James K. RochatRochat brought aboard BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
James K. Rochat has been hired as director and assistant treasurer of investments and cash management for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.
In his new role, Rochat is responsible for management of both BlueCross's investment portfolio, as well as all of its banking relationships. He comes to BlueCross from St. Paul, Minn.-based AgriBank, where he has managed a $4.5 billion investment portfolio for the agri-business lender, which is one of the largest banks in the national farm credit system.
"Jim is a talented and accomplished investment portfolio analyst and manager," said Ralph Woodard, BlueCross vice president and treasurer. "He also has a thorough understanding of our industry, having spent nearly 20 years with two other BlueCross BlueShield health plans."
Prior to joining AgriBank, Rochat was director of investments for BlueCross BlueShield of Massachusetts and before that held the same position for BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota.
Rochat earned a master's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Minnesota.
Jeff HammanHamman is new NRC inspector
Nuclear Regulatory Commission officials in Atlanta have selected Jeff Hamman to serve as the new resident inspector at the Unit 1 reactor at the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant near Spring City, Tenn. Before being assigned to the Watts Bar site, Hamman served since April 2007 as a project engineer in the NRC's Region II office in Atlanta, and before joining NRC, he served as a licensing specialist at the Summer Nuclear Station near Jenkinsville, S.C. and as an engineer at the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River site. Hamman also served six years on active duty in the U.S. Navy as a reactor operator and currently serves serves in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps as a reserve officer, holding the rank of commander.
Hamman earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of South Carolina and is a licensed professional engineer.
"Jeff Hamman has the commitment and experience to carry out the NRC mission of protecting people and the environment by helping ensure the safety of the Watts Bar plant," said NRC Region II administrator Victor McCree.
Decosimo promotes 4
Decosimo has promoted 11 professionals across its regional practice network, including four in the Chattanooga area.
Decosimo has promoted Kim Perry to serve as a senior manager within the firm's assurance practice with the Chattanooga office. Perry is a certified public accountant who works with clients across various industries, including manufacturing and distribution, consumer finance, financial institutions and not-for-profit organizations.
A cum laude graduate of East Tennessee State University, Perry has served on the board of directors of the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee and the governance board of the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy.
Also with Decosimo's Chattanooga office, Trey Johnson and Marcus Williamson have been promoted to senior accountants, and Sara Lawson-Vineyard was promoted to senior accountant in the firm's Dalton, Ga., office.
"At Decosimo, we have consistently focused on creating an environment where our professionals can grow and advance their careers within the firm, and we believe it is important to recognize the outstanding work of our team members," said managing principal Nick Decosimo.
Smith joins Parkridge group
Parkridge Medical Group- Diagnostic Center has added Nathan Smith, NP-C, to the practice of Dr. John Tapp.
Smith began his nursing career in the Chattanooga area in 2002 after earning a bachelor of science in nursing from Jacksonville State University. He earned a master of science in nursing from Southern Adventist University and has worked as a nurse practitioner in the Chattanooga area for the past eight years.
He is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a member of the Chattanooga Area Nurses in Advanced Practice.
Rohan J. ShahShah joins retina associates
Dr. Rohan J. Shah has joined Southeastern Retina Associates in Chattanooga.
Dr. Shah received his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and completed his opthamology residency at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary in Chicago and his fellowship in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute.
Compiled by Wesley Holloway. Send your digest items to wholloway@timesfreepress.com or call 423-757-6613.