Career Connections

Communications/Marketing, Nonprofit

Kendra is the Workforce Director for The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. 

Education: 

• High School: PORTA High School
• College: University of Illinois at Springfield
  • Degree: BA in Business Administration, Minor in Communications
• Other: Graduate of the U.S. Chamber's Institute for Organizational Management

Previous Experience:

• Graphic Designer & Publisher for Drag Review Magazine at the International Hot Rod Association
• Event Planner Assistant at The Buckle
• Marketing & Events Coordinator and Member Engagement Coordinator at the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce

Kendra has experience in event planning (corporate, community, educational), marketing, communications, social media management, nonprofit work, and project management.

Aligned high school interests: Art - Yearbook, English/Writing, volunteering

Available for:

• a phone call or virtual interview for career exploration 
• job shadowing

Nick Gentile is from Springfield, Illinois and is a graduate of Rochester High School. He attended Lincoln Land Community College after high school before eventually transferring to Indiana University. While in college, Nick began his banking career with Town and Country Bank in Springfield as a teller. He continued to work in the industry through college in both Champaign, Illinois, and Indianapolis, Indiana, before returning home to Springfield in 2021. Today Nick serves as Vice President Commercial Banker for Prairie State Bank & Trust.

Nick has a strong passion for serving his community. He has held several different roles on various local boards; most recently, Nick joined the United Way of Central Illinois Board of Directors, where he serves on their Community Impact Investments Committee. As Co-President of RISE, Nick hopes to help create and maintain a sustainable destination for young professionals looking to live and grow in the greater Springfield area.

Tyler is passionate about helping families achieve their dream of homeownership. With a finance degree from Illinois State University and years of experience in mortgage lending, he takes a hands-on approach to guiding customers through the lending process. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife and two young boys, playing music, and gardening.

Jon has been in banking for over 18 years, starting as a part-time teller while attending Illinois College in Jacksonville. As the Springfield Market President, Jon manages a team of experienced loan officers while also originating a diversified commercial loan portfolio himself.  When he’s not helping his clients meet their banking needs, Jon enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys as well as long-distance running.