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 Chamber of Commerce
What is your guiding principle in life?
Be completely authentic.
What led you to your career?
I went to U of I with the official major of undeclared. A combination of classwork, professors, mentors and life experiences led me down a career path in healthcare.
What is your greatest hope for Springfield?
To be a place where people are proud to raise families, grow businesses and make a positive impact to create a stronger, more united Springfield.
What would you like to give back to your community?
More of my time and perspective.
What do you wish your younger self had known when you started on this path?
Sometimes the best answer is not always the right answer.
What’s the worst career advice you’ve ever received?
Make sure you are heard at meetings.
This article appears in July SBJ 2026.