Banking and Finance Brian Zumwalt joined Guaranty Bank as its consumer lending manager. He has 20 years of experience in banking and financial services.
Andy Stewart joined Morgan Stanley’s wealth management office as a financial adviser. A certified financial planner with a bachelor’s in personal finance and consumer affairs from University of Missouri, Stewart formerly served as a managing principal with Waddell & Reed.
Design Decorating Den Interiors in Nixa received two design awards in the corporation’s international design contest and annual conference in Jacksonville, Fla. Nola Shivers and Jillian Johnson were awarded a top prize for their room makeover in the dining room category, and Heather Landolt received a top award for her room makeover in the living room category.
Education Evangel University honored assistant English professor LaDonna Friesen with The Orville & Jewel Mills Young Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service.
Michael McCorcle, professor and chairman of the Science and Technology Department at Evangel, was named interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. He has 35 years of experience as an educator, faculty leader and researcher and has led the department since 2001.
Missouri State University awarded its Excellence in Public Affairs awards to three faculty and two staff members. Receiving a $1,500 cash award were: Isaac Balasundaram, a procurement card coordinator who facilitates cultural transitions for international students, particularly from India; library associate Lisa McEowen, who recruits and involves students, staff and faculty in numerous service activities on and off campus; biology professor Chris Barnhart, who works with students and through partnerships to help protect endangered species and uphold federal water quality regulations and environmental sustainability; Keri Franklin, director of assessment, assistant professor of English and the founder and co-director of Ozarks Writing Project, who instructs writers and trains others to teach; and Renee Moore, professor and department head of child and family development at West Plains, who develops leadership skills by actively managing community programs, such as the Poverty Simulation and Read While You Wait projects.
Jill McMillin, a substitute teacher for Springfield Public Schools, was named the 2015 Missouri State Substitute Teacher of the Year by Kelly Educational Staffing. She has substituted through Kelly Educational Staffing since 2007.
Ozarks Technical Community College’s Adult Education and Literacy Program received a quality award from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Five out of 38 AEL programs statewide were recognized for positive student outcomes while maintaining fiscal integrity in program operations.
Angie Brown-Peterson, assistant professor of business administration at Southwest Baptist University, was named department chairwoman in the Robert W. Plaster College of Business and Computer Science. She holds a bachelor’s in business administration, an MBA from SBU and is pursuing a doctorate in business administration-marketing from Northcentral University.
SBU selected Tara Parson as its vice president of administration and chief financial officer, effective Aug. 1. She holds a bachelor’s in accounting from SBU and has worked as the university’s controller since 2012.
College of the Ozarks received the Pro-Patria Award by the Missouri Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for policies that make it easier for employees to serve the country. The college also was named a finalist for the National Freedom Award, given to employers by the U.S. government for support of employees serving in the guard and reserve.
Government The Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management appointed John Wall as Community Emergency Response Team unit leader. Wall has been active in the program for five years.
The Missouri Supreme Court chose Springfield Municipal Court Chief Judge Todd Thornhill to serve on the high court’s Municipal Division Work Group. The statewide group is charged with reviewing all matters relevant to practice in the municipal divisions throughout the state and implementing improvements to the system.
The International Institute of Municipal Clerks gave Springfield City Clerk Emeritus Brenda Cirtin its Honorary Membership Award. Cirtin, who will retire from the city in August after 22 years of service, served on IIMC’s board 2005-08 and was IIMC president 2012-13.
Springfield Police Department Lt. Eric Reece graduated from the Missouri Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation’s Command College. The program gives officers 300 hours of command-level training and continuing education.
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board named Jim Fisher as assistant director of parks, over administration. He has 30 years of experience in public parks administration, mostly in the Kansas City area, and holds a bachelor’s in natural resources from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Health Care The Skaggs Foundation awarded $30,500 in scholarships to 30 students pursuing degrees in health care in Taney, Stone and Boone counties. The scholarships are for the summer and fall 2015 semesters, and 20 recipients are employees of Cox Medical Center Branson.
Hospitality University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center added Jeff Jenkins to its sales and catering staff. Jenkins is the founder and executive director of The Skinny Improv and has experience in public speaking, performing and event production.
Law Husch Blackwell LLP hired Lauren Hawkins as an associate attorney joining the firm’s corporate team. She previously served as outside general counsel to several companies through Hawkins Law LLC in Kimberling City. Hawkins holds a law degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a bachelor’s in political science from MSU.
Manufacturing Greg Daniels joined SWI Industrial Solutions to work in business development for the organization that provides employment to more than 200 individuals with disabilities. Daniels has experience in sales and marketing, most recently with Alpha and Omega counseling and AG Financial.
Media Gary Whitaker, president and publisher of 417 Magazine, was named president of the City and Regional Magazine Association, which facilitates professional development and training opportunities for 75 regional and city magazines in the United States and Canada.
Nonprofit The Arc of the Ozarks hired John Everest as vice president of finance. Everest previously worked as finance director for Springfield Public Schools. He is a certified public accountant and holds a bachelor’s in accounting from MSU.
Habitat for Humanity of Springfield received an $8,315 grant funded by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and Metropolitan National Bank. The grant money was awarded to complete renovations for the Squashingroff family home through the Affordable Housing Program.
Kwik Kar Service & Repair and R&B Tire Pros presented a $1,000 check to the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police Foundation on behalf of the Officer Pearson Recovery Fund.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
