Newsmakers: June 22-28, 2026

Architecture  
BRP Architects promoted Nicholas Banner to an associate. An architect and project manager, Banner has worked at the firm since 2014. Banner has a Master of Architecture with an environmental sustainability emphasis from Drury University, as well as a minor in global studies.  

Banking & Finance 
APlus Payroll received the Operational Excellence award at workforce tech firm UKG’s annual RPX Live conference. The award recognizes APlus Payroll among UKG’s top performers nationwide. 

Arvest Bank was named by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for New Grads for 2026. Arvest Bank has twice ranked on Forbes’ list, which is based on an independent survey of over 20,000 young professionals. 

Education 
Allison Fleetwood, director of theater at Nixa Public Schools, was nominated for the Tony Awards Excellence in Theatre Education Award. She received an honorable mention and was listed in the Tony Awards playbill. Fleetwood has been head of operations at Nixa’s Aetos Center since early 2023. She earned a doctorate in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction from Evangel University, as well as a master’s and a bachelor’s in theater education from Missouri State University.  

Ozark School District appointed Kent Sappington as interim principal and Fernando Sustaita as assistant principal of Ozark High School. Sappington is the district’s executive director of elementary education and was principal of Ozark’s East Elementary from 2007 to 2019, when he moved into his current leadership role. Sustaita has served as a history teacher and coach at Nixa High School for more than a decade. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked in the corporate field before becoming a teacher. 

Ray Godfrey was named by Ozark School District as interim head football coach. Godfrey has more than three decades of coaching experience, including serving as assistant coach in the district’s football, baseball and wrestling programs. He additionally is the district’s former head strength and conditioning coach. 

Grayson Nievar, a student at School of the Ozarks, was among the winners of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for American Patriotism. Launched by Missouri Lt. Gov. David Wasinger to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, the contest invited K-12 students to reflect on their patriotism. Nievar won for a poem that honored the strength of the country and the sacrifices of its soldiers. 

 Healthcare 
Jordan Valley Health promoted Ryan Kruger to chief strategy officer. Kruger has experience leading Jordan Valley Senior Care, Jordan Valley Health Pharmacies, the Blunt Center for Women and Children and Population Health.  

Information Technology 
Jack Henry & Associates Inc. (Nasdaq: JKHY) was named among the 2026 Best Places to Work in Financial Technology by Arizent and Best Companies Group. The Monett-based financial software company was recognized based on employee satisfaction and benefits and policies. Jack Henry was the largest company on the list, with more than 7,200 employees and 7,400 financial institution clients.  

Nonprofit 
The Child Advocacy Center Inc. hired Rick George as operations director and Amy Maas as development director. George has a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in accountancy. Maas has a bachelor’s in communications and theater from Drury University.