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Two Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni are among the rising leaders named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s exclusive 40 Under 40 Class of 2022. The annual list showcases St. Louis area movers and shakers in both business and the community.

Among the honorees are alumni Jackie Hayes and Jonathan Carroll. Hayes earned a master’s in business administration from the SIUE School of Business in 2017. She is the director of business and development and client relations for the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at SIUE.

In her current role, Hayes’ primary responsibilities are to help lead NCERC, its industry relations strategy, and all revenue generating efforts. She also helps boost the organization’s visibility in the industries and communities that NCERC serves.

“Graduating from SIUE with my MBA had a big influence on my professional journey,” Hayes said. “During that time, I connected with NCERC and worked as a graduate assistant. I then moved to a full-time role of specialist in commercialization upon graduation, which is what I consider to have been my big break in entering the industry I now serve.”

“My professional mission is to contribute where I can in regard to decarbonizing the industrial and transportation sectors in the United States,” she added. "Through my role at NCERC and in the industries I serve, I work with companies creating solutions that provide direct alternatives to fossil fuel-based products. This work truly excites me and is what I hope to continue to do throughout my career. I also enjoy connecting my peers to professional development opportunities and seeing others succeed in their careers. I fulfill this piece of my professional mission by leading the Renewable Fuels Association’s Young Professionals Network, which is a nearly 200-member organization serving young professionals in the U.S. biofuels industry.”

Fellow honoree Carroll earned a bachelor’s in construction management from the SIUE School of Engineering in 2007. He is vice president and chief operations officer at Poettker Construction Company.

“I am extremely humbled and honored to be recognized,” Carroll said. “I attribute my career success to an awesome God, a supportive family, and the best coworkers.”

Carroll leads Poettker Construction’s project management, field operations and risk management teams. He also works closely with the company’s preconstruction, marketing and business development teams on relationship pursuits.

“SIUE provided the technical foundation and industry connections necessary to hit the ground running with Poettker Construction right after I graduated,” said Carroll. “Over the years, and still today, I benefit from industry specific professional development provided by SIUE and the many relationships I established with my School of Engineering classmates.”

“My professional mission is to lead and mentor others to enable them to reach their career goals,” Carroll added. “I strive to approach every relationship with respect, integrity, empathy and accountability.”

The St. Louis Business Journal will feature the 40 Under 40 Class of 2022 in its Friday, Nov. 4 print issue. The influencers will be honored during a dinner being held Tuesday, Nov. 1 at The Factory in Chesterfield.

Photos: SIUE alumna Jackie Hayes, director of business and development and client relations for the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at SIUE.

SIUE alumnus Jonathan Carroll, vice president and chief operations officer at Poettker Construction Company.