Newsmakers: Jan. 26-Feb. 1, 2026

Banking & Finance
Central Bank’s Springfield operation promoted Karen Brown and hired Jennifer Rains. Brown was named retail office and banking center manager for the company’s East Sunshine Street branch. With more than 25 years of experience, Brown has an associate degree in business. With more than 20 years of experience, Rains joined Central Bank as retail officer and banking center manager of the company’s Republic branch. Rains has a business management and marketing degree from Ozarks Technical Community College and is a licensed minister.

Education
The Missouri State University Board of Governors announced that it has granted honors to six students with the Citizen Scholar award. The distinction is the highest-available recognition for students. The honorees named by the board are Megan Bolen, a junior who is majoring in special education; Robert-Thomas Gumersell, a senior who is majoring in communication studies; Chandler Harris, a senior entertainment management major; Moira Lizarraga, a graduate student studying communication; Jessica Snare, a senior who is double-majoring in information technology-cybersecurity and IT-infrastructure; and Sam Wang, a senior who is majoring in anthropology.

Engineering
Brett Farner joined Toth and Associates Inc. as manager of right-of-way and real estate acquisition within the firm’s land services department. With 17 years of experience in utility real estate and right-of-way projects, Farner has a business administration bachelor’s from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MBA from Webster University.

Nonprofit
Hospice Foundation for Outreach named three new board members. They are Ryan Horn, founder of Eden Cremation Services LLC and co-owner of Architect Coffee Co. LLC; Emi Gilbert, assistant compliance officer with CoxHealth; and Jeni Wirth, assistant vice president and relationship manager with Central Trust.

Sports
The Springfield Cardinals named Angela Deke as vice president of ticket and business operations; Zack Pemberton as vice president of ticket sales and marketing; Regina Hess as director of marketing; Levi Smith as senior manager of ticket sales; Tysen Hathcock as senior manager of video operations and production; Caleb Lasher as senior account executive; Dalton Baker as operations manager; Sheri Hart as business manager; and Aubree Enos as account executive. The Springfield Cardinals organization is the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals Major League Baseball team.