MEET THE BOARD
COMMUNITY BUSINESS GROWTH IN SPRINGFIELD, IL
Coltin Cunningham
President
Coltin proudly serves as the Director of Operations for the historic Henson Robinson Company that has been a staple in the Springfield community since 1861. Coltin has 15 years of operations and management experience at the local and regional level in the contracting industry. Known mostly for his pragmatic/down-to-earth nature, team and systems building, and focus on not only customer experience but employee experience as well, Cunningham brings a unique perspective to the businesses and organizations he’s associated with. Born and raised in Central, Illinois, Coltin has deep roots in the region and is involved as a volunteer, coach, or board member with a number of local non-profit organizations including the Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois. Coltin hopes to use his year serving as president adding more value for current members, helping to drive business to each member business, and expanding our membership network.
Jake Rourke
Past President
Jake, a producer at TROXELL since 2016, boasts over 7 years of experience in insurance consultancy, specializing in home, auto, commercial insurance, and Group Benefits. Actively engaged in the Springfield community, Jake is a member of various organizations, including the American Business Club. He recently completed the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce “Leadership Springfield” program. A native of Springfield and alumnus of Chatham Glenwood High School, Jake graduated from Illinois State University in 2010, where he excelled as a four-year letter winner in football.
Sandra Wulf
Board Member
Sandra J. Wulf, CAE, IOM is the President and CEO of Pivot Management Professionals, an association management company. She serves as the Executive Director of the Illinois Defense Counsel and Managing Director of the Professional Liability Defense Federation. With extensive experience in association management, Sandra excels in volunteer leadership, event planning, financial management, publications, website development, public relations, and government relations. A member of various professional associations, Sandra holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Institute for Organization Management (IOM) designations.
Andrew Pittman
Treasurer
Andrew, a native of Greensburg, Indiana, relocated to Springfield with his wife Zoe after studying at Purdue University and working in Indianapolis. Since 2014, he's been a dedicated CPA specializing in taxation, thriving in his career at Eck, Schafer & Punke, LLP. With Zoe's family background in Springfield business ownership, they both prioritize supporting local enterprises. Outside of work, Andrew cherishes family time and stays active through recreational sports and walks with his two dogs.
Stephanie McDannald
Program/Events Chair
Stephanie McDannald, manager of Emerson, a family-owned printing company in Divernon, IL. Established in 1968, Emerson Press offers full-color printing, design, large format, promotional items, and screen printing. With a marketing degree from Millikin University, Stephanie joined Emerson in 1989, contributing to its growth. She's active in various groups including Illinois Women in Leadership and Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois. Married to Doug McDannald since 1995, Stephanie is proud to be part of Divernon's community.
Jordan Stott
Board Member
Jordan, a proud alumnus of PORTA High School in Petersburg and Illinois College in Jacksonville, brings over 13 years of expertise in the financial services sector. For the last two years, he has spearheaded the accounting placement division at The Specialized Recruiting Group in Springfield, IL.
Jordan, alongside his wife Christina and their four children, calls Petersburg home. Outside of work, he finds joy in running, cherishing moments with loved ones, and actively engaging in local community endeavors.
William Formea
Board Member
Bio coming soon!
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Connor Carnduff
Board Member
Connor, a lifelong Springfield resident, graduated from Glenwood High School in 2012. He continued his education at LLCC and the University of Missouri St. Louis, earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration. Connor was a soccer team captain at LLCC and still participates in local leagues. Married to his high school sweetheart, Madison, they are proud parents of Luna, their miniature schnauzer. Connor enjoys traveling, sports, and spending time with family and friends. Professionally, he's a dedicated Certified Financial Planner at Broadway Graham Wealth Partners, known for its vibrant culture and community service commitment.
Aaron Hogan
Board Member
Aaron, a Springfield, IL native and Glenwood High School alum, holds a business administration degree from Monmouth College. With a background in account management at Penske Truck Leasing and IGS Energy, Aaron transitioned to real estate in 2017, joining the Jane Hay Sales & Staging Team. Recognized as the Capital Area Realtors “Rising Star Award” recipient in 2021, Aaron brings a consultative approach to helping clients buy or sell homes. Actively involved in community service, he serves on the boards of Titan Superhero youth leadership program and Local First Springfield, among others.
Robert Ferriell
Board Member
​Robert Ferriell is a leader in career and technical education, contributing to the development of programs that prepare individuals for careers in various industries. His work focuses on creating opportunities for students and adults to gain hands-on skills, explore careers, and find success while helping them transition smoothly into the workforce. Through his efforts, Robert has played a key role in promoting career exploration, training, business/school partnerships, and education as essential pathways to success. This commitment aligns with his broader dedication to community development and empowering individuals with the tools they need to thrive in their careers and life. Robert is in his ninth year at Capital Area Career Center and lives in Springfield with his wife, Courtney, and two daughters, Ellie and Addy.
Nicholas Koch
Board Member
Nicholas was born and raised in Springfield, graduating from Glenwood High School. He attended the University of Mississippi, where he graduated with a degree in criminal justice. Nicholas has been a Strategic Account Representative with TechGuard Security for four years and his favorite thing about the job is helping companies with their cybersecurity needs. In his personal life, he’s married to his wife Dr. Allison Long and together they enjoy traveling, boating and taking their dog, Kenai on walks. Nicholas serves on several boards throughout the community and regularly volunteers at with numerous organizations across town. As the child of a local business owner, Nicholas is passionate about supporting and advocating for local businesses.
Amber Krager
Board Member
Amber Krager joined the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance in November 2019 as an Executive Assistant. After one year, she was promoted to become the Economic Development Officer and currently serves that role. Amber has 13+ years working with the State of Illinois in legislative administration and relations. Throughout that time, she served the House of Representatives, the State Senate and then the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) as a legislation liaison under Director Rosenthal. While working at IDNR, she also managed the office of the Illinois Conservation Foundation. Amber became a small business owner in 2009 when she opened a spray tanning salon, which was a
unique and emerging technique in the cosmetic industry at the time. Since then, she has expanded locations and has built an ongoing client base that she continues to manage today.
Amber is a native of Springfield, IL and has two children, Hannah and Jace. She attended Springfield College of Illinois and Lincoln Land Community College. Amber is a member of the Illinois Women in Leadership.
Beni Harmony
Board Member
Beni Rae Harmony serves as a Lifestyle Anchor at Newschannel 20, where she hosts the Marketplace show every weekday. Prior to joining Newschannel 20, Ms. Harmony served as an On-Air Personality for 99.7 The Mix. In this role, she spent her time highlighting the local Springfield community and giving a voice to rising artists in the entertainment industry.
Ms. Harmony previously served as Assistant Communications Director for a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives where she focused her efforts on direct support to the Member. She was responsible for administrative tasks, scheduling, and speechwriting. Earlier in her career, Ms. Harmony served as Communications Director for a foundation, where she was assigned to strategic management, fundraising, and promotional services. Prior to this role, Ms. Harmony interned for a Member of the U.S House of Representatives. Ms. Harmony attended Arizona State University, as well as University of Illinois in Springfield, with a focus in Political Science and Broadcast Journalism.