More than 150 business and community leaders representing 85 organizations and all 17 counties of Southern Illinois gathered Tuesday, June 2, for the return of the Southern Illinois Leaders Breakfast.
Presented by Southern Illinois Now and hosted by the SIU Foundation, the event brought together leaders from across the region for a morning of connection, inspiration and collaboration at the Tedrick Welcome Center, Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s new front porch to campus and a hub for engagement.
The breakfast marked the return of a longstanding regional leadership gathering that had been paused for nearly a decade.
“Coming together as one region with one vision is rare and something we can all be proud of,” said Deb Barnett, executive director of Southern Illinois Now. “This event was more than a breakfast. It was designed to bring leaders into the same room to strengthen relationships, share ideas and continue the strong growth trajectory in Southern Illinois.”
The event featured keynote speaker J. Scot Heathman, CEO of The Wedge Innovation Center, retired U.S. Air Force colonel and leadership expert.
Heathman delivered a presentation titled The Force Within: A Leader’s Mantra for Dark Times, drawing from his experiences as a combat instructor pilot, Air Force base commander and brain tumor survivor.
Heathman spent 25 years in the Air Force as a combat instructor pilot and base commander. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2019, he underwent a 10-hour surgery and 30 rounds of radiation while continuing to lead, an experience that shaped his approach to resilience, empathy and leadership.
Drawing on those experiences, Heathman challenged attendees to develop a personal leadership mantra. He described it as a short phrase rooted in their values and lived experiences that can serve as an emotional anchor during difficult times and a daily affirmation for moving forward with purpose.
Heathman’s message resonated deeply with the audience and concluded with a standing ovation.
Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation, said the event reflects the importance of creating opportunities for leaders across Southern Illinois to connect and learn from one another.
“As an accelerator, the SIU Foundation creates meaningful opportunities for connection and engagement that strengthen relationships across Southern Illinois. When leaders are engaged with one another and with the university, it creates lasting impact for our region,” Kupec said.
Organizers said the strong turnout demonstrates a continued desire among regional leaders to collaborate across sectors and work together to advance Southern Illinois.
The Southern Illinois Leaders Breakfast is presented by Southern Illinois Now, a regional economic development organization dedicated to promoting growth, opportunity and collaboration throughout Southern Illinois.
The Tedrick Welcome Center is the new home of the SIU Foundation and Southern Illinois University’s front porch to campus. The 44,000-square-foot facility was made possible by a leadership gift from Roger and Sally Tedrick. Funded entirely through the SIU Foundation through a combination of Foundation reserves, fundraising and borrowing, the center serves as a hub for campus visits, alumni and donor engagement, special events and community gatherings. No taxpayer dollars, tuition revenue, student fees or state funds were used in its construction.