YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Architecture
The American Institute of Architects Springfield selected Mica Moffet as executive director. She communicates with members and associated organizations, coordinates association needs at national, regional, state and local levels, and serves the local chapter’s board of directors. AIA Springfield has over 200 members in 24 southwest Missouri counties.
Banking and Finance
Arvest Bank was named a top U.S. Small Business Administration lender based on loan production in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. It ranked among the Top 10 in SBA loans made in western Missouri and Kansas and placed first in Arkansas for the sixth consecutive year.
Arvest hired MacKenzie Whitted as a dual-purpose lender in Nixa, Stacey Redmon as an associate mortgage lender in Springfield and Amy Love as a mortgage lender in West Plains. Whitted provides mortgage and other consumer loan services to individuals and small businesses. With her hiring, mortgage lender Mitch Wilkins relocated to the Springfield branch on East Battlefield Road. Redmon works with mortgage loan manager Carla Green in the generation, evaluation, approval, processing, closing and servicing of real estate loans throughout the Springfield area. Love serves as a decision-making resource for customers mortgage-related needs.
Education
Southwest Baptist University honored staff member Susan Cooper, assistant registrar, and faculty member Duke Jones, department chair of Christian ministry and professor of Christian education, with the annual Life Beautiful Awards. Cooper has worked with the university since 2011, starting in the graduate education office. Jones has served SBU since 2004 and has published numerous Bible studies. The awards are the school’s highest honor.
Health Care
CoxHealth’s Barton County Hospital was accredited by DNV GL Healthcare. Now, all CoxHealth hospitals, outpatient centers and provider-based clinics have met the standards for the National Integrated Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations program. The designation shows the hospital meets or exceeds patient safety standards set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Hospitality
The Barley House at Moon Town Crossing received the 2019 Couple’s Choice Best Venue Award from Metropolitan Bride. The awards recognize Springfield area wedding professionals and venues that demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism.
Nonprofit
James River Basin Partnership promoted Brent Stock to executive director. He succeeds Tiffany Frey, who retired in June after four years in the role. A project manager, Stock has worked for JRBP since 2015.
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks named Luis Leon as chief financial officer. He most recently served as the CFO for the Southwest Florida Community Foundation in Fort Meyers, Florida. He succeeds Susanne Gray, who is retiring after 30 years at CFO. Leon has a master’s in accounting from Florida Atlantic University and a bachelor’s in finance from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Safe and Sober’s executive board named Jill Finney as executive director, effective Jan. 2. She most recently served as vice president of communications and volunteers for United Way of the Ozarks for three years and has 17 years of nonprofit experience. Finney succeeds Mackenzie Hernandez, who took a corporate communications role at Bass Pro Shops.
Guest columnist Donnie Brawner says many entrepreneurs stray from their original business ventures, which is often a recipe for success.
