2023 40 Under 40: Matthew B. Suarez

When Central Trust Co. was looking for someone to lead a software conversion, they sought out Matthew B. Suarez.

The task: train 120 staffers across seven offices in two states.

The 35-year-old portfolio manager was all in, creating virtual training and videos, and visiting each office.

Earlier this year, he co-founded an internal job shadowing program with the goal of bridging the gap between employees of Central Trust and Central Bank.

“Despite being under the same holding company, there has always been a disconnect between the two departments that has made referrals and career advancement difficult,” Suarez says.

The solution: an immersive day for bank employees to spend time with the trust team to learn their roles. Suarez counts it a win – a Central Trust job posting was filled by an internal bank employee who went through the program.

Civically, Suarez is president of the Christian County Library Board and president-elect of Rotary Club of Springfield Downtown.

Best productivity hack? Putting an “I’m on a Zoom call” sign on your office door, even if you’re not.

Favorite TV show/podcast/book? “Community”/Daily Dad/“A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens.

Favorite food item to order in the Springfield area? Tortellini gorgonzola from Bambino’s.