12 · SBJ.NET MARCH 6-12, 2023 40 UNDER 40 Before taking the leap to start her own consulting business, Rikki Barton worked for nearly a decade as the director of prevention services at Community Partnership of the Ozarks. There, she oversaw prevention programming in 21 counties and annual grant budgets totaling more than $1 million. Now, as the founder and lead consultant at Onward Consulting, she uses her on-the-ground experience in prevention services – particularly relating to drug use, mental health and suicide – to empower others working in the field long term. “I acquired a special interest in professional development as a means of helping increase retention,” says Barton, 38. “By building confidence in individuals about their knowledge and skills, they will be more likely to stay in the job long enough to see their work make an impact.” Your proudest moment? I presented to a room of 300 youth and afterward had the opportunity to chat with a few of them. One girl asked me how she could become me. … I told her that she will go on to do bigger and better things than I will; she just needs to find her passion and pursue it. Best productivity hack? Save your emails for the afternoon. Start your day working on the projects that require the most brain power. Credit: Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe. Favorite TV show? “Ted Lasso.” This show brings me joy because it is upbeat while still addressing the hard things in life. —Tessa Cooper, Contributing Writer RIKKI BARTON Onward Consulting LLC PADEN CHAMBERS nForm Architecture LLC Architect Paden Chambers, 32, credits a Drury University liberal arts education with instilling in him the value of community service. As a project manager for nForm Architecture, Chambers’ projects in the past year included the renovation of a midcentury dormitory at College of the Ozarks, a campuswide dormitory renovation master plan for Southwest Baptist University and a historic preservation master plan for the Greene County Courthouse. He was a two-term member of the city of Springfield’s Landmarks Board, including service as chair, and put together a tour catalog and lecture on historic properties for a fundraising campaign for the Maple Park Cemetery. In addition, Chambers says he enjoys mentoring architecture students and teaching as an adjunct faculty member at Drury, as well as educating the general public about his profession when he gets the chance. “This dissemination of knowledge is essential to our community’s continued appreciation and understanding of history, design and architecture,” he says. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Become a linchpin, indispensable to your career and community. Your most treasured possession? My tenacity for historical research and analysis. Favorite food item to order in the Springfield area? Cashew chicken poutine prepared by the crew at Lindberg’s Tavern on Commercial Street. —Karen Craigo, Reporter A professional actor in New York City for nearly a decade, Colin Shea Denniston returned to his hometown of Springfield in 2019 and ultimately became 417 Magazine’s engagement and style editor. Denniston, 35, is the social media face of the magazine, and he writes about local businesses and events in an e-newsletter that he considers a unifying tool. “The more connected we feel to each other and to our city, the better the chances are that people will stay here and make contributions of their own,” he says. Denniston crafted 417 Magazine’s approach to social media and worked to educate the publication’s team on the ways in which it could advance their brand. He says he sees it as promoting the southwest Missouri region to an audience far beyond its footprint. Your first job? Lifeguard at Southern Hills. I did this for six consecutive summers, and honestly, out of all my past jobs, this is probably the one that describes me best. Your most treasured possession? My dad gave me a St. Genesius pendant when I graduated high school. It is an exact replica of one my dad wore every day that he got from his dad. Favorite podcast? I listen to NPR’s Up First in the shower every morning, The Bulwark Podcast when I lift and Pantsuit Politics when I go on long runs. Favorite hobby or creative outlet? Yoga. It makes me a better person, friend and co-worker. —Karen Craigo, Reporter COLIN SHEA DENNISTON 417 Magazine Whitney Distler prides herself in using creativity while serving as chief internal auditor for City Utilities. She has found unique and fun ways to present departmental meetings, like having board members play games with information presented. “Engagement and interaction help the content presented become more understandable,” Distler, 37, says. “Audit presentations often have a reputation of being rather dull.” She grew her leadership skills in her former role as chief financial officer at NewStream Enterprises. She had to navigate her team through the pandemic by ensuring everyone had the materials to work from home. From there, she continued her strong communication and guidance into her role at CU and says she believes her position there is a role of serving. She takes any opportunity to help teach others and help them grow into higher positions. She also volunteers and donates to nonprofits, such as Convoy of Hope and Pregnancy Care Center, but says the best way she can give back to her community is by being a role model to her four children and raising them into good citizens. Your first job? A taekwondo instructor for preschoolers. Your proudest moment? Becoming a mom to my four amazing kiddos. Best productivity hack? Using the Pomodoro Technique and finding a way to get movement into my day; both make a world of difference for me. —Presley Puig, Editorial Intern WHITNEY DISTLER City Utilities of Springfield HEATHER MOSLEY
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