eli.cook@nm.com Education: Bachelor of Accounting, University of Illinois Springfield Family: Wife, Lindsay; mom, Leeann; dad, Jay; sister, Caley Affiliations/community activities:Rotary; UIS Professional Network; life member, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation; member, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers What is your guiding principle in life? I often ask myself, […]