People in the News

Finance

Gary Veatch joined Empire Bank's Investor Services as a registered representative of FiServ Investor Service Inc. He earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He addresses business retirement plans and assists individuals in making investment decisions to increase income, reduce taxes and save for future goals.

Kristi Hinton was promoted to vice president and business development officer for the Commerce Trust Company. Hinton, an attorney, joined Commerce in 2000 as a trust officer. She was an attorney in private practice for five years, with concentration in estate planning, probate administration and business organizations. In her new position, she is responsible for the development of new investment management business for personal and institutional clients.

BKD LLP announced the addition of five staff accountants. Jody L. Burdette, Adam C. Horton, Alan J. Nippes, Derek L. Smith and David S. Taylor joined the firm's Springfield office. They will assist with general tax, audit and accounting engagements.

Burdette is a 2002 cum laude graduate of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar with a bachelor of science degree in accounting.

Horton is a 2002 magna cum laude graduate of Southwest Missouri State University with a bachelor of science degree in accounting.

Nippes is a 2002 cum laude graduate of SMSU with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry.

Smith is a 2002 magna cum laude graduate of Truman State University in Kirksville with a master's degree in accounting.

Taylor is a 2002 graduate of Drury University with bachelor of arts degrees in business administration, accounting, economics and computer information systems.

City Utilities Employees Credit Union announced three staff additions.

Gary R. Erickson joined the credit union as vice president of lending, bringing with him 27 years of banking experience.

Patty Fowler joined the credit union as a loan officer. She has 11 years of experience with financial institutions; seven of those have been with an emphasis on consumer loans.

Lori K. Johnson joined the credit union as marketing director. She is a graduate of SMSU with a bachelor's degree in public relations. Johnson has eight years of experience in fund raising, purchasing and sales.