Special Issues

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Natalie Grider 38 Occupation: Hairstylist and owner of Appearances Salon and Retreat Email: appearancesng@gmail.com Education: USCA School of Cosmetology Family: Husband, Nathan; daughters, Hadley and Caroline Affiliations/community activities: Greater Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce; Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois; Sleep in Heavenly Peace; Central Illinois Food Bank and St. Agnes Church. What is your guiding […]

Claire Kramer 39 Occupation: Organizational effectiveness specialist at Teachers’ Retirement System of the state of Illinois Email: TheKramers515@gmail.com Education: Bachelor of arts in communications, currently working toward a master of science in organizational leadership Family: Husband, Devon; Children: Leo (13), Julia (11) and Caroline (7) Affiliations/community activities: Helping Hands Meal Train, Elks Lodge #158 member What is your […]

Cuyler Coleman 37 Occupation: Owner and operator, Capital City Motorsports Email: ccmotorsports@sbcglobal.net Family: Wife, Emily; daughters, Cuylie, Brooklyn, Dakota, Ember and Oakley Community activities: Active member of Church of the Little Flower and its school. Den leader for the youth scouting groups. What is your guiding principle in life? My faith guides me, and I believe […]

Nick Koch 29 Occupation: Strategic account representative, TechGuard Security Email: nicholas.koch@techguardsecurity.com Education: University of Mississippi Family: Parents, Steve and Jodie Koch; Mom, Lisa Kincaid; Wife, Dr. Allison Long Affiliations/community activities: RISE, chair-elect, community service subcommittee, events subcommittee; United Way of Central Illinois, board of directors and resource development committee; Local First Springfield, board member; Chatham Jaycees, member; Wooden It Be […]