Newsmakers: April 18-24, 2016

Banking and Finance
Bancsource Inc. hired Julie Bush as director of human resources. Bush, who’s finishing a bachelor’s in business management at William Woods University, has a decade of experience in human resources, working most recently in Kansas City.

Central Trust Co. hired certified public accountant Kristin Carter as a tax officer. With a master’s in accounting from University of Missouri, she previously worked as controller for ADsmith Marketing and Advertising.

Guaranty Bank promoted Zach Towe to financial analyst from accounting clerk in the finance and accounting department. With a bachelor’s in banking and finance from Central Methodist University, he has worked for the bank since 2012.

John Rehani, a financial adviser with Ameriprise Financial, achieved the designation of retirement income certified professional from The American College of Financial Services. Rehani completed coursework and examinations in retirement income planning, portfolio management techniques, plan risks, Social Security claims strategies, annuity and investment products, long-term care and health insurance.

Communications
The Greene County Commission hired Jennifer McClure as director of communications and public engagement. With 25 years of experience in communications and public affairs, she facilitates public dialogue and transparency. McClure has a master’s in journalism from MU and a bachelor’s in philosophy from Drury University.

ADsmith Marketing and Advertising hired Chris Dillon as senior video producer. With a bachelor’s in TV production from Lindenwood University, Dillon handles clients’ commercial and visual messages.

White River Business Specialists in Reeds Spring received the 2015 All Star Award by Constant Contact Inc. The recognition goes to the most successful 10 percent of Constant Contact customers in leveraging online marketing tools.

Mid-West Family Broadcasting promoted Sarah O’Toole to events and promotions director from an assistant position. She holds a bachelor’s in public relations from MSU.

Dayle Duggins, a digital coordinator for Whitaker Publishing LLC, was appointed to the new position of digital director. With a bachelor’s in print and Internet journalism from MSU, she manages the digital assets of 417 Magazine, Biz 417, 417 Home and 417 Bride.

Education
Missouri State University received the Tree Campus USA recognition for environmental efforts, such as establishing a tree advisory committee and a campus tree-care plan with dedicated annual expenditures.

Nixa High School received national certification for its Project Lead The Way program that provides learning experiences for K-12 students and teachers.

Health Care
HealthcareFirst Inc. hired Brad Caldwell as senior vice president of business development. He has 20 years of experience in consultative selling, business development and strategic marketing.

Insurance
Lauren Patison joined Nixon & Lindstrom Insurance as an employee benefit customer service representative. Patison holds a bachelor’s in business from MSU and has four years of insurance industry experience.

American Family Insurance agent Teresa Zucchini-McClish was recognized through the American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Certification Program following a review of a customer-satisfaction surveys.

Law
Joseph “Chip” Sheppard III, a shareholder at Carnahan, Evans Cantwell & Brown PC, participated in a three-day conference in Phoenix held by the American Law Institute. Meetings centered on Jobs Act regulations, crowdfunding and changes to securities laws.

Larson Law Firm hired attorney Brad Miller to practice personal injury and wrongful death litigation. He previously worked for Turner, Reid, Duncan, Loomer, and Patton PC.

Nonprofit
Dr Pepper Snapple Group and national nonprofit Kaboom awarded a $15,000 Let’s Play Community Construction Grant to the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch in Brighton. The money will help build a playground on the Brighton campus.

Transportation
The American Diabetes Association’s southwest Missouri/northwest Arkansas chapter awarded Prime Inc. the Health Champion designation, recognizing organizational well-being under the ADA’s Wellness Lives Here initiative.