Newsmakers: Nov. 10-16, 2025

Accounting
Zane Kvasnicka, a business valuation specialist for KPM CPAs & Advisors’ management consulting practice, earned his accredited in business valuation credential. The designation awarded by the American Institute of CPAs recognizes certified public accountants with specialized knowledge, education and experience in business valuation. Kvasnicka has a bachelor’s and master’s in accounting from the University of Kansas.

KPM CPAs & Advisors staff accountant Grace Percival received her CPA license from the American Institute of CPAs. With a bachelor’s in accounting from Southwest Baptist University, Percival provides audit services to clients in a variety of industries.

Consulting
Chrystal Irons and Amy Jackson, consultants with the Efactory’s Missouri Small Business Development Center at Missouri State University, earned certified external coach status through The Great Game of Business. Certified GGOB consultants are equipped to help clients implement open-book management systems. Irons is director of business support and training and director of the Missouri SBDC at MSU. Jackson is a regional small business consultant for the SBDC.

Education
Nixa Public Schools Superintendent Gearl Loden was recognized as a finalist for the 2025 Superintendent of the Year Award by the National Association of School Superintendents. Loden, who also received the Influencer Award from the NASS, has led Nixa Public Schools as superintendent since 2018 and has been in education since 1991.

Film
Ozarks Film Cooperative President John Farmer de la Torre earned the certified film commissioner credential from the Association of Film Commissioners International. Farmer de la Torre’s experience includes Hollywood and national documentary television work.

Military
Clif Smart, former president of Missouri State University, was inducted into the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame. Smart served in the U.S. Army 1986-1990. He joined just after he graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law, spending four years in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, and he also was in the Army ROTC program at Tulane University. Smart, who served as MSU president 2011-24, also has experience in private law practice.

Restaurant
America’s Incredible Pizza Co. hired Mike O’Dell as director of group experience. O’Dell’s career includes leadership roles in business ownership, sales and service industries, as well as service in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve.

Tourism
Visit Springfield, Missouri hired Sarah Summers as office manager. Summers brings nearly two decades of experience in office administration, project coordination and production management, and she most recently served as production manager and office manager at Harvest Solutions.

Utilities
Nixa Mayor Jarad Giddens received the Public Official Award from the Missouri Public Utility Alliance. The award recognizes elected and appointed officials for their work to promote municipality utility goals and to enhance the influence of the MPUA. Giddens served as a member of Nixa City Council and as Nixa Utilities liaison before becoming mayor.