Newsmakers: Dec. 1-7, 2025

Architecture
Ireland Architects Inc. hired Crystal Miller as a project manager. Formerly an associate with Torgerson Design Partners LLC, Miller has a bachelor’s in sustainable built environments and real estate development from the University of Arizona and has more than a decade of experience.

Banking & Finance
Volt Credit Union promoted Kimberlin DeGoosh, Stacy Schneider, Kerri Southard and Kendra Williams. DeGoosh was promoted to branch manager of the company’s Republic Road location after previously serving as an assistant branch manager. Promoted to vice president of marketing from marketing director is Schneider, who has nearly 20 years of marketing experience. Southard, who has worked at Volt Credit Union for 14 years, was promoted to vice president of member experience from director of retail operations. Williams was promoted to branch manager of the company’s Kansas Expressway location from assistant branch manager.

Education
Branson High School senior Austin Matthews achieved a perfect ACT score of 36. Matthews plans to study quantum physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology or the California Institute of Technology.

Food Service
Springfield-based Hiland Dairy Foods Co. LLC collaborated with Prairie Farms Dairy and Rocket Products on a joint Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation promotion that earned the QCS Collaboration Award at the 2025 QCS Annual Conference.

Government
Jami Adams, of Springfield, was appointed by Gov. Mike Kehoe to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board, which provides independent reviews of child abuse and neglect determinations. A former school counseling professional, Adams currently works as a manager at Evolution Fitness in Ozark.

Nonprofit
Nine awards were presented at the Association of Fundraising Professionals Ozarks Region Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day event. The honorees are as follows: Foundation of the Year: Hatch Foundation; Fundraising Professional of the Year: Whitney Williams, Legal Services of Southwest Missouri; Fundraising Rising Star of the Year: Samantha Whittaker, Nixa Education Foundation; Philanthropic Business of the Year: Vital Farms Inc.; Fundraising Event of the Year: Care to Learn School Soiree; Philanthropist of the Year: Robyn Yost, Mercy; Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year: Vanessa Scavuzzo, CASA of Southwest Missouri; Ozarks Health Advocacy Foundation Child Health Advocate of the Year: Tranna S. Shaughnessy, Diaper Bank of the Ozarks; and Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc. Humanitarian of the Year: Stephanie Stenger.