Deb Barnett, Executive Director
Southern Illinois has always been my home. Born and raised here, I have a deep-rooted passion for seeing this region grow and thrive. It's not just my home; it's the home of friends, family, and neighbors whom I care deeply about. After nearly 30 years in business, education, ministry, and higher education, the opportunity to engage in regional work through Southern Illinois Now (SI Now) is a dream come true. This role combines my life's work and experiences, allowing me to advance the region I call home and fulfill my personal mission in a whole new way.
My journey towards defining my personal mission or purpose began in 2019 when I participated in the Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy. In 2022, I had the unique opportunity to further my delta leadership learning through the Harvard Kennedy School of Government's authentic leadership program. As part of this study, we were challenged to develop a personal mission statement that transcends any specific position or career goal, speaking to who we are at our core and what our true north is.
I discovered that my personal mission or purpose statement is: "To serve as a mirror to reflect back to others their God-given gifts and talents so that, in doing so, they realize their own purpose." Encouraging others and seeing the very best in them comes naturally to me; it's like breathing air. What I didn't realize at the time was how highly relevant this mission statement would be to my work at SI Now.
At SI Now, I have an opportunity to reflect back the gifts and talents of the people throughout the region - and those gifts and talents abound. Additionally, I have the privilege of highlighting the unique assets of each and every community in Southern Illinois. For me, it's easy to see the assets that surround us, no matter how large or small a community is. Being able to serve as a mirror to reflect back to city leaders or community members the uniqueness and assets of their community so that they may see their own purpose in creating its future is an absolute dream come true.
Southern Illinois has unlimited potential. Through SI Now, I get to reflect back that potential not only to fellow Southern Illinoisans but also to others throughout the state, the country, and the world who are discovering Southern Illinois for the very first time. This region is rich with opportunities, and I am honored to play a role in its advancement.
Southern Illinois is more than just a place; it's a community filled with potential and promise. My work at SI Now allows me to combine my life's experiences and personal mission to help this region thrive. I am excited to continue reflecting the gifts, talents, and unique qualities of Southern Illinois to the world.
Nick Holdinghausen, Regional Development
I first moved to Southern Illinois nearly 15 years ago for an opportunity to work as a broadcast meteorologist. As a recent college graduate, it was a bold step to relocate to a region where I had spent little time. Still, I was grateful for the chance to begin my career just two hours from my hometown, and to learn alongside an experienced mentor in the field. What I didn’t realize then was that this move would become one of the most meaningful decisions of my life—leading me to meet my wife, form lasting friendships, and build a deep connection to a community that has truly become home.
When I transitioned from television to a role in economic development, I wasn’t entirely sure what each day would hold—but I knew with certainty that I wanted to contribute to the growth and vitality of Southern Illinois. Through my work with Southern Illinois Now (SI Now), I have the privilege of engaging directly with communities across the region—learning about their triumphs, understanding their challenges, and helping shape a shared vision for sustainable progress.
This role allows me to be part of something bigger than myself. It offers a tangible way to help build the kind of future I want not only for my two daughters, but for every family in Southern Illinois. With its low crime rates, affordable cost of living, and access to high-quality schools and amenities often found in larger cities, this region offers an incredible quality of life. A typical summer Saturday might include gymnastics or swim practice, a bike ride with the kids, and ending the day sharing stories and laughter with neighbors in the driveway. It’s a lifestyle rooted in community, simplicity, and connection—values I deeply cherish.
Looking ahead, I’m especially excited by the growing momentum around revitalizing our downtowns and Main Streets. Across Southern Illinois, there's a renewed energy and commitment to restoring these spaces—not just as economic centers, but as welcoming places where people can gather, connect, and celebrate local identity. More and more, I meet individuals who share a passion for their hometowns and a drive to see them flourish once again. That spirit—that sense of possibility and pride—isn’t just the future of Southern Illinois. It’s what defines us today.
Tricia Edwards, Executive Assistant
If you asked me in person “Why SI,” I’d simply say… my husband. That’s the beginning of my why.
Picture this: a Southern Illinois “small town” guy meets a Mississippi “big city” gal while attending college. Fast forward through years of marriage, multiple moves, and a couple of kids—and that small-town guy plants me right in the heart of Southern Illinois.
Now, we’d visited his family plenty over the years, but when we made the move, I remember looking around and asking, “Where exactly are you taking me?” At the time, Marion didn’t even have Super Walmart. Coming from a city that had EVERYTHING, I’ll admit—I was in a bit of shock. But 21 years later, and with another kiddo born at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Southern Illinois is home.
For a long time, I heard the same narrative over and over: “There’s nothing here,” or “Why would anyone want to move to Southern Illinois?” And honestly, I started to believe it myself… until I applied for a position and started working at SI Now. That’s when everything changed. Through this incredible opportunity, I’ve met so many passionate changemakers – people who pour their time, talent, and heart into building up this region. If you heard me now talking about everything Southern Illinois has to offer, you might not recognize the skeptical woman who first arrived here all those years ago. Now, when I hear that old narrative of “there’s nothing here,” I can’t help but smile—and respond with a long list of reasons why that couldn’t be further from the truth.
From cheering on the local growth to enjoying the front-row seat I have to progress in our communities, I can say with confidence—Southern Illinois is full of life, opportunity, and heart. Whether it’s eating at our go-to local restaurants, shopping at charming boutiques (my favorite hobby), exploring the outdoors, or sipping wine at the vineyards that make this region famous, there’s truly something for everyone. They say perception is reality—and it’s true. When you change your perception, your reality changes, too. And in Southern Illinois, I’ve found a reality I never expected… but wouldn’t trade for anything.
Maybe if folks swapped out “there’s nothing here” for “have you noticed all the good happening around here?” we’d all be a lot happier—and even a little prouder to call Southern Illinois home.
“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” – Margaret J. Wheatley