Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, has announced that Jenny Paulson has been elevated to partner, effective Jan. 1, 2026. “We are thrilled to announce this well-deserved promotion,” said Simmons Hanly Conroy Managing Partner Laurence V. Nassif. “Jenny truly embodies our firm’s foundational values, and I…
The board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis has reappointed Jeffrey G. Ludwig, president, CEO and vice chairman of Midland States Bancorp, Inc. and CEO of Midland States Bank in Effingham, Ill., to serve on the Federal Advisory Council for a one-year term that ends Dec. 31, 2026. Established by the…
David Challoner was recently welcomed to Goley Insulation as its new location manager in Dupo, Ill. The Goley Companies has named the St. Louis native to lead its Dupo operation, tasking him with overseeing business development, operations and team performance as the company expands its Building Performance Solutions across the region. Challoner most recently held…
The Madison County Mental Health Board named a new Executive Director — selecting a seasoned leader with more than 30 years of experience in child and family welfare, trauma-informed care, and systems reform. Amber Donnelly, Ed.S., will serve as the new executive director. She brings a specialized background in educational leadership, policy analysis and strategic…
The City of O’Fallon, Ill., recently announced that Planning Commission Chair Larry Sewell has been awarded the Dwight F. Davis Award by the St. Louis Metro Section of the American Planning Association (APA). The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and long-term commitment to the advancement of planning in the St. Louis…
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Scott Plocher of Plocher Construction Company Inc., which is headquartered in Highland, Ill., stepped into the role of president of the Southern Illinois Builders Association. Other officers for 2026 are: First Vice President – Richard Boyer, Boyer Fire Protection, St. Louis, Mo.; Second Vice President – Matt Fricke, Warning Lites of…
Iraq War veteran and former Illinois Air National Guard Director of Staff promoted to Brigadier General Illinois Governor JB Pritzker recently selected Illinois Air National Guard Director of Staff Colonel Steven B. Rice of Morrison, Ill., as the next Assistant Adjutant General – Air of the Illinois National Guard. With the selection, Colonel Rice…
The United Football League recently announced that St. Louis Rams legend Ricky Proehl has been named head coach of the St. Louis Battlehawks, returning to the team where he served as wide receivers coach in 2023. Proehl replaces Anthony Becht who was recently named head coach of the Orlando Storm. The announcement was made by…
Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a leading Catholic health ministry with operations in Illinois and Wisconsin, recently announced that Mark Thorn, MBA, FACHE, has been named chief financial officer (CFO) for its Southern Illinois Market. He begins his role Jan. 26, 2026. In this role, Thorn is responsible for monitoring financial performance and maintaining appropriate…
HSHS Medical Group welcomes Shaelin Heiman, PA-C, to HSHS Medical Group Orthopedic & Sports Medicine at 670 Pierce Blvd. in O’Fallon. Heiman brings a strong background in orthopedics. She holds a Master of Physician Assistant Science from the University of Evansville in Evansville, Ind., and a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of…
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,…