Newsmakers: March 30-April 5, 2026

Architecture
Dake Wells Architecture Inc. promoted Jason Hainline to principal. With a professional career starting in 1997, Hainline is a graduate of Drury University’s Hammons School of Architecture. 

Banking & Finance
Hunter Cox returned to employment at OMB Bank after previously working at the firm 2021-25 as vice president and commercial loan officer. His title is now senior vice president and loan officer. Cox has a business administration bachelor’s from Evangel University and an MBA from Drury University.

Branson Bank promoted Natasha Clough to assistant vice president and retail administrative officer. With 22 years of banking experience, Clough graduated from Bradleyville High School and furthered her education at Vatterott College.

Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri promoted Chris Lawson to senior vice president and chief lending officer. Lawson started his banking career in 2004. 

Construction
Midwest heavy civil construction company Emery Sapp & Sons Inc. promoted Paul Moody to vice president of operations in Springfield and Jason Rode to senior executive vice president. Moody has been an ESS employee since 2007, first starting as an intern. With nearly 30 years in the construction industry, Rode has more than 15 years of project management leadership. 

Education
The Branson Public Schools Board of Education approved the appointment of Tyler Prochazka as principal of Buchanan Intermediate School starting with the 2026-27 academic year. A district employee since 2008, Prochazka is being promoted from assistant principal at Buchanan Intermediate. With his undergraduate degree from Hastings College and his master’s from Missouri State University, Prochazka is expected to complete his doctorate in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction at Evangel University in 2028.

Engineering
St. Louis-based engineering firm Horner & Shifrin Inc. hired Gabe Lett as senior business development manager. In the role, Lett is tasked with leading growth in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas for the firm. Lett is a certified professional services marketer and a fellow of the Society for Marketing Professional Services. He has a bachelor’s in bible/theology from Central Bible College and a master’s in counseling psychology from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.

Nonprofit
Drew Lewis Foundation Inc. named the inaugural members of its Associate Board, which is designed to expand community involvement in the foundation’s mission and cultivate future civic and nonprofit leaders. The board members are Amber Crawford, Andrew Buckler, Ashley Grimes, Jackson Rabedeaux, Kristy Roach, Kylie Cassady, Olivia Kucsik and Sarah White. 

Springfield Ballet Inc. appointed Kyler Dibben as executive director and José Soares and Maria Velázquez as co-artistic directors. Dibben previously served as the nonprofit ballet’s administrative and financial coordinator. Soares’ career includes serving as ballet master of Andalusia Ballet. Velázquez was previously Springfield Ballet’s associate artistic director and has a bachelor’s in ballet, modern performance and choreography from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.