Newsmakers: July 20-26, 2026

Accounting
The wealth management divisions of Forvis Mazars LLP and KPM CPAs & Advisors placed in an Accounting Today ranking for assets under management. Forvis Mazars Wealth Advisors has assets under management of nearly $11 billion. KPM Wealth Advisors’ assets under management are $465 million, according to Accounting Today. The Accounting Today ranking is the 2026 Wealth Magnets list.

Architecture
Jacob Spangler joined Buf Architecture Studio LLC as an architectural designer. Spangler is a recent graduate with a master’s in architecture from Drury University.

Banking & Finance
Jessica Passeri, an auditor in compliance at Edward Jones, was selected for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 2026 Leadership Missouri class. Members of the class will explore areas such as the state’s economy, infrastructure and political system. The 2026 class has 28 members.

Education
Branson Public Schools received three awards through the 2026 Best of Southwest Missouri awards. Cedar Ridge Intermediate received a silver award for Best Intermediate School. Bronze honors were Buchanan Intermediate for Best Intermediate School and Branson High School for Best High School. Community members cast votes for the annual contest.

College of the Ozarks earned an A+ grade on Forbes’ 2026 College Financial Grades ranking. The ranking measures balance sheet strength and operational soundness through a series of financial indicators, including operating margins and endowment assets per student.

Karen Shepherd, associate professor of nursing and simulation education coordinator at College of the Ozarks, received the Mildred Letton Wittick Professional Award during the school’s 119th commencement ceremony. The award recognizes faculty members for accomplishments such as research and creative productions.

Government
The Neighborhood Advisory Council, established by Springfield City Council, welcomed a chair and vice chair. Appointed as chair is Nancy Williams, president of the Delaware Neighborhood Association. Vice Chair Michael Brittain is the operations and program coordinator for Restore SGF. Williams, who recently retired after 21 years at Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, and Brittain started their roles in July.

Law
Twibell Pierson LLC attorney and co-owner Branden Twibell has been named to the Super Lawyers 2026 list. No more than 5% of lawyers in each state are selected for inclusion each year.

Nonprofit
Kirstyn Walker was selected as Harmony House’s new executive director. Walker previously served as the nonprofit’s assistant executive director since joining Harmony House in July 2025. As executive director, Walker leads a nonprofit with a $3.8 million operating budget and 61 employees. There were over 60 candidates for the position.

Transportation
Angela Pitts, airport operations center lead at the Springfield-Branson National Airport, earned the American Association of Airport Executives credential. Officials note it’s the highest credential for airport management. Pitts has an associate from Ozarks Technical Community College, a bachelor’s in aviation business administration and her master’s in aeronautics and aviation safety from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.