10-year chamber employee takes banking job

A 10-year Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce staffer has exited for a job in the banking industry.

Rachael (Mhire) Palmer started May 22 at Central Bank in Springfield, said Andrew Tasset, vice president and marketing manager for the company.

As marketing officer, Palmer succeeds Gretchen Miekley, who started in April as partnership development manager for The Great Game of Business.

Palmer brings nearly 17 years of marketing experience to the role at Central Bank, according to a news release. She was a member of Springfield Business Journal's 2018 class of 40 Under 40.

At the chamber, Palmer worked as marketing and events manager.

Jennifer McClure, vice president of strategic communications at the chamber, said the organization has implemented an interim plan for covering Palmer's responsibilities. A plan for moving forward that may involve a new hire will be developed, McClure said.

The chamber also is seeking to fill the roles of McClure and Sandy Howard, senior vice president of public affairs, who both announced their retirements last month.

"Searches are going well," McClure said via email, noting her last day is June 1. "I know there will be some news there soon."