People In Business

  The Sierra Club’s Three Rivers Project recently shared news of the retirement of its longtime leader, Virginia Woulfe-Beile, noted as a dedicated environmental advocate and community leader whose passion for sustainability and conservation has made a lasting impact in Illinois. Her journey began as a volunteer with the Sierra Club, where she quickly became…

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC has added Jessica Reis as a senior attorney in the firm’s St. Louis office. Her practice focuses on environmental and employment law, contract litigation, e-discovery and litigation readiness. She represents clients in regulatory and commercial matters. A certified e-discovery specialist, Reis is a member of the Association of Certified…

The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) recently announced the recipients of its inaugural Illinois Region Legal Leaders Awards. The award recipients will be honored on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at The Regency in O’Fallon, Ill. “This is an exceptional group, not only as attorneys and judges, but as people,” said Untress “Trez” Quinn,…

A smooth transition is underway in one of Madison County’s most people-focused departments. The County Board on Wednesday unanimously approved Chairman Chris Slusser’s appointment of Darlene Ladd as new director of the county’s Employment & Training Department, succeeding Tony Fuhrmann, who is set to retire on Dec. 31. “Darlene brings experience, continuity and a deep…

Logan University in Chesterfield, Mo., recently welcomed John Massena as vice president of Enrollment Management. Massena brings more than 20 years of experience leading enrollment growth, marketing strategy and student-centered recruitment initiatives across public and private higher education institutions. “We are thrilled to welcome John to the Logan community,” said Logan President H. Garrett Thompson,…

The Graduate School at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in conjunction with the Office of the Provost has announced the Distinguished Research Professor Award to two faculty members: Kristine Hildebrandt, Ph.D., and Faith Liebl, Ph.D. The committee of distinguished research faculty awarded Drs. Hildebrandt and Liebl the promotion to Distinguished Research Professor based on each of…

Prairie Cardiovascular recently welcomed Prasad V.N. Kandula, M.D., to its team at 3 St. Elizabeth Blvd. in O’Fallon, Ill. The official announcement noted that Dr. Kandula is a board-certified cardiologist who provides “patient-centered care grounded in respect, compassion and clear communication.” He has served the Belleville/Southern Illinois community for over 25 years and, “is dedicated…

From the 375th Air Mobility Wing, Public Affairs: SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — Team Scott has selected 20 community leaders from the St. Louis metropolitan region to join its 2027 Class of Honorary Commanders. The Honorary Commander program provides a two-year, in-depth orientation to the missions, programs, and assets of Scott Air Force Base.…

Outside of caucus leaders, a nonpartisan think tank has identified state Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) as “the most effective lawmaker in the Illinois General Assembly,” while further noting he has “exceeded expectations” longer than any other state lawmaker. “At the end of the day, lawmakers have to deliver for the residents that we serve,” Hoffman…

State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) has been named a 2025 Prairie State Policy Champion by the Americans for Prosperity Illinois Chapter (AFP-IL), recognizing her leadership on lower taxes, educational freedoms, and policies that make Illinois a stronger, more prosperous state. “I am deeply honored to be named a Prairie State Policy Champion,” said Harriss.…