INA, Ill. (November 13, 2026) — For Rend Lake College business alum Dan Plumb, the journey from a firefighter to Finance Director for the City of Mt. Vernon demonstrates that it is never too late to reinvent your career, embrace new challenges and find a second calling.
"My path at Rend Lake has been a little unconventional," Plumb said. "It started in the early 2000s when I was a firefighter in Mt. Vernon and the department sent me to RLC for EMT and paramedic certificates. I took a few classes over the years, but I didn't get serious with obtaining a degree until my impending retirement made me realize I needed another path."
He began with online classes in 2016 before transitioning to full-time enrollment. However, Plumb credits Business Associate Professor Mark Jornd for motivating him to push further academically and to transition to in-person courses.
"Mark Jornd's online macroeconomics was the catalyst that started my enjoyment with the rest of his business classes," Plumb recalled. "At the time, he had us reading Mario Puzo's The Godfather and tying in economics throughout the book. I enjoyed the journey."
After graduating from RLC in 2018, Plumb earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting online from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He joined Krehbiel and Associates as a part-time staff accountant, moving to full-time status after retiring from the fire department.
RLC business alum Dan Plumb, who now serves as the Finance Director for the City of Mt. Vernon
While working full-time, he tackled the challenging CPA exams, utilizing the full 18-month window.
"There are four exams and I had to take three of them twice. It was a lot of studying that seemed to never end," Plumb shared. “Passing [the CPA exams] has been my greatest professional milestone."
His career momentum continued as Financial Controller at Magnum Steel Works before being hired as Finance Director for the City of Mt. Vernon in April 2025.
For current RLC students evaluating their next steps, Plumb offers direct encouragement:
"Don't stop. Continually learn new skills and don't be afraid to relocate," Plumb said. "If you are thinking about tackling the next degree, do it. If you are willing to move, your opportunities will increase. Take this moment to do a SWOT analysis of your life. You will be surprised at how many opportunities you will uncover."
Interested in starting your own career in finance? Fill out our quick inquiry form or contact an academic advisor at 618-437-5321 ext. 1299 / advisement@rlc.edu to book a registration appointment today!