People in the News

Banking

Guaranty Federal Bancshares Inc., the holding company of Guaranty Bank, announced a staff addition and a promotion.

Kent Chambers joined the company as supervisor of deposit operations. Chambers previously spent 19 years at First National Bank in Fredonia, Kan., during which time he advanced to the office of vice president and sat on the board of directors. Chambers graduated from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan., with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Will Cologna was promoted from manager of an in-store Dillon's Guaranty Bank location to the manager of the traditional branch at 2109 N. Glenstone. Cologna joined Guaranty Federal Bancshares in 2001 after its merger with Commercial Federal. He has been in banking for about six years. He has a bachelor's degree from Drury University.

Education

Bryan College announced three staff additions.

Ronald Schultz, PhD, joined Bryan College's academic department. His responsibilities include the master instruction of computer programming students enrolled in the college. Schultz holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from Southwest Missouri State University, a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Missouri-Rolla and a PhD in chemistry from Northwestern University.

Susan Burton joined Bryan College in the academic department. Her responsibilities include the master instruction of business administration students. She holds a master's degree in public administration and a bachelor's degree in education.

Kevin Kolich joined Bryan College as the director of medical programs. His responsibilities include the curriculum development and master instruction of medical office assistant students. Kolich holds a bachelor's degree from the College of Wooster and has 10 years of medical administration, development and instructional experience.

Adam Ledyard has been named director of sports information at Southwest Baptist University. Ledyard earned a bachelor's degree in communications in 1999 from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill.

Financial services

BKD LLP announced three staff promotions.

Matthew J. McClean, CPA, was promoted to senior accountant for the firm. He performs audits for employee benefit plans and assists on audits for the manufacturing/distribution and health care industries. McClean is a 2001 graduate of Drury University with a bachelor's degree in accounting and business administration.

Rendi J. Thomlinson, CPA, was promoted to senior accountant for BKD LLP. Thomlinson, a member of BKD Not-for-Profit & Government Group and BKD Financial Institutions Group divisions of the firm, provides auditing sevices for not-for-profit and government organizations and for financial institutions. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri, with a master's degree in accounting.

Christina L. Yoakum, CPA, was promoted to senior accountant for BKD LLP. Yoakum provides auditing services for the real estate industry and for health care providers, including community health centers. She is a 2001 graduate of SMSU with a master's degree in accounting.

Elizabeth A. Burris joined Tucker & Company PC, Certified Public Accountants, as a staff accountant. Burris has more than 10 years of experience in accounting. She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from SMSU and has received the certified management accountant designation. She provides tax accounting services for small businesses and individuals.