On April 9, 2025, Mallory Sidarous, director of University Housing, and Kim Watson, associate director of University Housing Facilities Management at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, were recognized with the prestigious Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a program of the U.S. Department of Defense. This distinguished award honors individual…

Mayor David Goins is joining this cohort to advance Alton’s commitment to safer streets for all residents Alton Mayor David Goins has been selected to participate in the 2025 Mayors Institute on Pedestrian Safety. The Mayors Innovation Project, supported by AARP and Smart Growth America, selected 12 mayors to join this year’s cohort based on…

First Mid Ag Services, a division of First Mid Wealth Management, recently announced that Farm Manager, Broker, and Auctioneer Justin Wheeler has been recognized as an APEX 2024 Top Twenty National Producer by the REALTORS® Land Institute as a part of the RLI APEX Production Awards Program, sponsored by The Land Report. Wheeler was recognized…

Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, has announced that firm partner Megan L. Williams is among the winners of Missouri Lawyers Media’s 2025 Women’s Justice Awards in the Litigation Practitioner category. Williams and other honorees will be formally recognized April 10 at an awards ceremony in…

HSHS Medical Group has announced the addition of Nicole Garner, PA-C, to their team in O’Fallon. Garner is now accepting patients of all ages at HSHS Medical Group Orthopedic & Sports Medicine – O’Fallon, located at 670 Pierce Blvd., Suite 200, in O’Fallon. Garner is a skilled physician assistant with expertise in treating musculoskeletal injuries…

Poettker Construction recently announced the promotion of six of its employees, citing the reason as “to better address the needs of the growing business.” “Poettker Construction Company’s mission statement is ‘Our quality relationships build your quality projects,’” said Ryan Poettker, president. “Building those lifetime partnerships with our customers begins with building solid relationships with our…

Gateway Regional Medical Center recently introduced Zachary Orr, MSN, APRN, AGACNP-BC, AGPCNP, CCRN, CVRN-BC, as its chief nursing officer (CNO). Orr began his nursing career in 2017 in the emergency room before quickly advancing to ER team leader. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he transitioned to the Trauma ICU, providing critical care during unprecedented times. In…

The Anderson Healthcare Board recently welcomed new members: John McCracken As a respected business and real estate attorney in southwestern Illinois, McCracken brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to the Anderson Healthcare organization. He is the founder of McCracken Law Firm, which specializes in legal matters related to owning and operating businesses as well…

Governor JB Pritzker recently announced the following appointments in his administration, including some from the Metro East: Court of Claims Aurora Austriaco will continue to serve as a Member of the Court of Claims.* Austriaco is an experienced litigation attorney with over 30 years of expertise in commercial and real estate litigation. She is a Partner…

Gateway Regional Medical Center recently announced the appointment of Michelle Waller as interim CEO. The official announcement recently received noted that Waller, “a resolute professional with a remarkable career trajectory within the hospital, has continuously demonstrated her unwavering commitment to patient care and community service.” The announcement further detailed: “Starting her journey at Gateway Regional…

Dr. Kristen M. Jacobs, owner and founder of Ooh La La Spa, Anti-Aging & Wellness and the author of “Live Life Beautifully (With a Little Help),” recently presented at the Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress (AMWC) in Miami, Fla. She was chosen to speak because of her expertise and experience in the industry, educating…

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has named Christopher Slaten, Ph.D., as its new associate provost for research and dean of the graduate school. A dedicated leader in graduate education and research, Slaten brings a wealth of experience in fostering academic belonging and faculty mentorship. As SIUE continues its trajectory of growth in graduate studies and research,…

United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) recently announced that Lal Karsanbhai, president and CEO of Emerson, and Andrew Davidson, managing partner for KPMG’s St. Louis office, will serve as chair and co-chair of its 2025 annual community campaign. “For over a century, United Way has positively contributed to the overall health and vitality of…

Marquis Who’s Who honors Taylor Justice for excellence in fundraising and development Taylor Justice has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. Justice serves as Beverly Farm Foundation’s chief development officer. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position,…

Poettker Industrial Services, a woman-owned business specializing in utility construction, recently promoted five of its employees. “When Poettker Industrial Services looks for its next generation of leaders, we need not look further than our own team,” said Kimberly Luitjohan, president. “Through teamwork, camaraderie and an unmatched company culture, we place high expectations on our employees,…