The Network for Springfield’s Young Professionals kicked off the year with its annual New Year, New Leaders event on Jan. 16 introducing The Network and Chamber leadership for 2025.
The Network’s Leadership Council Chair, Callie Carroll-Swafford of OMB Bank and Chamber Board Chairman, Bob Helm of Elliott Robinson & Company CPAs, LLP, engaged in a lively discussion sharing insights into their personal and professional journeys, offering advice and lessons learned to inspire and empower young professionals (YPs) as they navigate their own paths to success in the Springfield region.
Helm shared about his family’s move to the Springfield area and how he hesitantly at first, grew to love the region for the safety and fun it provides. He now calls Springfield home and spends his free time enjoying Table Rock Lake with his family. Carroll-Swafford, born and raised in Springfield, shared her career and personal journey that led her back home. Since her return, her love for the community and the close personal relationships she’s built have kept her in the area. She is a proud Missouri State graduate and spends much of her free time cheering on the Bears at local sporting events.
The leaders spoke about the community’s fast-paced growth and how it benefits YPs looking to grow in their careers. Helm shared about the Chamber’s advocacy and economic development initiatives that are currently happening in the region, expressing his enthusiasm for the rapid progress unfolding in the Springfield area. Carroll-Swafford highlighted the collaborative culture of the region, and the unique opportunity YPs have through The Network and Chamber to connect with significant and notable community leaders allowing their voices to be heard.
“We are so lucky to be YPs in Springfield,” said Carroll-Swafford. “There is no better place to be a YP because we get to do things the rest of the country doesn’t get to do.”
Both leaders shared stories of successes and failures in their careers that helped to set them on the path they are on today. Carroll-Swafford highlighted a pivotal lesson she has learned in her career: the critical need to remain mindful of over-commitment. Reflecting on her own experiences, she stressed the importance of pausing to prioritize activities that truly resonate with personal passions. Helm added that success comes not only from choosing meaningful responsibilities but also from selecting commitments that leverage one’s strengths and can be carried out with excellence.
Helm boasted of the Chamber board’s mentorship program with The Network’s Leadership Council. The program allows for each member of the Chamber Board of Directors to mentor a member of the Leadership Council, which often includes outings and sharing of professional advice and skills.
“It is so rewarding to mentor and pour into young professionals’ careers,” said Helm. “I learned so much more from them and their careers than I believe I taught them. I love to watch young people grow.”
When asked about their plans for 2025, Helm told attendees he has big goals for the coming year at the Chamber and wants YPs to be involved in them. He said the Chamber’s new strategic plan is a fantastic way for YPs to invest in the future of their community and he encourages them to be present in the implementation process of the plan throughout the year. Carroll-Swafford radiated with excitement as she spoke about her hopes for YPs in 2025. Her key goal for the year is to cultivate a group of local YPs who not only attend The Network events, but also actively engage in shaping the community. Calling the attendees some of the sharpest and brightest minds in the area, she encouraged them to make a lasting impact by stepping into leadership roles, such as becoming city council members, school board members, and beyond. She called for YPs to be bold and lead the charge toward a thriving future for the community. “It is our community in the future and if we want something to change, it is up to us to change that,” said Carroll-Swafford.
