Newsmakers: March 28-April 3, 2022

Economic Development
Amanda Ohlensehlen was hired as the city of Springfield’s director of economic vitality, a new department. A Missouri native, she’s served as the community and economic development manager for New Bern, North Carolina, and as economic development coordinator and director of the tourist and event center in Havelock, North Carolina. Ohlensehlen holds a master’s in sustainable tourism from East Carolina University and a bachelor’s in business administration from University of Missouri.

Education
Randy Walls, professor of pastoral leadership at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, was named co-associate dean, responsible for oversight of the seminary master’s degree programs and the doctorate of ministry. He also oversees the seminary’s accreditation and shares operational responsibilities with Paul Lewis, the co-associate dean. Walls has been an AGTS faculty member since 1996 and has experience as a pastor.

Government
Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott, of Springfield, was appointed to the Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. Prior to being elected sheriff in 2008, he served as the county’s chief deputy and in patrol. Arnott is a member of the state and national sheriff’s associations and the Justice Reinvestment Executive Oversight Committee.

Webster County Coroner Michael Taylor, of Marshfield, was appointed to the state Coroner Standards and Training Commission. He was elected coroner in 2004 and also serves as chief of Marshfield’s Fire Department. Taylor is a member of the Missouri Coroner and Medical Examiners Association Board of Directors.

Springfield Fire Chief David Pennington completed the Homeland Security Executive Leaders Program through the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security in Monterey, California. He was one of 20 participants in the 12-month program covering such topics as international and domestic threats and hazards, cyber and technology challenges, and border/immigration issues.

Health Care
Faith Community Health hired Heidi Mattmann to the new position of operations director. She previously spent 20 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, where she became a chief financial and logistics specialist. Mattmann holds a bachelor’s in environmental studies from University of Illinois-Springfield.

Dr. Seth Allen, director of autism services for Burrell Behavioral Health, was appointed to the Missouri Autism Commission. The group advises and makes recommendations to the governor, General Assembly and state agencies on matters relating to autism spectrum disorder.

Cassie Kite, Burrell’s emergency room enhancement specialist, received the Greene County Family Justice Center Staff Excellence Award. She walks individuals through the process of beginning mental health treatments, while providing insight and collaboration with co-workers and community partners.

Burrell General Counsel Joshua Bade was named a winner of the Top 50 Corporate Counsel Award from OnConferences. He was selected by his peers in the legal community across the U.S. based on impact to their organization, contributions to the legal community, leadership and innovations.

Manufacturing
Hiland Dairy promoted Jeanine Suskind to general manager of the Springfield dairy processing plant and Amanda Boyce to director of human resources. Suskind has 30 years of experience and previously served in food safety and quality assurance for the manufacturer. Boyce joined Hiland in 2017 as an HR specialist and has 10 years of experience as a licensed insurance agent.