As Gordon Gates, managing partner at Gates, Wise and Schlosser, is preparing for retirement, the law firm bearing his name is finalizing the details of a merger with another local firm. Gates, Wise and Schlosser PC and Frazier and Sabin LLP are merging to become Frazier, Sabin and Schlosser. The merger should be complete by […]
People on the Move
BUNN appoints new CEO
The Ali Group, which acquired Springfield-based BUNN in March, has appointed a new president and CEO to lead the beverage equipment manufacturer. Brad Willis, who is currently the chief financial officer of Ali Group, will take the reins at BUNN as of May 11, according to a statement from Chicago-based Ali Group. As president and […]
Ben Hage leaving Innovate Springfield
After nearly three years leading the University of Illinois Springfield’s downtown business incubator, Ben Hage’s last day at Innovate Springfield will be May 31. Hage has been named director of the Petrick Idea Center at Illinois Wesleyan University, effective June 1. The Petrick Idea Center is set to open this fall in a 15,000-square-foot facility […]
DSI names executive director, presents annual awards
The Downtown Springfield, Inc. (DSI) board of directors has appointed Jay Shanle as the nonprofit’s new executive director. “I’m incredibly grateful for the trust the DSI board and our community have placed in me, and I’m honored to step into the role of executive director,” said Shanle. “Downtown Springfield has shaped so much of my […]
UCB names new president, CFO
United Community Bank (UCB) has announced that David J. Drennan has been named president of the bank and elected to the bank’s board of directors, and Kayla Mahaffay-Musson has returned to the organization as chief financial officer. Drennan has served in multiple leadership roles during his 20 years with UCB. Most recently serving as chief […]
Kirsten Taylor joins Hickory Point Bank
Kirsten Taylor has joined Hickory Point Bank as a mortgage loan originator for the Springfield area. She will work out of the branch at 3131 W. Wabash Ave. in Springfield. “We are excited to welcome Kirsten to our Springfield team,” said Jeff Raes, Hickory Point Bank executive vice president. “The addition strengthens our successful lending […]
Heartland Credit Union selects new CEO
Heartland Credit Union has selected Aaron Rios to serve as its new chief executive officer. He succeeds longtime CEO Tom Lex, who spent 45 years with the organization. “We’re excited to welcome Aaron as our next CEO,” said board chair Jane Kiel. “His extensive experience in financial services and proven leadership make him well-suited to […]
New co-owner for Coble Animal Hospital
Dr. Sandra Gilmore has become a co-owner of Coble Animal Hospital after returning to the practice in August 2024. Gilmore is a native of Oquawka, Illinois, and earned her doctor of veterinary medicine from University of Illinois in 2004. She began her career in mixed animal practice in Pike County, serving rural farmers and families […]
DSI appoints interim executive director
Downtown Springfield, Inc. is searching for a new executive director “following a mutual separation with Carlos Ortega,” according to a statement the organization issued Feb. 17. Always On Consulting, the human resources company led by Debbie Thompson, has been retained to lead the search process. Jay Shanle, who currently serves as DSI’s director of communications […]
Habitat for Humanity announces new executive director
The board of directors of Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County has announced the appointment of Candace D. Silas as the organization’s new executive director and CEO. Silas brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in program administration, workforce development and community support services. For the past eight years, she has worked at Lincoln […]
Leonard Williams joins CLP Insurance Solutions
Leonard Williams has joined CLP Insurance Solutions in Springfield. Williams, an insurance professional with more than 25 years of experience serving clients in Sangamon and Macon counties, retired from Country Financial in December 2023 and will now serve clients as an agent with CLP Insurance Solutions, located at 3050 Montvale Drive, Suite C. In his […]
Craig Tobias joins Warren-Boynton State Bank
Craig Tobias has joined Warren-Boynton State Bank as vice president and chief information officer. He previously worked for Marine Bank – now Morton Community Bank – and Illini Bank. He brings more than 27 years of experience in local community banking with a focus in operations and information technology. Tobias graduated from Eastern Illinois University […]

