Newsmakers

Architecture

Pellham-Phillips Architects and Engineers was recognized by Hotel Specification in its annual list of Who's Who in Hotel Design. Pellham-Phillips has designed more than 200 hotels, including the Chateau on the Lake in Branson and Osage Beach, and the Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn North in Springfield.

Community

Family Violence Center was awarded a $48,210 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant for its transitional apartments that are given to people who have been in shelters and are trying to become self-sufficient. The grant also will be used to fund case management, utilities and maintenance. Family Violence Center's eight apartments are "adopted" by companies and individuals who paint and furnish the apartments as needed.

Health Care

Oxford HealthCare President Karen Thomas was reappointed to the National Association for Home Care & Hospice Private Duty Association Advisory Board. NAHC is dedicated to helping people stay safe and independent in their homes. Thomas also was appointed ex-officio member of the association's Home Care Technology Association of America Advisory Board for 2009.

Insurance

Julie Shinn-Downes and Kerry Reuthebuck joined Ollis & Co. Shinn-Downes is an account manager associate in the employee benefits department; she holds a Missouri life and health insurance license. Reuthebuck joined the personal risk department as an account manager and has six years of insurance industry experience; she has licenses in property and casualty insurance, and life and health insurance.

Law

Greene County lawyers elected attorneys Brent Green and Clif Smart to the 31st Circuit Judicial Commission, which is comprised of five members. Green and Smart serve with Gary Lynch, chief judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals Southern District, and two citizens appointed by the governor.

J. Richard Owensby and Dwayne Fulk, partners with Neale & Newman LLP's Springfield office, were named to the 2008 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers & Rising Stars. Owensby, who focuses in estate planning and probate, has more than 40 years of law experience and is a former president of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association. Fulk's practice focuses on business, real estate and international law and has 15 years of industry experience.

Outdoors/Recreation

Jan Horton and Andy Dalton, both of Springfield, were named directors of the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, which funds conservation and outdoor recreation projects. Horton has served numerous organizations including Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Junior League of Springfield and Missouri Nature Conservancy. Dalton, who helped form MCHF and was its first president, is a former conservation commissioner and serves as secretary of the Wonders of Wildlife Board of Directors.