Newsmakers

Matthew A. Capen joined H Design Group LLC as an intern architect/project designer. He received his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Urban Design in 2003. Capen has experience in architectural and 3-D design with firms in St. Louis and Springfield.

Education

Southwest Baptist University’s master of business administration program received accreditation from the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. SBU is one of eight four-year institutions in Missouri to achieve accreditation through the association, which is a business accrediting association for two- and four-year institutions.

Health & Wellness

Bonnie Massie, a registered nurse at Lake Ozark Rehab Clinic, recently was certified as a personal trainer through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. As a nurse and personal trainer, she concentrates on the health benefits of long-term exercise compliance rather than sculpting the body.

Insurance

Janine LaRose joined the staff of The Benefits Group, specializing in individual health insurance products. LaRose has more than 12 years of experience in the health care industry and 11 years of experience as a customer service representative with General Telephone Electronics, which merged with Bell Atlantic in 2000 to form Verizon.

Independent insurance agent Roy W. Kern received the 2004 Advisor of the Year Award from the Missouri Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. The award is presented to one individual each year, based on professional work in the insurance and financial services industries and community involvement.

Lorie Downing, senior account executive with Beimdiek Insurance Agency Inc. in Carthage, was elected to the board of directors of the Missouri Association of Insurance Agents. The association, which was founded in 1899, represents 4,300 agents and agency employees. Downing joined Beimdiek in 1985.

Law

Rodney H. Nichols, a shareholder in the law firm of Carnahan, Evans, Cantwell & Brown PC, was appointed to serve as a member of the Springfield-Greene County Library Board of Trustees for 2004-2005. As one of nine board members, and one of the four members chosen to represent the county, Nichols participates in the management and development of the Springfield-Greene County libraries.

Thomas D. Peebles Jr. and Clifford S. Brown, both shareholders of Carnahan, Evans, Cantwell & Brown PC, made presentations at The Missouri Bar’s “Annual Estate & Trust Institute” seminar, held Sept. 17. They discussed the new Missouri Uniform Trust Code and how its changes will impact estate planning, trust administration and fiduciary litigation in Missouri.

Richard A. Russell joined the law firm of Neale & Newman LLP. He graduated from Arizona State University in 1996 with a bachelor of science degree in accountancy. Russell received his CPA license and practiced in public accounting prior to attending law school.

He graduated from Rutgers Law School this year. Russell’s practice focuses on corporate and business law with an emphasis in tax planning, compliance and audit representation