People In Business

ThriVe Metro East has announced the appointment of Jacqueline “Jackie” Duty as its new executive director, following the resignation of former director Cara Paschal earlier this year. The board of directors conducted a “careful and prayerful search,” according to the official announcement, seeking a leader with the marketing expertise and digital strategy experience to expand…

First Bankers Trust, a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Bankers Trustshares Inc., has announced the promotion of James Whitaker to North Regional President. In his new role, Whitaker will oversee and lead strategic initiatives, growth, and customer relationships throughout First Bankers Trust’s northern market areas. Leveraging his extensive background in commercial, agricultural, and real estate lending,…

The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) has welcomed Brandon Snyder of O’ Fallon, Ill., as its summer intern. During his time with the transit district, Snyder will gain hands-on experience in the transit industry, assisting with various MetroBikeLink trail projects, gathering research data and working on various other initiatives. Snyder is a senior at…

On June 12, 2025, Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea swore in 10 newly elected officers to the Southern Illinois Central Labor Council (SICLC). The SICLC has not had officers elected since the Spring of 2020. Over the last year, SICLC has held leadership meetings to rebuild the CLC to better advocate for union members and working…

Jon Eickmann, senior vice president and treasurer at Enterprise Mobility in St. Louis, has been named to the Transportation Industry Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The St. Louis Fed created four District Industry Councils in 2006, each designed to provide important feedback about economic conditions in key Eighth District industry sectors.…

The Southwestern Illinois Metropolitan and Regional Planning Commission (SIMAPC) has announced the appointment of Wendy J. Pfeil as its new executive director, effective June 16, 2025. Pfeil brings more than two decades of proven leadership, community engagement, and strategic development experience to the role. With a professional background rooted in advancing regional growth and civic collaboration,…

The Gori Law Firm, formed in 2008, recently welcomed Don Perry as its new associate attorney to its legal team. Before joining The Gori Law Firm, Perry worked as an assistant state’s attorney for the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, serving in the Civil Division of Governmental Affairs, and as a solo practitioner with…

  Beverly Farm Foundation recently presented Steve Marso, owner of the Alton River Dragons Prospect League baseball team, with its 2025 Community Champion Award. This annual honor is presented to a local leader who demonstrates outstanding commitment to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and making a lasting impact in the…

The Illinois Secretary of State’s Literacy Office has named Rachel Ngandu as one of only 10 recipients statewide of the 2025 Spotlight on Achievement Award, recognizing her exceptional progress and dedication as an adult learner in the state-funded literacy program, Project Read. The Spotlight on Achievement Award celebrates adult learners who have demonstrated outstanding commitment,…

Mark Mueller is chosen for the Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Baseball has a long-storied history in the Mueller family, so it’s no surprise that Mark Mueller, owner of Mueller Furniture & Mattress, has been recognized for his outstanding performance in the sport. The Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball…