Newsmakers: Feb. 21-27, 2022

Banking & Finance
Dena Jenkins joined Old Missouri Bank as senior vice president of organizational development. A 25-year industry veteran, she most recently served as senior operations manager for Jack Henry & Associates Inc. Jenkins is tasked with developing team training and technology solutions. 

Edward Jones financial adviser Weston Kissee was named one of the 500 Next-Gen Wealth Advisors by Forbes magazine and Shook Research for 2021. Nominees, who were born in 1982 or later and have at least four years of financial advisory experience, were chosen based on client experience options, compliance records, assets under care and revenue generated for their firms. Kissee was among 15 Edward Jones advisers to be named to the list.

Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC hired Katie Randall as a financial adviser. She has worked 15 years in investments and financial planning, previously with Brighton Jones LLC and Fisher Investments. Randall holds a bachelor’s in finance and general business from Missouri State University.

Brandon Lee, a financial adviser with Prime Capital Investment Advisors, earned the certified financial planner designation through the CFP Board of Standards. He completed the coursework and exam covering investments, risk management, tax and estate planning, and retirement and employee benefits.

Arvest Bank joined the Accredited Standards Committee X9 Inc., a nonprofit organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute to develop and maintain worldwide financial services standards. X9 working groups aim to improve systems for digital payments and to protect financial information.

Education
The Missouri State University Foundation hired Michaela Bennett as director of development, Greg Fansler as executive director of engagement and alumni relations, and Angela Frizell as strategic communications and content specialist. Bennett, an MSU alumna, has experience fundraising for the Children’s Miracle Network and Freeman Hospital. Fansler has a decade of experience in alumni relations, most recently at his alma mater, Virginia Tech University, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in management and finance and an MBA. Frizell previously worked as marketing director for TLC Properties and has a background in marketing and communications.

Human Resources
HR Advantage Inc. hired Erin Cain and Tina Moore as human resources assistants. Cain has worked as an administrative professional in higher education and for study abroad services. Moore has nearly 20 years of experience in career services, learning and development, and human resources in higher education, health care and nonprofits. She holds a bachelor’s in psychology and criminology and an MBA from Drury University. 

Nonprofit
Attorney Melanie McMullen of Neale & Newman LLP joined the Ozarks Literacy Council Board of Directors. She also serves as a volunteer reading tutor.

Andy Drennen, a senior portfolio manager with Simmons Private Wealth, was appointed to a three-year term on the Community Foundation of the Ozarks Investment Advisory Board. He’s worked 15 years in investment management.