SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 13 MARCH 6-12, 2023 40 UNDER 40 Megan Eli says a supervisor once described her as a silent leader, noting traits like listening deeper, thinking longer, maintaining a level head and remaining humble. That approach to work has served Eli, 36, well in her career in architecture. She’s used her design skills on projects like Hotel Vandivort, Park57 Lofts and the pediatric emergency room renovation at Mercy Hospital Springfield. In 2020, when the Lamar Johnson Collaborative suddenly closed its local office, Eli says she found herself out of work for the first time as an adult. But hours later, she got a call from former colleagues asking her to join their efforts to open a local office of Bentonville, Arkansas-based Buf Architecture Studio. It’s now a 20-person firm in Springfield, and Eli oversees health care, higher education and civic projects, and supervises and mentors younger staff. She says her goal is to bring beauty to the world. “Hopefully, the buildings I design will stand the test of time and help make Springfield a more beautiful place to live for generations to come,” she says. What about your job would shock people? There is not near as much math involved as you’d think. Your professional aha moment? Asking for permission is not the way to get ahead. Trust your instincts; they’re usually right. Favorite hobby or creative outlet? I love to bake. I run a bakery out of my kitchen called My MeggieCakes. —Christine Temple, Executive Editor MEGAN ELI Buf Architecture Studio LLC Empowering others has been a central theme in Ashley Evans’ career in clinical pharmacy. She helps patients meet health goals through disease education, answering medication-related questions and providing general recommendations. In 2017, Mercy hired Evans to start outpatient clinical pharmacy services at the health system’s clinics. She played a pivotal role in the program’s growth by building a network of support and recruiting team members. Evans, 33, says the skills and knowledge gained allowed her to segue into a more formal leadership role as residency program director. “(It) has allowed me to further expand on my professional leadership through teaching,” she says. “Training the next generation of clinicians and leaders is an important aspect of leading the profession of pharmacy and health care into the future.” Your first job? I worked in a snow cone shack when I was 16. It was a very sticky job. I was usually working alone, so it helped me develop independence and problem-solving skills. What about your job would shock people? I’m a pharmacist who doesn’t dispense any medications! I have a schedule and see patients by appointment to adjust their medications between doctor visits. I made it my career mission to play a role in expanding access to more patients. Favorite hobby or creative outlet? I like to style things – home furniture and decor, outfits and flowers. —Tessa Cooper, Contributing Writer ASHLEY EVANS Mercy Springfield Communities HEATHER MOSLEY Be a Big. It’s easy to be a friend. www.bigbro.com
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