Accounting Caleb Harris, an audit associate at BKD LLP, was named a recipient of the 2013 Elijah Watt Sells Award by the American Institute of CPAs. Harris was one of 55 candidates who passed all sections of the Certified Public Accountant exam on the first attempt and secured a score above 95.5. More than 94,000 individuals sat for the exam in 2013. Harris holds a bachelor’s in accounting and economics/finance from Southwest Baptist University.
BKD promoted CPAs Blair Diel and Karen Jolley to senior associates in its southern Missouri practice. Diel, who holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Evangel University and a master’s in accounting from Missouri State University, provides tax, accounting and consulting services. Jolley, who holds a bachelor’s in accounting from MSU, is a member of BKD’s national manufacturing and distribution group.
Architecture Buddy Webb & Co. added Robert Deal as an intern architect and Jane Adams as business manager. A Drury University graduate, Deal has a background in construction and property management. Adams is studying for her MBA at MSU.
Banking and Finance Metropolitan National Bank President and CEO Mark McFatridge received the Lambert-Melton Award from the Young Presidents’ Organization central U.S. region. McFatridge is the first recipient of the award created in tribute to former Missouri Insulation & Supply Inc. President John Lambert and former Environmental Works Inc. owner Robin Melton, who died in a September 2012 plane crash.
Jennifer Ashley joined Guaranty Bank as a residential lender at the bank’s West Battlefield branch. Ashley earned a bachelor’s from MSU and has previous mortgage lending experience.
Education The Missouri School Counselor Association named Huba Ray, associate professor of school counseling at Evangel University, Missouri Counselor Advocate of the Year. Ray was selected for her support and promotion of guidance and counseling services at the school.
Teams from Drury and Southwest Baptist universities competed in the Enactus USA National Exposition. Drury finished among the top eight teams in the nation after placing second in its league of competition in the semifinal round. SBU finished in the quarterfinal round, making the top 40 out of more than 200 schools.
Evangel’s Department of Social Sciences presented the Regius Award for professional accomplishments to alumni Timothy Shearer. After serving 30 years in the U.S. Army, Shearer retired as colonel last year and currently works as a volunteer administration and logistics assistant for Band of Brothers ministry.
MSU music professor Michael Murray was named a recipient of the 2014 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education. Gov. Jay Nixon and members of the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education recognized Murray for effective teaching and advising, service to the university community, commitment to high standards and nurturing student achievement.
Insurance Advisers Mindy Pippin and Derek Richardson joined Ollis & Co. With eight years of industry experience, Pippin is an adviser in the small group and individual benefits department. Richardson, who has four years of experience, works as a commercial risk adviser.
Akers & Arney in Branson added Rusty Meyer as a risk adviser for commercial lines and health benefits. Meyer, who previously worked for Earls Broadcasting and the Boys & Girls Club of the Ozarks, holds a bachelor’s in history from the University of Central Missouri.
Nonprofit The Association of Contemporary Executives voted in three local members: Chrystal Hays, a mortgage lender for Arvest Bank; Heather Landolt, an interior designer for Decorating Den; and Jonathan Rimington, president of marketing firm On The Spot.
Technology JMark Business Solutions Inc. was ranked No. 114 on a list of the world’s top 501 managed service providers as part of Nine Lives Media’s MSPmentor 501 Global Edition. Based on an online survey October–December 2012, the list recognizes MSPs based on managed services offered, annual revenue growth, revenue per employee and customer devices managed.
Tourism The city of Branson was selected as the best vacation spot in the Best of Rural Missouri Readers’ Choice Contest. Readers also chose Casper’s Chili Parlor for best chili; Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale for best romantic getaway; Billy Gail’s Cafe in Branson for best breakfast; and Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton for best state park.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
