Newsmakers: Feb. 15-21, 2021

Accounting
KPM CPAs PC staff accountant Jessica Pearce completed the certified public accounting examination and earned her CPA license through the American Institute of CPAs. She started at the firm as an intern and has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Missouri State University.

Education
The Ozark Board of Education extended Superintendent Chris Bauman’s contract three years through the 2023-24 school year. With nearly 25 years of experience in education, he’s in his third year leading the Ozark district, which he’s served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and director of operations since joining in 1999. Bauman also has served with the Army National Guard in Iraq.

Philip Link was hired as Ozark Junior High School principal to succeed the retiring Jim Hubbard in the fall. Link has served as assistant principal since 2013 and has worked for the district since 2007. He holds a bachelor’s in middle school education from MSU, a master’s in education administration from Lindenwood University and an education specialist degree and doctorate from Southwest Baptist University.

Government
State Sen. Lincoln Hough was appointed to the Missouri Tourism Commission and the Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee. He will help oversee tourism promotion, as well as review health cost management, community health needs and duplication of services statewide.

Insurance
Cameron Black, employee benefits adviser and director of corporate wellness consulting with Ollis/Akers/Arney, was named 2020 Wellness Adviser of the Year by national publication Employee Benefit Adviser. The awards recognize those who have been able to best respond to clients during the historic health care and financial crises in the past year.

Law
Ellis, Cupps & Cole Law Firm partner David Cole, of Cassville, was appointed as circuit judge for the 39th Judicial Circuit. He fills the seat vacated by Jack Goodman’s appointment to the Southern District Court of Appeals. Cole holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Missouri Southern State University and a Juris Doctor from University of Missouri-Columbia.

Lawrence County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Kasper, of Mount Vernon, was appointed as associate circuit judge for the 39th Judicial Circuit. He succeeds Robert George, who retired. Kasper holds a bachelor’s in history and political science from Arkansas Tech University, a master’s in divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Juris Doctor from University of Arkansas.

Municipal
Nixa promoted Public Information Officer Drew Douglas to director of communications. He joined the city in 2017 after eight years working in TV journalism, including a stint at KY3. Douglas manages public relations and strategic communications and will be hiring for a second position in the department. He has a bachelor’s in film and digital media production from Baylor University.

Nonprofit
Faith Community Health elected six members to its board of directors: Mike Combs, principal with KC Hospitality Inc.; Babette Fogle, co-owner of Fogle Enterprises; Laurie Hayes, executive director of the Branson Area Lodging Association and the Springfield Hotel Lodging Association; Jeff Justus, president of L&J Plumbing Supply; Craig McCoy, president of Mercy Springfield Communities; and Steve Willoughby, principal of Willoughby Communications and general manager of Ozark Mountain Media Group.

Retail
Tanger Outlets Branson promoted Assistant General Manager Deidre McCormick to the new role of marketing director. She is responsible for managing marketing and partnerships, and promoting the center and its retailers and sponsorships. McCormick joined Tanger in 2011, following stints in marketing and community and economic development with Branson Airport and the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.