Newsmakers: Feb. 24-March 2, 2025

Banking & Finance
Whitney Craig joined Arvest Bank as a commercial banker in Monett and Neosho. Craig previously worked at Arvest 2014-20 as a community bank lender in Cassville, and she has her bachelor’s in agriculture business from Missouri State University.

Mariner Kemper, chair and CEO of UMB Bank parent company UMB Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: UMBF), was recognized as BankBeat’s 2025 Banker of the Year. Kemper was noted for overseeing the largest acquisition in company history, his institutional knowledge and leadership qualities.

Health Care
Citizens Memorial Hospital hired Kaleigh Beyersdoerfer as a physical therapist at the Greenfield Rehabilitation Clinic. She has a bachelor’s in biology and a doctorate in physical therapy from Southwest Baptist University.

Citizens Memorial Hospital dermatologist Dr. Murphy R. Mastin earned board certification in the dermatology subspecialty micrographic dermatologic surgery, also known as Mohs surgery, through the American Board of Dermatology. With his medical degree from the University of Missouri School of Medicine, Mastin completed his internship and dermatology residency at the Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education.

Russell Davis, who joined the Citizens Memorial Hospital medical staff in August, earned his board certification in nephrology from the American Board of Internal Medicine. The designation requires certification in internal medicine and completion of a fellowship in nephrology and certification exam.

Human Resources
HR Advantage hired Dana Snyder as human resources adviser assistant. Snyder, who has been certified through the Society for Human Resource Management, has 13 years of experience.

Law
Springfield-based Ozarks Elder Law announced the selection of attorney Mel Myears as a new firm partner. An employee with the firm since 2021, Myears earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law.

National law firm Husch Blackwell LLP appointed Springfield attorney Ryan Olson to partner. Olson represents businesses in commercial litigation, with a focus on construction and real estate. With wife Jessica Harmison-Olson, he also owns Maxon Fine Jewelry.

Kansas City-based Spencer Fane LLP promoted Springfield attorney Benjamin Shantz to partner. Shantz is a trial attorney who focuses on real estate and construction work in his law practice. With a bachelor’s from Duke University and his Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Shantz serves on boards including City Utilities of Springfield, the Springfield Community Land Trust and the History Museum on the Square.

Retired Judge Mark Powell was inducted into the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, a process that involves thorough review and peer surveys. Powell, who retired from the bench in 2023, started Mark Powell Mediation LLC later that year.

Nonprofit
The Developmental Center of the Ozarks Board of Directors installed a 2025 executive committee comprising the following people: President Jill Coleman, certified public accountant and community volunteer; Vice President Tony Polodna of Chase; Secretary Mike Hunter, retired human resources professional; and Treasurer Spencer Weller of BRS CPAs & Advisors. New board members are Julie Allen of Murney Associates, Realtors, Tim Guillot of Esterly, Schneider & Associates Inc., Laura Skiles of Missouri State University and Weller.