Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) – the region’s transit advocacy organization – recognized five “Champions of Transit” at its 41st Annual Meeting, held in downtown St. Louis on Sept. 19. CMT’s “Champions of Transit” awards are given on an annual basis and designed to celebrate the efforts of organizations, municipalities and individuals advocating for…

Barto brings more than 30 years of health care and operations experience to role leading BJC Health System BJC Health System today welcomed Nick Barto as its new president and CEO. Barto, who previously served as president of the Health System and BJC’s East Region, succeeds Rich Liekweg, who announced his retirement earlier this year.…

Prairie Cardiovascular recently welcomed Rece Portell, PA-C, to its team in O’Fallon. Portell is a physician assistant who holds a Master of Science in physician assistant studies from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill. She has assisted in advanced cardiac procedures, interpreted diagnostic tests, and participated in the care of patients with heart failure, hypertension,…

Geology Professor Ken B. Anderson, director of the SIU Advanced Energy Institute (AEI) in Carbondale, was honored Sept. 18, 2025, with the Southern Illinois University System Inventor of the Year Award. The award honors an exemplary faculty member who has shown an ability to innovate at the highest level, advancing scientific achievements that will be…

Greater St. Louis Inc. initiative grows the region’s talent pipeline, expands leadership capacity  Key Takeaways The 19th cohort of the Fellows Experience recently celebrated its graduation at Edward Jones – North Campus. Hundreds of Fellows alumni enhance the capacity of St. Louis’ corporations and organizations while helping retain talent in the region. The Fellows Experience…

  Boyce receives African American Radio Pioneer Award With her silken-polished voice, commitment to news, dedication to community building and love for music – especially the jazzy kind – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Robin Boyce graced the St. Louis airwaves in 1980 during a time when Black voices and views were a “low frequency” on…

OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center has bolstered its orthopedics specialty services program by adding a new orthopedic surgeon. Major Erin R. Swan, M.D., an active-duty officer who currently serves in a similar role with the United States Air Force, stationed at Scott Air Force Base (Mascoutah, Ill.), is accepting new patients through OSF Saint Anthony’s…

“Ron is a proven leader who has the strategic vision, operational expertise, and deep passion required to lead Greater St. Louis Inc. into our next chapter” Key points about Ron Kitchens: Nationally recognized economic development leader with three decades of experience in multiple states Currently leads the Wichita Falls, Texas, Chamber of Commerce and Industry,…

HSHS Medical Group recently welcomed Dr. Roula al-Dahhak, a board-certified neurologist, to HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care – St. Elizabeth’s at 3 St. Elizabeth’s Blvd., Suite 5000, O’Fallon, Ill. Dr. al-Dahhak has more than 30 years of clinical experience. She specializes in neuromuscular diseases, clinical neurophysiology and cognitive rehabilitation. As a staff physician at John…

After 18 years of dedicated leadership, Tammy Iskarous, founder and executive director of Riverbend Family Ministries (RFM), has announced her retirement, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history. Iskarous made the official announcement of her transition at the RFM’s annual banquet held on Sept. 18, 2025. The event, which raised $82,999, served as both a…

Prairie Cardiovascular has welcomed Dr. Summit S. Pandat to its team in O’Fallon. Dr. Pandat is a board-certified cardiologist and electrophysiologist dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care rooted in respect, compassion and a commitment to excellence. He believes in building strong relationships with his patients, always prioritizing their best interests and personal preferences in care.…

Four faculty members were awarded the Southern Illinois University System’s 2025 Faculty Collaboration Award at the SIU Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 18, 2025 for their academic innovation and partnerships. Two of the recipients were Dr. Sinan Onal, professor and chair of the Department of Industrial Engineering at SIU Edwardsville (SIUE), and Dr. Chao…

  Recognizing his work to spark economic development and help small businesses succeed, state Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) was honored this week by Advantage Capital with a 2025 Small Business Champion of the Year Award. “I’m grateful for this recognition, and am encouraged by the action we’ve been able to take in Springfield to support…

Third Judicial Circuit Associate Judge John Hackett was recently appointed to the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Child Welfare and Juvenile Law Advisory Committee as well as the NCJFCJ International Committee. Judge Hackett is the state of Illinois’ only representative on both committees. The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges…

  Agency for Community Transit (ACT) hosted a recognition ceremony during its regular board meeting on Thursday, Sept. 11, honoring Jamall Arnold, a recent Edwardsville High School graduate and participant in ACT’s one-year apprenticeship program. The event was attended by family, friends, and local elected officials. ACT, in collaboration with Madison County Employment and Training…