PEORIA MAGAZINE July 2023

BUSINESS NEWS

IN BRIEF

ELECTIONS AND SELECTIONS Peoria Historical Society has elected seven new board members: Kayla Phillips Boerckel , Angela Allen Henry , Beth Johnson , Jim Johnson , Reagan Leslie , Brian Slater and Greg Wahl . Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has appointed Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe to the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB). The board is responsible for guiding workforce development policies and initiatives throughout the state and providing oversight and strategic leadership for the state workforce development system.

HIRES AND RETIRES

Also recognized for distinguished service were Keith Burwell , Patrick Nesterowicz , Felicia Smith , Christina Chavez , Scott Hulse , Amy Dotson , Zachary Jackson , Dillion Kelly , Brandon Prang , Eric Esser and Aaron Watkins . The Rookie of the Year went to Officer Nehemia Doyle , and Civilian of the Year to Jennie Urquiza-Whitiker .

Central States Marketing (CSM) has announced the addition of two staff members: Mike Vujovich as associate media director, and Amy Paul as a senior project manager. Vujovich will lead a social media team that focusing on research and the development and implementation of stra tegic digital marketing Paige Herron has joined CityLink as its new director of human resources. She will manage the overall operation of the Human Resources Department,

campaigns. Paul will work with clients to identify and implement strategies.

Chief Judge Katherine Gorman has announced the appointment of Kevin Lowe as the Peoria County public defender. Lowe fills the Peoria County vacancy

Congressman Darin LaHood announced that Brooklyn Smith from Illinois Valley Central (IVC) High School is the winner of the 2023 Art Competition for the 16th Congressional District of Illinois. Her piece, Love Bears , will be displayed in the halls of the Capital Building in Washington, D.C. Second place went to Tianna Bond of Normal Community High School. Honorable mention went to Darah Hankins , Illinois Valley Central High School; Lucas Hallihan , Pekin Com munity High School; Morgan Viggers , Metamora Township High School; AJ Westley , Washington C ommunity High School; and Corinna Kahrs , Washington Community High School.

created by Nate Bach’s appointment as an associate judge in February. He has been practicing criminal defense for nearly 28 years and has been affiliated with the Peoria County Public Defender’s Office for 22 years.

including benefit administration, talent acquisition, performance management and legal compliance for 175 full-time and part-time employees.

The City of Bloomington has announced the appoint ment of Chris Spanos as the new corporation counsel. He will serve as the chief legal advisor to the city, pro

RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS

Kathleen Lopez Rodriguez , principal of Charter Oak Primary Academy in Peo ria, was honored with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership

viding legal guidance and representation on a wide range of municipal matters. Spanos also serves as first assistant state’s attorney for McLean County. CLIMBING THE LADDER Illinois Central College has named Dr. Jon C. Neidy as vice president of student success. He will oversee student services, student development, student success, enrollment services and athletics. Neidy has served in this role on an interim basis since October 2022.

Rodney Billerbeck II , a student at Heartland Community College , has been awarded the Gigi Campbell Student Trust ee Excellence Scholarship

from the Golden Apple Foundation. The recognition, which carries a $10,000 cash award divided between the hon oree and the school, honors exemplary performance in school leadership. The Peoria Police Department has announced officer and civilian awards for 2022. They include Officer Sean Johnston , Police Officer of the Year, and Officer James Hodges , American Legion Meritorious Service Award.

presented by the Illinois Community College Trustees Association. The $500 award recognizes the Illinois communi ty college system’s outstanding student board members. Billerbeck served as a student trustee from 2022-2023.

106 JULY 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE