People In Business

  Madison County Transit (MCT) recently honored former MCT Board of Trustees Member and Chairman Ron Jedda for his years of dedicated service with a commemorative plaque at the MCT Schoolhouse Trail Tunnel under IL-157 in Collinsville. During his tenure, Jedda was a advocate for transit innovation, bus service enhancements, and the continued expansion of…

The Board of Directors of Delta Dental of Illinois has appointed Praveen Thadani as its new president and chief executive officer, effective June 30, 2025. “Thadani’s deep experience, keen strategic vision, strong industry ties and proven ability to deliver desired business and health outcomes make him extremely well suited for this role,” says Dr. Gene…

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice recently announced the addition of Courtney Ragland to the firm. Ragland joins Baker Sterchi as an associate in the firm’s Belleville office. Her practice focuses on defending premises liability, products liability and personal injury matters on behalf of Illinois municipalities, as well as individual and corporate clients. Ragland earned her law…

Firm continues strategic growth following merger with key lateral rehire UB Greensfelder LLP (UBG) recently announced the return of seasoned trial attorney Christopher A. Pickett to its Business Litigation Practice in St. Louis. With a career spanning more than two decades, including his most recent in-house counsel role at Amazon, Pickett brings a sophisticated practice in…

First Mid Bancshares Inc. (First Mid) has announced the promotion of two executives on its leadership team, effective June 24, 2025. Matthew Smith, who currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has been elevated to president. Jordan Read, who currently serves as the Chief Risk Officer (CRO), will take on the additional role of…

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management, its professional development program, recently announced that Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois Director of Marketing & Communications Weston White has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s…

  Cork Tree Creative Inc., an award-winning marketing firm, announces the start of four new interns: McKenzie Parish, Ella Reed, McKinley Saffel and Taylor Sparks. Parish, a senior from Staunton, Ill., is in her final semester at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art and design…

The Illinois Bankers Association (IBA) has named Busey Chairman and CEO Van Dukeman as Banker of the Year—the highest honor the organization bestows on an individual whose dedication to excellence has profoundly enhanced the banking industry. The annual award recognizes the individual’s leadership and service qualities, applied not only to the banking industry but also…

CEO Rich Liekweg to retire; BJC Health System President Nick Barto named as successor On June 25, 2025, BJC Health System announced that CEO Rich Liekweg will retire effective Oct. 1, 2025, concluding a career spanning almost 40 years in health care — the last 16 of which were devoted to BJC Health System, headquartered…

“I’ll keep fighting for taxpayers and protecting our values” ~ Amy Elik On June 24, 2025, State Representative Amy Elik (R-111th-Alton) announced she is running for re-election in the 111th State Legislative District. In her announcement, she reaffirmed her commitment to oppose extreme policies and expose waste, corruption, and misplaced priorities in Springfield. “Families throughout the…