Q&A with Steve Zhao
Developer and restaurateur Steve Zhao has lived in Springfield for more than two decades and during that time has been involved in projects across the city and beyond. He’s developed multiple retail strip centers, often anchored by a restaurant in which he is involved. In addition to projects in Springfield, he’s also built shopping centers…
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant opened recently in the former Taqueria Moroleon space near the Wabash Avenue curve. It’s a family-run operation with great service and, even for a Mexican restaurant, a huge menu that will satisfy everyone. It doesn’t look like Puerto Vallarta did much to the space. It’s still festooned with tons of color…
Catie Sheehan joins Memorial Health
Catie Sheehan has joined Memorial Health as the vice president of marketing and communications. In this role, she will oversee marketing and internal and external communications for Memorial’s five hospitals, outpatient clinics and system operations. Sheehan most recently served as the deputy director of the Illinois Office of Tourism, but has an extensive background in…
Nonprofit work can teach what your job can’t
When professionals think about career development, the instinct is to look inward: new certifications, stretch assignments, promotions or leadership programs. Growth is something we expect to find within the walls of our organizations. But some of the most valuable professional development opportunities are somewhere else entirely: outside your company, outside your industry and often outside…
The legal risks of AI
As AI becomes more prevalent in our lives, it’s important to stay educated on how our legal system is addressing novel topics related to its increasing use. Many of the issues discussed in this article are not even on the radars of business owners – but they should be. One of the more interesting recent…
Beautiful partnership
Bless ‘It Beauty Salon, a faith-led nonprofit organization, experienced an uplifting, hair-raising boost thanks to a $25,000 grant from Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation. The Molina foundation was created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable and innovative programs. “Molina takes a comprehensive approach to addressing health-related social needs,” Kris…
Isringhausen transitioning to second generation of leadership
Isringhausen Imports, 229 E. Jefferson St. in downtown Springfield, was founded 45 years ago by car enthusiast Rob Isringhausen. His brother Geoff joined him as the company’s fourth employee in January 1984. The business has remained family owned and operated throughout its history. Below is a Q&A with Geoff Isringhausen regarding plans to continue that…
Preserving a legacy
Allstate has been a part of Lisa Plumb’s life for nearly 40 years. Her father, Jack Readicker, was an Allstate agent operating at a kiosk inside Sears at White Oaks Mall in the late 1980s. From a young age, Plumb watched her father in action and eventually followed his footsteps to join the insurance business. …
2026 Forty Under 40
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 2026 winners Click to view past winners For…
Chelsey Ziebler
Age: 39 Occupation: Owner, Vine & Rind; entrepreneur; principal, Jefferson Middle SchoolEmail: chelseyziebler@gmail.comEducation: Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management; master’s degree in consumer studies; master’s degree in educational leadershipFamily: Husband, David; twins, Landon and Leah, 11Affiliations/community activities: Local business owner, educational leader, mentor, community event organizer, youth advocate and supporter of numerous Springfield-area charitable and community…
Amanda Zentefis
Age: 39 Occupation: Vice president, finance operations, Memorial HealthEmail: zentefis.amanda@mhsil.comEducation: Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in accounting, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFamily: Husband, Todd; children, Kaylyn, Evelyn and RosalynAffiliations/community activities: Illinois CPA Society, Healthcare Financial Management Association What is your guiding principle in life?Lead with empathy and choose kindness. What led you to your career?I chose…
Rick Wiese
Age: 39 Occupation: Arson investigator and RealtorEmail: rwiese3@wiesepropertiesinc.comEducation: Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services; ssociate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology; Bachelor of Science in Emergency ManagementFamily: Wife, Amy; daughter, Emma, 19; sons Ryker, 9, and Beckett, 6Affiliations/community activities:Youth baseball coach, Springfield Shamrocks; Illinois Chapter of International Association of Arson Investigators; Capital Area…
Tyler Walker
Age: 36 Occupation: Vice president, Martin Engineering Co.Email: twalker@martinengineeringco.comEducation: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFamily: Wife, Elise; three kids, Wyatt, 8, Olivia, 5, Luke, 2 monthsAffiliations/community activities: We live in Rochester where I enjoy helping coach some of my son’s sports teams and spending time with friends and family. We are members of…
Adrienne VanFossan
Age: 36 Occupation: Principal, Rochester Elementary School Email: arhawkins2s@gmail.com Education: Bachelor of Science, biology education, Southeast Missouri State University; Master of Arts, educational leadership, University of Illinois Springfield Family: Husband, Justin; son, Hawkins Affiliations/community activities: Volunteer, Rochester Youth Athletic Association What led you to your career? My education at Rochester inspired me to become an…
Bailey Sullivan
Age: 38 Occupation: Owner and instructor at Pulse Pilates Studio Email: pulsepilatesil@gmail.com Education: Associate’s degree in design in product development from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising; bachelor’s degree in English from Westminster College; comprehensively certified in Pilates through Balanced Body Family: Married to Kole Fitzgerald What led you to your career? I was…
Megan Stoller
Age: 39 Occupation: Clinical pharmacist/pharmacy supervisor; owner/operator of Springfield Lice Clinic LLC Email: megan.goodman12@gmail.com Education: Doctorate of Pharmacy, St. Louis College of Pharmacy Family: Husband, Lucas; daughters, Mia and Sloane Affiliations/community activities: Sherman Elementary PTO; Healthy Kids Running Series sponsor and former coordinator What led you to your career? I have a dual answer here:…
Arthur Steiner
Age: 35 Occupation: Associate director of financeEmail: asteiner@springfieldymca.orgEducation: Over 30 Y-USA leadership and development certifications.Family: Engaged to Michelle Graven; cats, Remy and RooAffiliations/community activities:Springfield YMCA’s SNAPping Turtles, Saturday Strikers, Strong Kids, Team River Runner and Leadership Springfield What led you to your career? My family inspires me: my mother’s 40-year career at the YMCA, my…
Stephanie Shay-Williams
Age: 38 Occupation: Attorney, Shay LawEmail: sshay@shayandassociates.comEducation: Bachelor of Arts, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Juris Doctor, Northern Illinois UniversityFamily: Husband, Nick; children, Roman, 9, and Rhett, 6; dogs, Georgie and MinnieAffiliations/community activities: Board of directors, Decatur Bar Association; director, DBA Continuing Legal Education Program; Sangamon County Bar Association; Central Illinois Women’s Bar Association What is…
Luke Scroggins-Zellers
Age: 39 Occupation: Director of finance, Family Service Center Email: luke.scroggins@gmail.com Education: Bachelor of Science in accounting, Illinois College; Master of Business Administration with a concentration in organizational leadership, Benedictine University at Springfield Family: Husband, Cody; son, Waylon; parents, Dennis and Carla Scroggins Affiliations/community activities: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; Association of Certified Fraud…
Kerby Scanlan
Age: 30 Occupation: Family nurse practitioner in pediatric, cardiology and pediatric primary care Email: kerby.scanlan@gmail.com Education: Master of Science in nursing Family: Husband, Tyler; son, Tiger Affiliations/community activities: Director, Sangamon County Fair Queen Pageant; Sangamon County Fair Board; Pediatric Quality Improvement initiatives and multidisciplinary quality committees; Children’s Miracle Network; Dirty Birdie Golf Outing; Toys for Tots;…
Jake Rourke
age: 39 Occupation: Partner/insurance producer Email: Jrourke@troxellins.com Education: Illinois State University Family: Wife, Katy; son, Miles, 3; daughter, Macie, 11 months Affiliations/community activities: American Business Club; Local First Springfield; Chatham Chamber Ambassador; board member, Kidzeum of Health and Science; board vice president, Family Service Center; Land of Lincoln Professional Networking Group What is your guiding…
Katie Romang
age: 37 Occupation: Clinical therapist, co-owner of Luminary Counseling Email: Kromang@luminarycounselingsolutions.com Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work and Master of Social Work, Illinois State University Family: I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Greg, for 13 years. We have three beautiful kids: Johnny, 12, Melanie, 10, and Julia, 9; lab, Ruby. I also want to…
Sean M. Robb
Age: 35 Occupation: Pediatric nurse, SIU Medicine Pediatrics Email: Sear0choreo@gmail.com Education: LPN from Capital Area School of Practical Nursing, Springfield, 2019; Associate’s degree in general studies, Richland Community College, Decatur Affiliation/community activities: Springfield Theatre Centre board member as of 2026; director, Springfield Public Schools 186 Collage Show Choir since 2025; freelance and voluntary choreographer; Springfield…
Megan Reynolds
Age: 36 Occupation: Director of marketing and communications, United Way of Central Illinois Email: mreynolds@uwcil.org Education: Benedictine University Family: Husband Christopher; children Teagan, Trevor, Peyton, Noah and Dominic Affiliations/community activities: Past president, Rotary Club of Downtown Springfield; past advisory board member, Salvation Army; past board member, One Stop Community Collaboration; Illinois Women in Leadership; Mid-Illinois…
Lakeisha Purchase
Age: 37 Occupation: Ward 5 alderwoman, lobbyist, owner of 5th Street GEM and real estate investorEmail: lakeishapurchase217@gmail.comEducation: Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in speech communicationFamily: Proud cat mom to Tiger.Affiliations/community involvement:Lifetime member of NAACP; board member, Medics First and SIUC Saluki Women’s Council; member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Links Incorporated,…
Samantha Patrick
Age: 39 Occupation: Vice president, mortgage operations, INB N.A. Email: spatrick@inb.com Education: High school graduate Family: Husband, daughter and family dog, Clyde Affiliations/community activities: Board of directors, Girl Scouts of Central Illinois; Illinois Bankers Association; Youth sports coach and volunteer; St. Jude run participant What is your guiding principle in life? No one achieves success…
Trevor Noonan
age: 38 Occupation: Wealth management , Morgan Stanley Email: Trevor.noonan@morganstanley.com Education: Lincoln Land Community College, Loras College Family: Proud son, brother and owner of a Pembroke Welsch Corgi named Tink Affiliations/community activities: SIU Denim and Diamonds committee member; tribal member of the Brothertown Indians in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. What is your guiding principle in…
Emmanuel Mikaelson
Age: 27 Occupation: Business owner, TPH Strategies Email: mdavis@tphstrategies.com Education: Master of Business Administration, University of Illinois Springfield; Bachelor of Science, accounting, Millikin University Affiliations/community activities: Board member and treasurer, Land of Lincoln Goodwill; secretary, Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair; board member, United Way; co-chair, Impact Life; ambassador, Springfield Chamber of Commerce What is your…
Michael Meyer
Age: 38 Occupation: Farmer and owner, Mueller Family Farm Email: muellerfamilyfarmllc@gmail.com Family: Farm founder, grandma Linda Mueller; mother and stepdad, Mindy and Jody Carter; girlfriend, Amber Risen; fur family, Tank, Lily and Gus Affiliations/community activities: Old Capital Farmers Market; Urbana Market on the Square; Jacksonville Farmers Market; The Farms of Illinois; Slow Food Award; Illinois…
Gregory Marantz
Age: 36 Occupation: Executive vice president, finance and risk management, BOS. Email: gmarantz@bankwithbos.com Education: Bachelor’s degree in general management, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; MBA, Saint Louis University Family: Wife, Hannah; daughters, Palmer and Sloane; dog, Koufax Affiliations/community activities:Currently sit on the Springfield Public Schools Foundation board, Springfield Memorial Hospital board and Springfield Sports Hall of…
Hector Lopez
Age: 38 Occupation: Restaurateur; owner of The Taco Joint Email: hectorlpz88@me.com Education: Jacksonville High School Family: Wife, Maasyel Nunez; daughter, Valentina Lopez What is your guiding principle in life? To build something lasting for my family and those who stand next to me. What led you to your career? I took a year off after…
Lingling Liu
Age: 37 Occupation: Community engagement manager, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Email: mti.lingling@gmail.com Education: Master’s degree, translation and interpretation, University of International Business and Economics; Master of Arts, communication, and Graduate Certificate, entrepreneurship, University of Illinois Springfield Family: Spouse, Tommy; dog, Leia; cat, Mace; other family members in China and Switzerland Affiliations/community activities: Springfield Immigrant and Advocacy Network;…
Jack Hart
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…
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…
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…
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…
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;…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
Joe Byington
age: 33 Occupation: Co-owner, SB Insurance & Co. Email: jbyington@sbinsco.com Education: Bachelor of Science, history and psychology, Illinois College Family: Daughter, Kenzie Affiliations/community activities: President, Virden Chamber of Commerce; American Business Club of Springfield; volunteer wrestling coach, North Mac High School; Big I of Illinois What is your guiding principle in life? I try to…
Jacob Bullard
Age: 37 Occupation: Assistant branch manager, Anderson Electric Email: jacobb@anderson-electric.com Education: Bachelor of Science, construction management, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; associate’s degree in applied science, electrical distribution, Lincoln Land Community College Family: Wife, Jessica Affiliations/community activities: American Business Club of Springfield, Ansar Shrine What is your guiding principle in life? Build things that last and…
Jason Beatty
Age: 39Occupation: Certified financial planner; federally licensed tax practitioner Email: jbeattty@gmail.com Education: Master of Business Administration, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Family: Wife, Danielle; sons, Dawson, 5, and Preston, 2 Affiliations/community activities: West Side Christian Church and Island Bay Yacht Club What is your guiding principle in life? I strive to leave things better than I found them,…
Sarah Adams
Age: 37Occupation: Curator, Springfield Art Association Email: collections@springfieldart.org Education: Master’s degree in museum studies from University of Kansas; Bachelor of Arts in religious studies from Western Illinois University Family: Just three incredibly spoiled cats Affiliations/community activities: Secretary, social media chair and editor of Historico, Sangamon County Historical Society; percussionist, Trinity Wind Ensemble; pianist in lobby…
Jeremy Adams
Age: 36Occupation: CPA, partner at KEB Email: jeremya@kebcpa.com Education: Bachelor of Arts, accounting, Illinois Wesleyan University Family: Wife, Misty; sons, Mason, 4, and Cohen, 1 Affiliations/community activities: Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; member, Illinois CPA Society; member, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce; treasurer, Springfield Noon Lions Club; past board member and treasurer, Springfield Art Association; graduate…
