People In Business

Caritas Family Solutions recently announced the promotion of Ashlee Lambert to chief development officer. The official announcement noted that Lambert’s promotion recognized her “exceptional leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and longstanding commitment to advancing the organization’s mission of serving individuals and families in crisis.” Lambert has been part of the Caritas Family Solutions team for the…

S. M. Wilson & Co. recently promoted Jake Fenster from senior estimator to Pre-Construction manager. In his new role, Fenster oversees project planning, including budgeting, scheduling, risk management, subcontractor selection and acting as a liaison between clients, architects and engineers to control costs and define scope. Key duties include cost estimation, creating timelines, bid solicitation,…

Prairie Cardiovascular and HSHS Medical Group recently welcomed Rugheed Ghadban, MD, board-certified in internal medicine, cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology, to the Prairie Cardiovascular team at 3 St. Elizabeth’s Blvd., Suite 1800, in O’Fallon. Dr. Ghadban specializes in diagnosing and treating complex heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia and other arrhythmias. He is skilled…

Gene E. Robinson to lead DPI into its next chapter focused on AI, innovation, and statewide impact The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign recently announced the appointment of Gene E. Robinson as the new executive director and CEO of the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI). Robinson will assume this role pending approval by the University of Illinois Board…

HSHS Medical Group recently announced that Dr. Aziz S. Alali, a board-certified neurosurgeon, has joined HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care at 3 St. Elizabeth’s Boulevard, Suite 5000 in O’Fallon. Dr. Alali will continue to see patients as a member of the team, providing advanced, compassionate care for brain and spine conditions. Dr. Alali specializes in…

First Bankers Trust Company recently celebrated the retirement of Jim Obert, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary 47-year career in banking and a legacy of service to both the bank and the Quincy community. Obert joined First Bankers Trust Company in 1978 during the Don Gnuse era. Over the course of his tenure, he worked…

Horner & Shifrin Inc. recently announced that Jim McCleish has been appointed as senior fellow. This distinguished position recognizes McCleish’s expertise and longstanding contributions to the engineering profession at both the regional and national levels. As a senior fellow, McCleish will focus on high-impact projects, serve as a technical resource, and provide mentorship to the…

Newly named Ameren Illinois President Patrick Smith reflects on his journey from lineman to leadership   By PATRICK E. SMITH, SR. Growing up in East St. Louis and graduating from Assumption Catholic High School, I never imagined that one day I’d be named president of Ameren Illinois. But as I prepare to step into this…

The Gori Law Firm recently announced its recipients of the 2026 Super Lawyers. With six attorneys recognized, it reaffirms the standard of excellence set by The Gori Law Firm. This year’s recipients included: Principal Partner and Owner Beth Gori-Gregory, Managing Partner Sara Salger, and Partners David Aubrey, Chris Layloff, Bob Marcus and Jason Steinmeyer. The…

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has hired Bill Cross, MBA, as its new Facilities Management director, effective Jan. 20, 2026. Cross is an alumnus (‘09) who earned his bachelor’s degree in computer management information systems. He comes to the role with extensive experience as a leader in executive-level facilities operations and strategic asset management. “I am…