The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees recently announced that Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has appointed Dr. Deborah Barnett to serve on the board for a six-year term. Dr. Barnett, a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois and advocate for the region’s growth and vitality, brings decades of experience in economic development, higher education, and workforce…

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has announced the 2025 recipients of the Seed Grants for Transitional and Exploratory Projects (STEP), a prestigious internal funding initiative that supports faculty members pursuing bold, early-stage research and creative activity. Eleven scholars representing a wide range of disciplines were selected for their innovative proposals, each offering new directions for scholarship,…

Lewis and Clark Community College recently recognized alumnus Tommy Karlas, a professional country music singer-songwriter signed with Sony Music Publishing/Droptine. Karlas has written for some of the biggest stars in country music and performs around the world, including regular appearances at the renowned Bluebird Café in Nashville. He considers himself fortunate to have made music…

Stacy Marriott, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, is accepting new patients from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Friday OSF Medical Group – Primary Care (Alton) recently announced that a new board-certified family medicine nurse practitioner has been added to its staff to better serve the primary care needs of Riverbend region residents. Stacy Marriott, MSN, APRN,…

First Bankers Trust Company (FBTC) recently announced the promotions of Amber Sunde to associate commercial banker and Dalton Leebold to commercial banking coordinator. Sunde brings 21 years of banking experience, including more than five years with First Bankers Trust. She has built a strong foundation across multiple areas of banking, including loan operations, branch management,…

The Gori Law Firm, one of the nation’s leading asbestos litigation firms, recently welcomed its new attorney, Christopher Guinn. Guinn brings experience in asbestos, asbestos bankruptcy and product liability to the team. Prior to joining The Gori Law Firm, Guinn worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney in St. Louis County, Mo., from 2002 to 2004. He…

Sara Berkbigler was recently welcomed as the new executive director of the Edwardsville Community Foundation. The organization serves Edwardsville, Glen Carbon and surrounding communities. Berkbigler brings over 30 years of nonprofit management to ECF, with a professional background that most recently included her role as executive director of Rebuilding Together Southwestern Illinois and more than…

Helmkamp Construction Company recently announced a strategic enhancement to its operational leadership structure as General Superintendent Brandon Howard unveiled a new superintendent framework designed to foster professional growth and success among field management. This updated structure reflects Helmkamp’s continued commitment to investing in its people and building clear pathways for career advancement. The newly implemented…

Justice Amy Sholar recently officially announced her candidacy for continued service on the Illinois Fifth District Appellate Court. Justice Sholar has a strong record of judicial leadership with more than two decades of legal experience. She was appointed to the Fifth District Appellate Court by the Illinois Supreme Court last year and is currently serving…

Holland Construction Services has announced the promotion of Adam Jones to project director, recognizing his leadership, technical skill, and contributions to some of the firm’s most high-profile residential and commercial projects. Jones brings over a decade of construction experience, including the past four years with Holland, where he has successfully led the delivery of complex…

The Korte Company recently announced that Matt Range is its new chief financial officer, according to a July 29, 2025, Construction Forum post. As CFO, Range will oversee the financial functions of the organization, including accounting and financial reporting, financial planning and analysis, cash flow management, compliance and risk management, capital allocation and strategic planning.…

Holland Construction Services recently announced the promotion of Miranda Stevens to project director. A proven leader with nearly 20 years of experience in construction management and operations, Stevens has played a vital role in delivering some of the region’s most impactful projects while mentoring teams and building trusted client relationships along the way. Since joining…

The board of directors of SkillsUSA Illinois recently announced Bryna Ryan is its new interim executive director. Ryan joined SkillsUSA Illinois as the director of Workforce Development in August 2024. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Illinois State University and the University of Illinois at Springfield, then served in leadership roles for several nonprofits…

Cork Tree Creative Inc., a full-service marketing agency based in Edwardsville, Ill., recently announced the addition of two new team members: Melissa Albers, senior SEO and content marketing strategist, and Emily Becker, graphic designer. Albers brings more than 15 years of experience in digital strategy and content marketing, having led high-performing campaigns for major brands…

Bank of Belleville recently announced the addition of Brett Schroeder to its growing team. Schroeder joins the bank as a business development banker, bringing more than a decade of experience in technology sales and a passion for relationship-building rooted in community values. Schroeder has built a successful career in technology sales with two locally owned,…