Two local women named to Springfield Business Journal’s 40 Under 40

JENNA VICKERS – Jenna Vickers says that following career advice to do excellent work wherever you are has led to her leadership role with Associated Electric Cooperative Inc.

After five years as an auditor at what is now Forvis Mazars LLP, Vickers, 30, began work in 2021 with AECI, a wholesale power generator for over 50 electric cooperatives in Missouri, Iowa and Oklahoma. Within two years, she became a senior accountant and in 2024 was promoted to manager of its general accounting and tax department.

“Caring is the common thread that weaves through my work and interactions, defining my approach to leadership and service,” she says.

Vickers is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants, serving as chair from 2022-23 of the latter organization

-Mike Cullinan, reporter

Best productivity hack? Time clocking! So simple, but moving from a traditional to-do list and placing things on my calendar (and trying my best to stick to tha plan) has been a game-changer.

Best Piece of advice you’ve received? Cream always rises. It’s a constant reminder to trust in the value of hard work, integrity and quality. No matter the challenges, true excellence will eventually shine through.

Favorite book: “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel. It goes beyond spreadsheets and numbers (which I love on their own!) and dives into the human behavior and emotions that shape our financial decisions.

Favorite local food order: The whipped goat cheese appetizer from the Garrison at Finley Farms. So good!

RACHEL WATSON – Keller Williams Greater Springfield

Rachel Watson, 32, has a vision for growth and a passion for mentorship, and these values have guided her career at Keller Williams Greater Springfield since 2017.

Watson, as general manager, developed a one-on-one mentorship program, providing individual guidance and helping build a sense of trust and connection within the Keller Williams organization.

Outside of the office, Watson is a co-founder of the Tee 1 D Diabetes Foundation, a found of Flourishing Female, a volunteer with Keller Williams Red Day and a volunteer with Life Church.

Watson says her proudest accomplishment is through Flourishing Female, an organization that empowers women to connect and thrive professionally and personally.

“Seeing its tangible impact on the members’ lives and knowing it will continue to grow is fulfilling,” she says.

-Karen Bliss, Contributing Writer

Best productivity hack? If it’s not on my calendar, it doesn’t exist. Starting with my family time, professional commitments and then my daily success list.

Your professional aha moment? A training course called Quantum Leap that brought to life my personal mission statement, which is to help individuals build meaningful lives and leave impactful legacies through intentional relationships, purposeful businesses and generational wealth.

Best piece of advice you’ve received? DWYSYWDWYSYWDI: Do what you say you will do when you say you will do it. This is the best way to build trust and foster relationships.

Favorite book? “The One Thing” by Gary Keller. This book allows you to gain clarity around what truly matters in your life so that you can focus on the activities that allow you to live the life you have dreamed of.