People in the News

Accounting

Michelle M. Brekken, CPA, has been named a partner at BKD LLP. She is accounting and auditing director for the firm's Springfield, Joplin, Branson and Pittsburg, Kan., offices. Brekken is responsible for the concurring review of many audits, attestation, compilation and review engagements and serves as a peer reviewer for other CPA firms. Brekken graduated from Southwest Missouri State University with a bachelor's degree in accounting.

Education

Jim Kreider of Nixa has been named executive director of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association. The 29-member MRTA executive board selected Kreider from a field of five. MRTA's purpose is to promote the professional, social and economic welfare of all retired school employees.

Banking

Sharyl Boyce has been promoted to vice president of Commerce Brokerage Services Inc., a non-bank subsidiary of Commerce Bank. A regional financial consultant based in Springfield, Boyce is a licensed Series 7 and Series 63 general securities representative. Boyce's responsibilities include providing clients with customized investment strategies designed to meet their financial goals. Boyce has 18 years of experience in finance.

Shannan Snider has joined Great Southern Bank as an associate team leader. Snider will serve as a liaison to 10 Great Southern retail branches, assisting branch staff to help customers with investment needs.

Communications

Nextel Communications has announced three staff additions.

Steve Petersen has joined Nextel Communications as area manager of rural markets for Missouri and Kansas. His responsibilities include business development and sales and consumer retention for all rural markets throughout Missouri and Kansas. Peterson has more than 17 years of experience in the wireless communications industry.

Ann Pogue has joined Nextel Communications as a senior account executive. With more than 10 years of management and sales experience in the wireless industry, Pogue will be responsible for direct sales in the southwest Missouri market.

Rex Keltner has joined Nextel Communications as senior indirect account executive for southwest Missouri. With more than six years experience in the wireless communications industry, Keltner's responsibilities include all dealer sales and support for southwest Missouri, Lebanon and Rolla.

Health care

Ronald G. Benson, MD, has joined Tri-Lakes Family Healthcare in Branson. Benson is affiliated with Ferrell-Duncan Clinic in Springfield and CoxHealth. Benson, board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, attended medical school at University of Missouri-Columbia.