The St. Louis Business 500 highlights some of the metro area’s most impactful, innovative, and inspirational leaders, from C-suite executives to under-the-radar entrepreneurs across an array of industries.
Beyond the brief bios below, we created a questionnaire to shed light on some of these leaders’ achievements, aspirations, and interests beyond the office. Click “Read More” for more interesting insights from some of St. Louis’ top business leaders.
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ACCOUNTING
TONY CALECA
PARTNER AND CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER, ARMANINO
“Always be listening” is Caleca’s mantra. In 2021, Caleca joined Armanino, a global risk assurance, tax, consulting, and business management firm, after it merged with Brown Smith Wallace, where he served as managing partner. Caleca urges young entrepreneurs to “lean in on AI… AI will not replace humans, but humans with AI will replace humans without AI.” [Read More]
ANDREW DAVIDSON
OFFICE MANAGING PARTNER, KPMG LLP
During his three decades at KPMG, Davidson has built a reputation for excellence in client service. Inside the office, Davidson remains committed to attracting and retaining top talent in the field. “The accounting industry has always been known for being a tough industry [with] long hours,” he says. “I would like the industry to continue to adopt technology and change with the times [so it’s] an industry of choice for those coming out of school.” [Read More]
STEVEN HARRIS
MANAGING PARTNER, RUBINBROWN
In his role overseeing operations across six offices and more than 800 team members, Harris draws upon 25 years at RubinBrown—including his previous role as partner-in-charge of the entrepreneurial services group—to lead with a people-first philosophy. He says promoting a supportive culture is the key to delivering an exceptional client experience. “Give your people grace, and the client will give you grace,” Harris says. “This is one of the biggest assets a leader can give.” [Read More]
MATT HARVEY
OFFICE MANAGING PARTNER, RSM US LLP
Harvey leads RSM’s St. Louis office, guiding clients from owner-operated businesses to global public companies. His expertise spans SEC filings, M&A, SOX compliance, income tax, and international reporting standards. With extensive cross-industry and global experience, he helps organizations navigate growth and regulatory change. Beyond the firm, he serves on the board of FamilyForward, which supports more than 10,000 children and family members each year in preventing and treating child abuse.
ADAM HERMAN
PARTNER, WIPFLI ADVISORY LLC
With more than three decades of experience working in valuation, forensics, and transaction advisory, Herman leads one of Wipfli’s fastest-growing national practice areas. He oversees a multidisciplinary team of CPAs, valuation analysts, engineers, and technical specialists who assist clients through mergers, acquisitions, and R&D tax strategies. Herman is also chair of Allinial Global’s Business Valuations Community of Practice and the National Research and Experimentation Roundtable Group.
ROBERT MINKLER JR.
MANAGING PARTNER, ANDERS
At the global accounting and advisory firm, Minkler pays close attention to employee engagement and works with departments and committees companywide to ensure that personnel initiatives are serving the firm’s highest interests. “By encouraging an innovative culture, we’re able to bring cross-functional teams together to develop better solutions that can include technology, people, automation, or a combination,” he says. “In turn, our employees can provide better guidance and achieve optimal results for our clients.” [Read More]
SEAN NORMILE
ASSURANCE PARTNER, BDO USA LLP
At BDO’s St. Louis office, Normile helps companies navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape. His experience spans industries from aerospace and manufacturing to sports, retail, and tech. He assists clients through restructuring, compliance, and valuation challenges. A Saint Louis University graduate, Normile was a golf team captain for the Billikens and a De Smet Jesuit alum.
LAURA RAY
MANAGING PARTNER, DELOITTE
Ray leads Deloitte’s St. Louis office and plays a national role in the firm’s Global Investment and Innovation Incentives group, which helps companies secure federal tax credits tied to research, clean energy, and workforce development. With over 20 years’ experience, she directs Deloitte’s work on new programs created through the Inflation Reduction Act, including advanced energy and manufacturing incentives. A Mizzou grad, Ray earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting.
LISA RICHMOND
MANAGING PRINCIPAL, CLA ST. LOUIS
Richmond oversees auditing, consulting, and advisory firm CLA’s St. Louis and O’Fallon, Illinois, offices. “My expertise in accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls has been pivotal to our team’s success,” she says. The company’s mission to deliver transparent and reliable financial insights aligns with Richmond’s personal commitment to integrity and quality. “I bring a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach to navigate complex financial landscapes, contributing to the growth and resilience of our esteemed organization,” she says.
TONY SPRATTE
MANAGING PARTNER, FORVIS MAZARS
In 2025, Spratte stepped into leadership as Forvis Mazars’ managing partner for St. Louis and Decatur, taking the helm as the firm navigates growth, rebranding, and regional expansion. A St. Louis native, Spratte built his career as an audit partner working closely with manufacturing, distribution, and consumer-focused clients. Now overseeing teams across both offices, he balances firmwide leadership with a continued connection to the client work that has defined his career.
JERRY TOWNSEND
MIDWEST REGIONAL MANAGING DIRECTOR, UHY LLP
At UHY, one of the fastest-growing accounting firms in the nation, Townsend oversaw mergers with Botz, Deal & Co. and Sabino & Co. in 2025. Such growth excites Townsend, who notes that “expansion into new markets creates valuable opportunities for both our clients and our employees. It’s rewarding to see how strategic growth translates into broader impact and elevated service.” His optimism extends across the region, where he sees “the resources and talent to be a leading business hub.” [Read More]
SCOTT WEBER
PRINCIPAL, SCHEFFEL BOYLE CPAS
Based out of Scheffel Boyle’s Edwardsville office, Weber spearheads the firm’s construction accounting group and leads its training, education, and marketing functions. He supports clients with audits, reviews, compilations, and tax work across nonprofits, construction firms, partnerships, corporations, and individuals. A CPA since 1996, Weber also sits on civic boards such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois.
BUSINESS CONSULTANTS + SOLUTIONS
STEVE ELIAS
MANAGING PARTNER, DHR GLOBAL
From his early days as an associate in executive recruiting to his current role as a managing partner, Elias has built a two-decade career helping companies find transformative leadership talent. He focuses on executive searches for private-equity and founder-led businesses, particularly in finance, HR, and commercial strategy. Elias is proud of the hundreds of successful placements he’s orchestrated since 2005. Earlier in his career, Elias worked in Chicago and London, and he earned a degree in marketing from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.
JEFF FOX
CHAIRMAN AND CEO, HARBOUR GROUP
Under Fox’s leadership, Harbour Group continues to grow through targeted acquisitions and operational development. In August 2025, Harbour’s grooming-products arm, Groomer’s Choice, acquired Showseason Grooming, moves that expanded its product lineup and distributor reach. Harbour remains active across manufacturing, distribution, and niche consumer sec.tors, reflecting the multigenerational vision that Fox learned from his late, legendary father, Sam Fox.
BRIAN HAYDEN
PRESIDENT COLLABORATIVE STRATEGIES INC.
“Our ability to create change and drive impact is magnified when we’re part of an outstanding team,” Hayden says. Further, he believes that acquiring leadership skills also involves learning about successes and failures from others. “I appreciate hearing from their experiences,” he says. “It’s also helpful when they ‘hold the mirror’ to me and reflect what they’re hearing. They’ll see things I won’t, and I gain new insights from their perspectives.” [Read More]
DAVE PEACOCK
CEO, ADVANTAGE SOLUTIONS
“Stay curious, stay humble, and never underestimate the power of people and purpose,” says Peacock, who credits his adaptability as a company leader to actions and goals that are in sync with his core values—and a larger mission. “An aligned purpose can enable leaders to make the right decisions, then make those decisions right.” For Peacock, part of making those right decisions for the company also involves unplugging from the workplace, whether it’s practicing Tai Chi or going to a comedy show. [Read More]
DAVID PECKINPAUGH
PRESIDENT AND CEO, MARITZ
When it comes to professional work, Peckinpaugh stresses how important it is to learn from others. “Find a mentor or two from that network who can help guide you along the way,” he says. “Next, be a sponge. Take an opportunity to learn, be an active listener, and ask great questions.” And, of course, he believes in investing in St. Louis: “Give back wherever you can, and realize that this is a great community to start, build, and grow a business.” [Read More]
YUSUF TAYOB
CEO, PERFICIENT
Tayob had spent more than two decades in the consulting industry, including 24 years with Accenture—a firm that helps organizations through AI, tech, and data—before he stepped into his current role as CEO in May 2025. Today, he’s focused on scaling Perficient’s AI-native portfolio of digital consulting services, along with deepening strategic alliances across the cloud, data, and emerging-tech ecosystem, among other initiatives.
BUSINESS INSURANCE
TOM BERRA JR.
PRESIDENT AND MANAGING PARTNER, CRANE AGENCY
Founded in 1885, Crane Agency is among the nation’s oldest independent insurance firms, and today Berra is navigating the company through a new era of growth and modernization. Since becoming president in 2016, he’s expanded relationships with contractors, manufacturers, and labor organizations while maintaining the client-centered values that define the agency’s legacy. A Saint Louis University graduate with an MBA from Washington University, Berra also enjoys traveling with his wife, Lisa, and their three children, and he is active in dog rescue.
RYAN BROWN
PARTNER, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT–MIDWEST LOCKTON COMPANIES–ST. LOUIS
Brown recognizes that “in St. Louis, trust and consistency matter more than flash,” an insight that he uses to value relationships and lead with humility. In the business of risk management and employee benefits, those strong relationships are key to success for Brown, whose background includes hands-on work in mining and metals. “Inside our business, it’s our service teams— the ones who make sure every promise we make is kept—that are the heartbeat of trust,” he says. [Read More]
EDDIE FLODBERG
AREA PRESIDENT, GALLAGHER
What began with an internship at Gallagher turned into a rewarding career for Flodberg. He’s proud to represent one of the world’s largest insurance, risk management, and consulting firms, and he hopes to share his passion for insurance with the next wave of workers. “I wish the younger generation, college students, were better exposed to and had a better understanding of the robust and rewarding industry of insurance,” he says. “There are so many opportunities within the insurance industry, and I would change the outlook of this rewarding industry.” [Read More]
PATTY HORN
MANAGING DIRECTOR, WTW
Horn has spent her career helping employers across Missouri and Kansas design retire.ment programs that balance employee needs with financial sustainability. She connects organizations to the firm’s global expertise in people, risk, and capital. Prior to joining WTW in 2024, Horn spent 27 years with Aon in a variety of roles.
JD POWERS
CEO, POWERS INSURANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT
Powers understands risk from the inside out. A St. Louis native, he is CEO of POWERS Insurance & Risk Management, the family-owned agency founded in 1991. Beyond the firm, Powers is part of the leadership behind VIAA, the Valley Insurance Agency Alli.ance, which his family helped launch in 2006 to support independent agencies facing mounting industry pressure. Today, the network connects more than 150 agency owners, reflecting the Powers family’s belief that independent agencies are stronger when they share resources, ideas, and support.
ANDY THOME
CEO, MARSH MCLENNAN AGENCY–ST. LOUIS
Thome joined J.W. Terrill in 1988 with a mandate to build its surety division. Since then, the firm has become one of the region’s leading providers and has earned national recognition. After rising to president and then CEO, he guided the company through its 2015 acquisition by Marsh McLennan Agency. Today, Thome continues to oversee regional operations, blending local expertise with the firm’s resources.
LAW: MANAGING PARTNERS & EXECUTIVES
BRIAN BEHRENS
PRINCIPAL, CARMODY MACDONALD
Behrens believes that the right work environment is everything. He credits the firm’s close-knit community—which prioritizes teamwork and mentorship—with delivering results for clients. “Being part of a team that fosters close collaboration, a strong sense of culture, and creates opportunities for leadership across practice groups makes all the difference,” he says. Whenever he feels stuck, Behrens takes a moment to rest and recharge. “It’s amazing how often clarity shows up once you stop chasing it,” he says. [Read More]
TROY BOZARTH
PARTNER, HEPLERBROOM LLC
Bozarth has spent his career in the courtroom, representing clients in high-stakes commercial disputes across industries. His work ranges from class-actions and antitrust cases to product liability and maritime law, and he’s argued before both state and federal courts. Known for his command of complex litigation strategy, Bozarth has helped shape modern class-action defense while earning a reputation for clarity and precision in his trial work.
RUBEN CHUQUIMIA
OFFICE MANAGING PARTNER AND SHAREHOLDER, POLSINELLI
Chuquimia advises companies through the pivotal moments that define their growth, from public offerings to private investments and strategic acquisitions. Over nearly three decades, he’s helped both emerging businesses and established corporations navigate the ever-changing landscape of corporate and securities law. A graduate of Washington University School of Law, he also serves on the Arthritis Foundation of Greater St. Louis’ leadership board.
RYAN DAVIS
OFFICE MANAGING PARTNER, BRYAN CAVE LEIGHTON PAISNER LLP
Davis oversees a St. Louis team that achieved record local revenue in 2025 as Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner marked 152 years of service to the region. “Firmwide, we have added some strong lateral partners in key practice areas, which demonstrates our continued investment in top-tier talent with the capabilities to navigate complex, high-stakes transactions and deliver sophisticated counsel in a competitive market,” he says. “We are proud of the impact that we have made and are excited and well-positioned for the future.” [Read More]
DOUG DOVE
MANAGING SHAREHOLDER, CAPES SOKOL
Dove emphasizes the power of collaboration, both across the region and within the firm. “We spend a lot of time and energy trying to maintain a great culture and an environment where all employees are happy and engaged on both a professional and personal level,” he says. “I think it’s a testament to a good working environment that two of our current practice group chairs started their careers at Capes Sokol immediately out of law school and rose to leadership roles. In fact, there are a great number of people that have been with the firm longer than I have, and that longevity and devotion is something we strive to achieve.” [Read More]
EDWARD DOWD JR.
PARTNER, DOWD BENNETT LLP
Dowd commits himself fully to each and every case. “There are no cases that are not extremely important to our attorneys and to our clients,” he says. Dowd is also committed to St. Louis and works to dispel the myth that the city is dangerous, noting that crime has dropped dramatically. “Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore and Police Chief Robert Tracy are doing an extremely excellent job fighting violent crime,” he says. [Read More]
RICHARD ENGEL
MANAGING PARTNER, ARMSTRONG TEASDALE LLP
Over a 30-year career with Armstrong Teasdale, Engel has guided clients through complex corporate, financial, and restructuring matters. He credits much of his leadership philosophy to longtime mentor Mike Chivell, the firm’s chairman emeritus. “He has been a colleague, mentor, confidant, and dear friend,” Engel says. [Read More]
CHRIS HOHN
CHAIR, THOMPSON COBURN LLP
Hohn works in complex litigation, representing some of the nation’s largest financial institutions and agribusiness companies. Over his career, he’s helped steer major cases involving genetically modified crops, supply chain disruptions, and class-action disputes.
JERRY SCHLICHTER
FOUNDER AND CO-MANAGING PARTNER, SCHLICHTER BOGARD
Schlichter has expertise in complex litigation and provides legal counsel for national organizations. Locally, he’s also known for founding Mentor St. Louis, a nonprofit pairing adult mentors with disadvantaged youth, as well as Arch Grants. His next challenge: leading Downtown Forward, a nonprofit that aims to address public safety concerns about the heart of the metro area.
MICHAEL KAPLAN
PARTNER, STINSON LLP
If Kaplan isn’t sure what his next move should be, he takes a step back to consider the situation. Case in point: Following his first year of law school, Kaplan worked at a litigation firm, even though he felt more drawn to corporate practice. “That summer confirmed my thoughts and was extremely valuable in that it gave me clarity about the kind of practice I wanted to build,” he says. “Sometimes the risk isn’t doing something bold— it’s stepping outside your comfort zone just enough to confirm what you really want to do.” [Read More]
KEVIN MCLAUGHLIN
CO-MANAGING PARTNER, UB GREENSFELDER
The 275-attorney UB Greensfelder now operates across nine offices nationwide. Beyond overseeing strategy and operations, McLaughlin is among those in the legal field who question long-standing billing practices. “There are times when just a few hours of work can have a larger impact on the future and success of one of our clients than hundreds of hours,” he says. “Finding a balance for those extremes and establishing fee arrangements that reflect the value provided to the client outside of the billable-hour model could in many cases lead to greater satisfaction for both the client and the law firm.” [Read More]
AMY MISTLER
ST. LOUIS OFFICE MANAGING PARTNER, SPENCER FANE LLP
Mistler’s practice centers on commercial real estate and finance, where she advises clients on everything from property acquisitions and development to complex lending and leasing deals. Her work has spanned hospitality projects, tax-exempt bond financings, and large-scale commercial contracts for lenders and borrowers alike. A past president of the St. Louis chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women, she’s still active in the 200-member organization and helps advance opportunities for women in commercial real estate across the region.
BHAVIK PATEL
CEO AND MANAGING PARTNER, SANDBERG PHOENIX
Patel knows the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire. “One of the most limiting mindsets for a leader is believing you need to have all the answers,” he says. “Your greatest asset is your team.” Beyond work, Patel founded Families at Ease, which connects the families of children with special needs to essential services and support in St. Louis. “What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a much-needed network for those navigating incredibly complex systems,” he says. [Read More]
ELIZABETH SHOCKLEE
MANAGING PARTNER, EVANS & DIXON LLC
During her three-decade career, Shocklee has amassed extensive knowledge regarding workers’ compensation law across industries ranging from construction and health care to finance and education. A frequent speaker on continuing legal education, she’s also deeply engaged in community work. Shocklee co-founded Our Mark on Melanoma, which raises funds for cancer research, and she serves on the board of the ALS Association of St. Louis.
JOHN SIMMONS
CHAIRMAN, SIMMONS HANLY CONROY LLC
A U.S. Army veteran, Simmons founded his firm in 1999 and has grown it into a national practice that employs more than 100 attorneys across seven offices. A longtime advocate for cancer research and patient care, he and the firm have contributed millions to the Simmons Cancer Institute and mesothelioma research efforts. Beyond his professional work, the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame honoree has coached youth wrestling, volleyball, and basketball.
LISA STUMP
PRESIDENT, LASHLY & BAER, P.C.
When Stump became the firm’s president in 2018, she succeeded one of her mentors, Ken Brostron, who had served in the position for more than 30 years. She’s worked diligently to preserve the firm’s legacy while evolving its structure. Under her guidance, Lashly & Baer has revised its board and governance model, and it’s implemented a new strategic plan to guide future growth. She hopes the next generation of local leaders will commit to strengthening the region through thoughtful community engagement. “Being a leader extends beyond the walls of your business,” Stump says, “and it helps support the community where you, your business, and your employees live and work.” [Read More]
BOB TOMASO
OFFICE MANAGING PARTNER, HUSCH BLACKWELL
Tomaso leads Husch Blackwell’s St. Louis office and advises employers on complex workplace disputes. His practice includes defending health care and financial institutions in wage-and.hour, noncompete, and employment litigation, and he helps guide clients through changing labor regulations. The avid golfer has more than two decades in firm management, and he was previously the president of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis.
RICK WALSH
FIRM CHAIRMAN, LEWIS RICE LLC
Throughout his more than four decades at Lewis Rice, Walsh has helped mold one of St. Louis’ most respected law firms through an ethos that focuses on trust and people-first leadership. The best advice he ever received: Always lead with empathy and integrity. “In the legal industry, where decisions are often driven by business demands, it’s easy to lose sight of the human side of leadership,” Walsh says. “The principles of maintaining trust, supporting our people, and treating every client interaction with respect have guided me through many difficult decisions, and remind me that long-term success comes from building relationships and staying true to our firm’s values.” [Read More]
T. MICHAEL WARD
MANAGING PRINCIPAL AND SHAREHOLDER, BROWN & JAMES P.C.
Ward has argued more than 150 appeals in state and federal courts, including before the Missouri and Illinois supreme courts and several U.S. appellate circuits. As managing principal and chair of Brown & James’ appellate practice, he also handles complex civil litigation involving insurance, environmental, and employment law. He also serves as legal counsel to the American Board of Pediatric Neurological Surgery.
MARKETING + PUBLIC RELATIONS
KEITH ALPER
CHAIRMAN AND CEO, NITROUS EFFECT
A serial entrepreneur, Alper has spent more than three decades creating experiences that inspire business growth and human connection. He founded Nitrous Effect and its collective of agencies—CPG, Evntiv, Geniecast, UPBrand, and Vidzu Media—and has produced events and entertainment projects around the world. A champion of innovation and inclusion, he’s a longtime member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and founder of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization’s St. Louis chapter.
ASHLYN BREWER
OPERATING GROUP PRESIDENT, STANDING PARTNERSHIP
Brewer leads Standing Partnership, where she has advanced through multiple roles since joining the firm as an intern in 2010. She works with clients ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to privately held businesses to improve their sales and marketing performance. Her work covers everything from growth strategy to marketing, helping organizations align sales and outreach to drive measurable results. As part of the firm’s leadership team, she also focuses on developing emerging sales and marketing talent.
BONNI BURNS
PRESIDENT AND CEO, BAM MARKETING AGENCY
As the head of one of St. Louis’ most impactful women-led companies, Burns has advice for the next generation of local entrepreneurs. “Craft a clear strategic vision, but remain agile because growth demands both direction and adaptability,” she says. “Lead with heart, genuinely care for your people, and never underestimate the power of consistent, transparent communication. Success rarely comes from sudden leaps, but rather from showing up, staying focused, and staying the steady course, even when things get tough.” [Read More]
DAVE COLLETT
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, WEBER SHANDWICK
Collett is helping direct the St. Louis office of Weber Shandwick through sweeping industry change. Following Omnicom’s acquisition of parent company Interpublic Group, the combined network has become the world’s largest communications and marketing enterprise. A “Dad band”-guitarist-turned-executive, Collett imbues his role with creativity and collaboration. He champions ideas that connect business strategy with culture-driven storytelling. [Read More]
AMIT DHAWAN
OWNER, SYNERGY PRODUCTIONS
The med-school-trained entrepreneur fell in love with business, which led him to launch Synergy Productions, a marketing and branding company known for staging buzzy events across the country, and right here at home: Synergy is the firm behind the popular Whiskey in the Winter event. Other recent highlights include the Super Bowl Music Fest and Nelly’s Black and White Ball. He’s also a regular at the Grammys and MTV Video Music Awards.
JERRY GENNARIA
PRESIDENT AND CEO, TOKY
TOKY elevates brands by sharpening their stories. Having worked with a range of clients, such as Drury Hotels, 1220 Spirits, and Cherokee Street, among others, TOKY brings visions to life. “Stay curious longer than is comfortable,” Gennaria says. “Curiosity is what keeps your thinking fresh, your relationships genuine, and your work relevant. That’s especially important in a city like St. Louis, where the challenges are complex and the opportunities aren’t always obvious at first glance.” Gennaria is also a commissioner and board chair for the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis. [Read More]
LAURNA GODWIN
OWNER AND CEO, VECTOR COMMUNICATIONS
After nearly 20 years in broadcast journalism, Godwin brought that same focus on communication and connection to Vector Communications, where she leads public engagement and equity-centered outreach on major initiatives in transportation, education, and health care across the region. [Read More]
STACEY GOLDMAN
PRINCIPAL, CANNONBALL
Goldman helps lead Cannonball, guiding strategy and client partnerships for such brands as Enterprise, WashU, and CITY SC. The agency’s recent work includes reimagining WashU’s undergraduate admissions viewbook and launching Outlaw Snax’s “Crunch Cam” campaign, which paired gameday media with on-pack augmented reality to fuel a major sales lift.
GUS HATTRICH
CEO, PARADOWSKI CREATIVE
As he tracks the firm’s growth, Hattrich credits the work of chief creative officer Andy Wise and chief operating officer Susie Nuccio for getting Paradowski on its current trajectory. “It is an enormous privilege to work with them both,” he says, “and they have made a wonderful impact on our company over the past 15 years.” [Read More]
ERIC KARLOVIC
CEO AND PARTNER, HLK
Karlovic is excited about the company’s recent growth. HLK’s Chicago office, which marked its one-year anniver.sary in September 2025, expanded from 10 employees to 28 in its first year while also increasing its West Loop footprint to support that momentum. He places a high value on the experiences of a diverse network of executives to help navigate complex decisions. “Having the perspective from leaders in other regions, demographics, or industries can add significant value and insight for new paths forward,” he says. [Read More]
MINDY MAZUR
OWNER AND CEO, MAZUR & CO.
Mazur & Co. is coming off a year to celebrate, complete with a rebrand and an office expansion, with staff now based in Missouri and Washington, D.C. The women-founded, -owned, and -led strategic consulting and communications team also helped with St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer’s transition into office last spring. “I believe human-centered, relationship-based approaches are about to have a major moment across all industries both as a reaction against— and an adaptation to—automation and AI,” Mazur says. “I think it will be incredibly exciting to see how technology enables more opportunities for us to lean into our humanity and create personal connection.” [Read More]
JOHN MEILINK
PRESIDENT, 1905 NEW MEDIA
As the company continues to grow, Meilink gives much of the credit to 1905’s vice president Lindi Schaeffer. “While I’m churning out new ideas, proposing new service offerings, and eyeing acquisitions, Lindi keeps me—and our company—grounded,” Meilink says. “She brings clarity to the chaos, asks the hard questions, and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.” In early 2026, the company announced its acquisition of St. Louis web development firm Lelander. [Read More]
TERRI OWEN
GENERAL MANAGER–ST. LOUIS OFFICE, FLEISHMANHILLARD
Owen is leading operations and growth at FleishmanHillard’s global headquarters in St. Louis amid a period of major industry realignment after parent company Omnicom’s acquisition of Interpublic Group. A three-decade veteran of the firm, she previously headed FleishmanHillard’s worldwide internal communications practice, advising global clients on change management and culture.
RHONDA RIES
PRESIDENT, OSBORN BARR PARAMORE
With more than three decades in mar.keting communications, Ries has helped shape campaigns for brands spanning agriculture, food, tourism, and consumer markets. As head of Osborn Barr Paramore, she draws on deep industry insight to guide the agency’s creative and strategic direction. A member of the Forbes Agency Council, she also serves on the boards of the MAGNET Global Network and Songs for Soldiers, in addition to advising the Gateway MS Society.
SCOTT SCULLY
CEO AND FOUNDER, ABSTRAKT MARKETING GROUP
Scully is rethinking what leadership looks like. Within the past year, the Abstrakt CEO set aside executive duties to manage a team of sales development reps, an experiment that deepened his perspective on employee engagement and business growth. The experience reaffirmed his belief that great leaders should stay close to the work itself, from joining sales calls to listening directly to customers.
JOHN SENSENEY
PARTNER AND EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR, NOTION PARTNERS
Senseney is Partner and Executive Creative Director at Notion Partners, a B2B creative agency he co-founded in 2014. With more than 35 years of experience in design and marketing, he helps organizations turn complex ideas into clear, compelling stories that connect with their audiences. John built Notion Partners on a foundation of hard work, smart design, and straightforward communication, creating a process that is both strategic and easy for clients to navigate. Senseney says he emphasizes strong relationships and a How can I help? mindset. Throughout his career, he has focused on building teams, mentoring emerging talent and delivering creative solutions that drive results, while never losing sight of the importance of enjoying the work along the way.
MIKE SPAKOWSKI
PARTNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR, ATOMICDUST
Spakowski founded the branding and marketing agency, which has helped showcase many of the city’s staples, including City Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and St. Louis Language Immersion School. Over time, he and his team have learned to define their own creative boundaries—they’ve shifted from saying yes to every client request to focusing on work that reflects their best thinking. “The risk was not being ourselves and doing our own thinking—being miserable and mediocre and stretched thin,” he says. “I’m glad we got away from that. I credit my business partner Jesse McGowan with making some brave choices for us early on.” [Read More]
TINA VONDERHAAR
PRESIDENT AND CEO, BRIGHTON AGENCY
VonderHaar was introduced to Brighton during her career as a business consultant. Little did she know that she’d be so impressed with the company that she would join and eventually buy it. This instinctual course of action speaks to her leadership style. “Take the risk, and be bold if you are confident in your direction,” she says. [Read More]
JAY WILLIAMS
ST. LOUIS OFFICE LEAD, MOMENTUM WORLDWIDE
With more than 25 years in marketing, Williams develops integrated brand experiences for major national clients. At Momentum Worldwide, he oversees retail and experiential campaigns for brands including AbbVie’s Refresh line and the New York Lottery, managing multimillion-dollar budgets and large cross-functional teams. He also helps lead creative activations, such as Penguin Random House’s Banned Books Week program, that unite cultural engagement and retail strategy in meaningful ways.
TALENT + EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRMS
JENNIFER BENSKIN
OWNER AND CEO, BENSKIN & HOTT TALENT PARTNERS
For Benskin, recruiting is as much about people as it is about placement. With more than two decades in executive search, she leads her firm with a focus on matching candidates and companies not only by their skills but also by shared values and working styles. Specializing in human resources, accounting and finance, and interim placement, among other areas, Benskin is also a longtime advocate for community service. She’s contributed her time and expertise to groups including Youth In Need and the St. Louis chapter of the National Human Resources Association.
JAMES CAIRNS
MANAGING PARTNER AND EXECUTIVE SEARCH CONSULTANT, THE CSP GROUP
When Cairns left his career as a corporate controller to start his own recruiting firm, his goal was simple: to build something better for his family. Over time, that drive evolved into a passion for helping others do the same—matching accounting and finance professionals with opportunities that move their careers, and their lives, forward. A graduate of the University of Florida with a master’s degree from Florida State University, Cairns still finds his work most rewarding when it helps people reach their potential.
DAN GREINER
PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER, FULLCIRCLE PLACEMENTS
This year marks the company’s 10th anniversary, a milestone achievement for the South County–raised Greiner. “We have created an amazing process and training program that we feel we can copy/paste across other niche areas within the recruitment space,” he says. “We believe we are just scratching the surface of our growth.” [Read More]
PATRICK QUEENSEN
PRINCIPAL AND OWNER, KEYSTONE STAFFING & TALENT SOLUTIONS
Queensen co-founded Keystone in 1992 and has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s growth. After starting his career in sales and management, he moved into executive recruiting, building a search division that spanned both retained and contingent searches across multiple industries. He’s a past president of the Missouri Association of Personnel Services and a former member of the St. Charles County Economic Development Council.
TERESA SIMS
OWNER/PRESIDENT, SIMS EXECUTIVE SEARCH
Sims, along with her late husband, Randy Sims, founded Sims Executive Search in 2005. As company president at the owner-operated executive search firm, she helps people and businesses grow by overseeing the search team’s consulting, recruiting, and sourcing projects. Over time, the company has been honored with numerous awards.
LARRY WEINBERG
PRESIDENT, ACCOUNTING CAREER CONSULTANTS
When Weinberg looks back on growing a business, he emphasizes how important it is to take risks, even if not all of them are ultimately successful. “I have made many mistakes that did not pan out including a bad hire or trying to expand into a new service line or market or marketing campaign that did not work out,” he says. “I learned that if you take balanced and calculated risks to expand, even if they do not pan out, you don’t have to destroy your core business in the process.” Today, he uses the same idea to motivate others— including his own children. “I try to remind them that wealth and success does not come overnight,” he says. [Read More]
