People in the News

Education

Venus Harry, an attorney with William H. McDonald & Associates, joined the adjunct faculty of Webster University. She will teach a graduate-level ethics course in the school's Master of Arts program.

Entertainment

David Benz, PhD, was named artistic director and conductor of the Springfield Mid-America Singers. Benz holds a master's and doctoral degrees focused on choral conducting, and he has extensive experience with college, church and community choirs. He is the director of music at King's Way United Methodist Church and an adjunct professor of voice at Southwest Missouri State University. Recently, Benz served as the music director and conductor for the Christiana Chorale's spring 2000 tour of Austria and Hungary.

Finance

Brian R. Straughan rejoined Commerce Bank as vice president of its commercial lending division. He has more than 10 years of commercial lending experience, including six years with Commerce. Straughan holds a bachelor of science degree in finance from SMSU, and prior to his new position with Commerce, he worked for Peterbilt of Springfield. His new duties include business development and customer service related to the bank's commercial services.

Doug Buckner joined Polk County Bank as a vice president. An SMSU graduate, he has 19 years of consumer lending experience. Previously, he was employed with Firstar Bank.

Health Care

Kyra Vineyard, DO, joined the staff of St. John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin. She has a specialty in family practice and obstetrics, and practices with Mercy Clinics Family Practice. Vineyard is a graduate of the University of Health Sciences, Kansas City, and the University of Tulsa. She completed a residency at Truman Medical Center East in Kansas City.

Marsha Taylor, MD, joined Cox Health Systems' Nixa Family Physicians. She is board certified by the American Board of Family Practice.

Insurance

Jeff Chronister joined the staff of Ollis and Co. Insurors as a commercial lines producer. He is a 1989 graduate of SMSU, with 11 years of experience in the commercial banking industry. He will be responsible for account acquisition, development and service. He will also provide clients with risk management advice in the commercial lines area.

Rhonda Hogan joined Barker Phillips Jackson Insurance as a personal lines customer service agent in the firm's Mountain Grove office. She has been in the insurance industry for five years.

Law

Laurel E. Stevenson was named managing partner of the Springfield office of Franke & Schultz PC law firm.

Media

Marsha Boone was promoted to director of community relations for Sunburst Media. Her responsibilities include public relations and image campaigns for corporations supporting community and environmental improvement.

Small Business Administration

Janice Bowman was promoted to economic development specialist at the Springfield branch office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. She has been with SBA since 1989 and is responsible for marketing and outreach for the branch office's 28-county territory.