People in the News

Business brokers

Connor Grimes was named regional franchise specialist for Sunbelt Business Advisors, a part of the national Sunbelt Network. He serves as intermediary between the firm and more than 50 national franchises.

Community

Jennifer Birkenfeld joined the Republic Area Chamber of Commerce as executive director. Previous experience includes substitute teaching, membership development and fundraising.

Mark Lawley was named artistic director and conductor for Springfield Mid-America Singers. He has 17 years of experience conducting and is choral director at Willard High School. He has a bachelor's degree in music education from Evangel University.

Engineering

T.J. Whatley, PE, joined Scott Consulting Engineers PC as a project manager in the environmental department, providing engineering services to clients in the public and private sector. He has a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a master's degree in engineering management from the University of Kansas.

Government

Steve Roling was named director of Missouri's Department of Social Services, and was confirmed by the full Senate.

Melinda Bundrick joined the Springfield office of U.S. Sen. Jim Talent (R-MO) as a full-time staff assistant. Previously, she served as an intern in First Lady Laura Bush's special projects office. She has a bachelor's degree in communication with minors in government and Spanish from Evangel University.

Health care

Brenda Blain, APRN, BC, joined Skaggs Community Health Center as chief nursing officer. She graduated from St. John's School of Nursing and has a bachelor's degree in nursing from Southwest Missouri State University and a master's degree in nursing from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Insurance

Barker Phillips Jackson Insurance announced two staff promotions.

Paula Goodin and Rod Rahn were named vice presidents. Goodin continues her duties managing commercial lines and sharing the responsibilities of automation. She has 18 years of experience in the industry, with nine years at the firm, and is a Certified Insurance Service Representative.

Rahn continues his position as commercial lines account executive and holds a position on the board of directors. He has been with the firm since 1990 and has a bachelor's degree in economics from Kansas State University and is a certified insurance counselor.

Retail

Marie Bowman has joined Wickman Gardens Inc. as a florist at the Monett location. Her previous experience includes owning and operating a dairy farm in Monett.

Travel

Cindy Meyer joined Great Southern Travel, specializing in honeymoon and missionary travel packages. She has more than six years of experience in the industry is a certified specialist in cruise vacations and group travel.