People In Business

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) announced two new members have joined its board of directors as the organization continues its work to strengthen the state’s dynamic manufacturing sector. “These leaders bring impressive credentials and decades of experience as we continue to build on our strong record of leadership on behalf of manufacturers across the state,”…

S. M. Wilson & Co. recently expanded its national retail division with the addition of five team members. The strategic expansion positions the 105-year-old company to grow existing client relationships and establish new long-term partnerships with major national brands from coast to coast. “Our expanded retail team marks the launch of S. M. Wilson’s next…

  Lewis and Clark Community College’s long-time Dental Hygiene Adjunct Instructor Jackie Cooper has been chosen by her peers to receive the Illinois Community College Trustees Association’s (ICCTA) 2026 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member Award nomination. The nomination, which was announced during January’s inservice week leading up to the start of the spring semester, recognizes the…

Former engineering manager promoted Former Distribution engineering manager for the City of St. Louis Water Division Kevin Hampe P.E. has been promoted to Water Distribution executive. A Civil Engineering graduate of the Missouri University of Science and Technology, Hampe began in the private sector prior as a project manager for Alliance Water Resources where he…

Karen Boulanger is the new director of Operations at Korte & Luitjohan Contractors (K&L). Following a lengthy career at Ameren, Boulanger has joined her family’s business. She is the daughter of the late Cyril “Pete” Korte, founder of K&L. Boulanger grew up around the company, which made her familiar with some aspects: “For many years,…

Prairie Cardiovascular and HSHS Medical Group welcome Claire Vargo, APRN, FNP-C, to the cardiology team at 3 St. Elizabeth Blvd., Suite 1800, in O’Fallon. She joins the practice with a patient-centered philosophy focused on clear communication, collaboration and education and is accepting new patients. As a board-certified family nurse practitioner specializing in cardiology, Vargo brings…

Associate Judge Veronica Armouti received the Advocate Award for Excellence in legal advocacy at the inaugural Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) Illinois Region Legal Leaders Awards held on Jan. 8, 2026, in O’Fallon, Ill. Beyond the courtroom, Judge Armouti is deeply engaged in the community. She supports local and pro bono organizations, serves…

Melissa Sheehan has joined Wiegmann Associates as payroll specialist. Sheehan is responsible for efficiently managing the payroll process and ensures compliance with tax law. With nine years of payroll experience, Sheehan holds an Associate of Arts and Science (AAS) in Business Administration from St. Charles Community College.   Photo courtesy of  Wiegmann Associates.    …

Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) has announced that Timothy S. Rausch has been elected to the Ameren board of directors, effective March 1, 2026. Rausch served as executive vice president and chief nuclear officer of Tennessee Valley Authority (“TVA”) from October 2018 to July 2025. TVA is a federally owned electric utility corporation serving over 10…

Two distinguished faculty members have been honored by the Southern Illinois University System for their longtime efforts to advance antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI). Marc E. Morris, Ph.D., JD, and Howard Rambsy II, Ph.D., each received the prestigious Dr. Wesley G. Robinson-McNeese ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award during the SIU Board of Trustees meeting Feb.…