Newsmakers: Nov. 28-Dec. 4, 2022

Architecture
Paragon Architecture LLC promoted Jessica Struckhoff to project director from project manager. She’s worked for the firm since 2012 and holds a bachelor’s in architectural studies from University of Illinois.

Zach Cole of Esterly Schneider & Associates Inc. passed the Missouri registration exam to become a licensed architect. He’s worked for the firm for four years, including the Ozark High School Innovation Center and Plaza Tower renovation projects.

Banking & Finance
Arvest Bank promoted four branch sales managers to vice presidents: Kristin Barton, in Marshfield; Angela Fuller, in Lebanon; Liliana Lopez Garcia, in Aurora; and Andrea Westerhold, in Branson. Each has 10 years of banking experience.

Kandace Plott, a branch sales manager for Arvest Bank in Hollister, received the assistant vice president designation. She’s worked for Arvest for nearly a decade.

Mak Jennings joined Mid-Missouri Bank as manager of the Independence Street branch. She previously worked for other banks in the area.

USA Mortgage promoted Matthew Soutee to retail branch manager and Veronica Hedges to operations manager. With an 18-year career in banking, Soutee oversees branches in Springfield, Branson, Joplin and Rapid City, South Dakota, and he holds a bachelor’s in finance from Missouri State University. Hedges joined USA Mortgage in 2016 to work in lending and became promoted to team lead and into management positions.

Health Care
Dr. Matt Simpson of CoxHealth received a focused practice designation in metabolic and bariatric surgery from the American Board of Surgery. Among the first surgeons to receive this designation nationally, it is awarded to surgeons who pass an exam and demonstrate excellence in the care of bariatric patients.

Insurance
Mindy Pippin and Jeff Eiserman of Ollis/Akers/Arney earned the accredited cyber risk adviser designation from the Beyond Insurance Global Network. Candidates successfully complete an exam to measure retention and expertise in cyber exposures, regulations and claims. Eiserman has worked for the agency since 2009 and Pippin since 2014.

Law
Carnahan Evans PC was ranked in the 2023 U.S. News Best Lawyers as a regional best law firm, receiving a Tier 1 ranking in trusts and estates law. It’s the 13th consecutive year for the firm to rank.

Municipal
The city of Nixa promoted Scott Godbey to director of the Planning & Development Department, where he’s worked as a planner since 2018. He also has nine years of service in the U.S. Army and holds a bachelor’s in community and regional planning from MSU.

Nonprofit
Adult & Teen Challenge hired Sarah Walters as director of ministry intelligence and research in the national office. She’s responsible for developing and analyzing data and information for the Sober Peer platform across North America.

Walters previously spent 13 years working at Evangel University, most recently as associate dean for the College of Online Learning. She holds a doctorate and a master’s in organizational leadership from Regent University and Evangel, respectively.

Faith Community Health hired Kyle David as executive director. David previously worked at Mercy Health Clinics as operations director.