Age: 39
Occupation: 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, to lead with integrity, continue learning and help others succeed. I believe meaningful impact comes from serving others, staying accountable and consistently doing the right thing.
What is your greatest hope for Springfield?
I hope Springfield remains a community where people can build successful careers, raise families and stay connected to one another. By investing in education, workforce development and economic growth, we can create opportunities that encourage the next generation to live, work and thrive here.
What would you like your life to look like in five or 10 years?
I will continue growing professionally while maintaining a strong balance among career, family and community involvement. I want to be known as a trusted leader, mentor and resource for others, while making a meaningful impact through my work and service to the Springfield community.
What do you wish your younger self had known when you started on this path?
I wish I had known that success is rarely a straight line. Growth comes from being willing to learn, adapt and embrace challenges. The relationships you build, the reputation you earn and the consistency you show over time will matter far more than any single achievement.
What has been your greatest professional achievement?
My greatest professional achievement has been continuously advancing my expertise while helping others solve complex financial and tax challenges. Earning professional credentials and building trusted relationships with clients and colleagues has been especially rewarding. I take pride in making a meaningful impact through service, integrity and lifelong learning.
What’s the song you sing in the shower?
“Gratitude” by Brandon Lake
This article appears in July SBJ 2026.