Banking & Finance John Akers, vice president and co-owner of Branson-based insurance firm Akers & Arney, joined Ozark Mountain Bank’s advisory board. Akers, who holds an insurance counselor certification, manages his company’s benefits and financial services departments.
Metropolitan National Bank promoted Larry Wilkerson to community bank president of the Marshfield market. Wilkerson, who has 27 years of industry experience, had served the bank as senior vice president and commercial loan officer.
Garrett Dowling was promoted to managing partner for Modern Woodmen of America in Springfield. In the post, Dowling offers career opportunities for local financial representatives.
Education Southwest Baptist University named 12 new faculty members for the 2013–14 academic year: Angela Carr, instructor of business administration; Nancy Colbaugh, assistant professor of graduate education; Tammy Condren, assistant professor and education doctorate coordinator; Meilani Conley, instructor of computer and information sciences; Tom Douglas, associate professor and art department chairman; Amy Jones, nursing instructor at SBU’s Springfield campus; Coyle Neal, assistant professor of political science; Lisa Percival, instructor of athletic training; Paul Putt, instructor of exercise science; Marty Stockstill, instructor and clinical education facilitator of physical therapy; Marsha Trantham, assistant professor of physical therapy; and Cindy Wolfe, professor of biology.
Government Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Steven Stepp, of Springfield, to serve on the 31st Circuit Judicial Commission. Stepp is the owner of several Springfield-area businesses, including National Audio Co. Inc., Old Spring Redevelopment Co. and National Talking Books for the Blind. The commission nominates potential judges for appointment when a vacancy in the district occurs, and Stepp’s term runs through Dec. 31, 2018.
Health Care Springfield Nephrology Associates Inc. received the 2013 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Excellence in Workplace Effectiveness and Flexibility from the Families and Work Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management. The company was recognized for its paid-time off, maternity and paternity programs.
CoxHealth Springfield Inpatient Physicians added hospitalists Drs. Emmanuel Akosah and Aaron Dolle, as well as physician assistant Amy Smith. Akosah attended the School of Medical Science in Kumasi, Ghana, and Dolle attended the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Smith holds a master’s in physician assistant studies from Missouri State University.
Dr. Jamie Durfey, who attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, joined the CoxHealth Diagnostic Clinic.
Dr. Deborah Jarrett, a graduate of the medical school at Oklahoma State University, joined Cox Family Medicine Monett.
Dr. Neil Goodloe, who attended medical school at the University of Kansas, joined the CoxHealth Infectious Diseases Clinic.
Mary Blades, president of the Missouri Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation in Springfield, was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Scleroderma Foundation at its annual conference in Atlanta.
Manufacturing Allen Filters Inc. named Jerome Nichols president. Nichols joined Allen Filters in early 2012 as chief operating officer after serving as president of KO Manufacturing Inc. for nine years.
Nonprofit The Child Advocacy Center hired Celeste Williams as the Springfield area’s medical provider for sexual assault forensic exams and child at-risk exams. Williams, who is certified as a family nurse practitioner and a sexual assault nurse examiner, began serving the center on a contractual basis in 2011.
Several local business professionals were among the 14 individuals honored with 2013 Missourian Awards: Bob Beine, president of Beine Automotive Group; Cheryl Burnett, director of development at Missouri State University and former Lady Bears coach; Leon Combs, retired Branson-area businessman and philanthropist; former CoxHealth CEO Charles Edwards, honored posthumously; Dwayne Holden, president and CEO of Custom Metalcraft Inc.; Norm Ridder, Springfield Public Schools superintendent; Mercy plastic surgeon Bharat Shah; Erick Taylor, president and CEO of Pyramid Foods; and Mike Williamson, past president and CEO of Empire Bank. The awards recognize Missourians who have made contributions to the state in the areas of civics, arts, business or politics.
Real Estate Jared Enterprises President Curtis Jared added the CEO title to his role. Former CEO Jerry Jared has stayed on as board chairman.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
