People in the News

Accounting

David Knewtson joined Aire-Master of America Inc. as accounting manager. He is responsible for overseeing the financial operation for the company's product, sales and service distribution areas. Knewtson's career experience includes time spent as the controller and senior vice president of finance with MWM Dexter Inc. and as a financial advisor with Waddell & Reed.

Education

Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Jack Ernst announced 12 new staff assignments for the 2003-04 school year.

Teresa White, EdD, is responsible for the district's $5 million Title I programs at 22 schools, and with ensuring compliance with state and federal accountability requirements. White joined the school district in 1974. She earned her doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2000.

Tina McManus was named as White's replacement, leaving her position as a research analyst to take over as director of research and assessment. McManus, a CPA with a master's degree in business administration, joined the school district in 2000. Previously, she spent two years as vice president of finance and administration at Burrell Behavioral Health, and she also has worked as the budget director at Southwest Missouri State University.

Leatha Ault is the principal for Mann Elementary. She previously was principal at Fremont Elementary.

Les Ford is principal at Reed Middle School. For the past five years, he worked as principal at Willard Middle School.

Carolyn Harralson is principal at Rountree Elementary. She previously was assistant principal at Hickory Hills Middle School.

Lora Hopper is principal at Portland Elementary. She previously was director of Title I services.

Susan McCollegan is principal at Fremont Elementary. She previously was principal at Sunshine Elementary.

Gary Rademacher, EdD, is assistant principal at Pipkin Middle School. He previously was principal at Rountree.

Beverly Rohlf, EdD, a former principal returning from a leave of absence, is the principal at Shady Dell Elementary, as well as the music coordinator.

Jay Rush is the principal at Study Middle School, he previously was the assistant principal at Pipkin Middle School.

Todd Smith will be assistant principal at Hillcrest High School. He previously was principal at Reed Middle School.

Maxine Valdez, EdD, is the principal at Sunshine Elementary. She previously was assistant to the principals at Mark Twain and McBride elementary schools.

Marketing

Cindy Howell joined ACR Nally Communications Inc., working with the company's existing clients and developing new account relationships. Howell spent 20 years in the hospitality industry, where she gained experience in sales, marketing and management. Most recently, she worked at the Clarion Hotel in Springfield.

Sales

Gregory D. West joined UniFirst Corporation as sales manager for the Springfield location. He has more than 20 years of management experience, primarily in the telecom industry. Most recently, he was with McLeod USA. In his new position, he coordinates sales activities for southwest Missouri.

Technology

George H. Black was named president of Interconnect Technologies. Black has 25 years of experience in the electronics industry. He joined Interconnect Technologies as the vice president of international operations and held that position until being named president.