People in the News

Architects

Chamberlain Architects announced two staff additions.

Michael E. Gaillard, associate AIA, joined the firm as a project architect. He also is an owner of C&G Group Inc., a building and land development company. Gaillard graduated from Drury University in 1999.

David P. Burris also joined the firm as a project architect. Burris recently graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Architecture. He has experience in country club design, programming issues and three-dimensional renderings.

Construction

Springfield Better Homes Inc. announced three staff appointments.

Charles L. Yocum was appointed chief operating officer of Springfield Better Homes, its subsidiaries, and all related companies, including WBW Investments. In addition to his existing role as the president of the 45-year-old construction and remodeling firm, Yocum's duties in his new position will include real estate development, acquisitions, and property and asset management. He has been with Springfield Better Homes since 1982.

Michael Bauer joined the company as operating director and Sommer L. Sugrue joined the company as finance director.

Engineering

Mettemeyer Engineering LLC announced two staff additions.

Jim Parsons joined the company as a senior technician. He has more than 14 years of experience in computer-aided drafting. His responsibilities include developing company drafting standards, managing technicians, and delegating and monitoring of all drafting assignments.

Marci Eason joined the company as a technician. Her responsibilities include developing construction documents and producing specification documents. Eason recently received her associate's degree in drafting and design from Ozarks Technical Community College.

Government

The Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management announced an addition and a promotion.

Victor R. Argilagos filled a newly created position for Greene County as a WMD/HAZMAT planning specialist. This position was created to meet the expanded need for enhanced planning in the areas of weapons of mass destruction and hazardous materials. Argilagos holds a bachelor's degree in health care administration.

Larry W. Woods was promoted to assistant director for the Office of Emergency Management. Woods has served as the plans and operations specialist in emergency management since March 2000. He has more than 17 years of experience in law enforcement, emergency medical, security and planning. He also previously was a 9-1-1 dispatch-center director, and an emergency management director.

Hospitality

Leisure Hotels & Resorts announced management teams for its four Branson hotels.

Steve Scherer assumed the position of vice president, director of operations of the four hotels the Hotel Grand Victorian, the Guesthouse Inn & Suites, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites and the Best Value Inn. Scherer has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, operating limited and full-service national franchise hotels.

Jim Diehl is the general manager and Keith Corder is the associate general manager for the 151-room Hotel Grand Victorian. Diehl has more than 17 years of professional management, business, nonprofit, finance and leadership experience. His previous hospitality experience includes time with Howard Johnson, Radisson, the Signature Hospitality hotel management company and the Hotel Grand Victorian. Corder also has several years of experience in the hospitality industry.

Ann Marquis is new general manager of the 180-room Guesthouse Inn & Suites. This is her 10th year in the hospitality industry. She previously held positions with the Residence Inn, the Grand Plaza and the Radisson Hotel in Branson, and the Days Inn in Palm Bay, Fla.

Ryan Sullivan is new general manager of the recently renovated, 144-room Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites. He has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, and he previously worked with Radisson, Holiday Inn and Marriott. His experience ranges from food and beverage to rooms division and guest service management.

Lois Hulme is the new general manager of the 53-room Best Value Inn. She is in her third year of experience in the hospitality industry. She has worked front desk, reservations and guest services at Best Value Inn.