People in the News

Chambers

Ross E. Summers has joined the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau as executive vice president. He has more than 25 years of experience in the media arena, including time as general manager of AT&T Broadband Services in Springfield, and the general manager and vice president for corporate relations for Travelnow.com.

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce announced several staff changes.

Erin Russell joined the chamber staff as administrative assistant for community development/special events. Russell is a graduate of the University of Tulsa where she earned a bachelor of science in business administration. Her duties with the chamber include providing support assistance for chamber events such as Good Morning, Springfield! and the Fall Golf Classic.

Gloria Roling, former administrative assistant for membership, now serves as the project coordinator for community development/special events. Her responsibilities include Leadership Springfield, Leadership Alumni and Leadership Academy.

Kristen Wiles joined the chamber as administrative assistant in membership. She is a graduate of Drury University with a bachelor of arts degree in public relations and advertising. Wiles' duties are to maintain the membership database, prepare news releases, arrange ribbon cuttings and assist with other membership needs.

Jill Cobb joined the chamber as communications coordinator in public affairs/communications. Cobb previously served as sports editor for the Christian County Headliner News and Nixa News Enterprise. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in communications from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar. Her duties with the chamber include the Web site, videoconferencing, media relations and chamber publications and communications.

Health care

Pat Versluis was named special assistant to the chief clinical officer of Freeman Health System in Joplin. She previously served as vice president of patient services for Freeman Neosho Hospital. In her new position, she is responsible for the promotion of nursing and health professionals throughout the four-state region. She also acts as a liaison with area schools of nursing to increase awareness of the nursing profession.

Lodging

Brian Handyside was promoted to general manager of Hampton Inn South, Hampton Inn East and the new Hampton Inn & Suites. Handyside managed the Hampton Inn South from 1993 to the time of his promotion. He is a graduate of Southwest Missouri State University, where he earned a bachelor degree in hotel and restaurant management. In his new position, he oversees the daily operations and the management of all three hotel properties and acts as the liaison between the Hilton Hotel Corporation and EAS Investments.