Meet the 2008 Economic Impact Awards Judges

Bill Dowling is director of the city of Springfield’s Workforce Development Department and coordinator of the Missouri Career Center that serves the Ozarks region. The center provides comprehensive employment and training programs for the disadvantaged, unemployed or underemployed populations in the area. Dowling holds a master of divinity from St. John’s in Camarillo, Calif. He is a member of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, the Missouri Association of Workforce Development Professionals, the National Workforce Association, the California Council on Excellence and Knights of Columbus.

Dawn Hiles is director of the Master of Business Administration program at Drury University and interim director of the Edward Jones Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The Edward Jones Center provides academic and executive education programs and funding options for entrepreneurs. For the MBA program, her responsibilities range from curriculum development to admissions decisions. Hiles holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Indiana University and an MBA from Drury. She is a member of Springfield Business Journal’s 2007 class of 40 Under 40.

Russ Marquart is president and CEO of Empire Bank, the third-largest area bank based on deposits, according to Springfield Business Journal’s 2008 Book of Lists. Marquart was named Empire president in 2006. The bank has 14 bank locations in southwest Missouri. Marquart holds a degree in finance with an emphasis in investments from Missouri State University and is a graduate of Stonier Graduate School of Banking in Washington, D.C. Marquart is past chairman of the Greater Ozarks Chapter of American Red Cross. He is a member of Springfield Business Journal’s 2001 class of 40 Under 40.

Rita Needham is executive director of the Southwest Area Manufacturers Association, which serves nearly 170 manufacturer members and preserves the region’s manufacturing industry. Needham holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from MSU. She’s vice chairwoman of the Ozark Region Workforce Investment Board, a board member of the Greater Ozarks International Trade Association and a member of the Hillcrest High School A+ Advisory Committee. In 2006, Needham was named one of Springfield Business Journal’s 20 Most Influential Women.

Mary Lilly Smith is economic development director for the city of Springfield with an emphasis on center-city development, and brownfields and small-business loan programs. She works with development partners to recruit new employers and facilitate the development of the city’s industrial parks. Smith, who has a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from Missouri State University, is a member of Leadership Springfield Class XIV and Junior League of Springfield. In 2006, she was named one of Springfield Business Journal’s 20 Most Influential Women.