Newsmakers: May 20-26, 2024

Architecture
Kinetic Design and Development LLC hired Dane Benton as director of marketing and Andrew Newman as architectural designer. With a bachelor’s in visual communication design from Anderson University, Benton has a 15-year marketing career serving nonprofits in Missouri and Indiana. Newman has nearly a decade of architecture experience, with his master’s in architecture from Drury University.

Banking & Finance
Arvest Bank’s Springfield operation appointed Algerian Hart to its board. Hart, assistant to the president for inclusive engagement at Missouri State University, grows the Arvest board to nine members.

Construction
Gregg Scholtens joined KCI Construction Co.’s Springfield office as vice president of operations. He has 27 years of construction management experience, with a bachelor’s in construction management from John Brown University.

Engineering
Adam Toth, president of electrical, civil and structural consulting engineering firm Toth and Associates Inc., was honored with a Patriot Award by the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The award recognizes support by Toth and his company for employees and family members who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

Media
Springfield Business Journal hired Robin Strathdee as marketing director. With experience as digital content strategist for Classy Llama Studios LLC and marketing manager for Pension Consultants Inc., Strathdee has a bachelor’s in print journalism from Missouri State University and a master’s in journalism and mass communications with a public relations emphasis from Kent State University.

Nixa High School’s journalism program won the top Journalism Sweepstakes award at Missouri Southern State University’s Media Showcase event. The Nixa journalism program’s Wingspan magazine, EagleAir TV broadcast news, Eagle Yearbook and NixaJournalism.net were recognized.

Nonprofit
Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield Inc. was recognized with the Advocate for Youth award by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The award recognizes the advocacy work performed by clubs, with an emphasis on impact, creativity and innovation. Among recent local initiatives is the launch of a board-led advocacy committee.

Good Samaritan Boys Ranch promoted Matthew Moncado to vice president of programs and hired Samuel Bennett as chief operations officer. Moncado, who started at the nonprofit 15 years ago as a therapist, oversees its residential treatment, family services and transitional living programs. Bennett oversees the nonprofit’s financial, information technology and human resources operations. 

United Way of the Ozarks’ Give 5 program appointed Nancee Dahms-Stinson as program coordinator. She has a bachelor’s in recreation and park administration and a master’s in library science from the University of Missouri.

Sales
Blaire Chrouser, business valuation manager for Kingsley Group, completed the certification process with the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts to earn her Certified Valuation Analyst designation. Chrouser has worked at Kingsley Group for two years.