Business Digest: Claris Networks appoints Robinson

Claris Networks appoints Robinson

Claris Networks, a cloud computing and managed information technology service provider, has named Walt Robinson as senior vice president of corporate development.

He will be located in the company's Chattanooga office and service the surrounding region. Robinson has more than 25 years of marketing, finance and corporate strategy experience.

"His broad experience will provide our target client a unique perspective of how IT can best be utilized by the enterprise market," said Larry Bodie, Claris chief executive and president.

Decosimo CPA promotes Gates

Certified public accountant Lucy Gates has been promoted to tax manager with the Chattanooga office of Decosimo, a top 100 public accounting and business advisory firm.

Gates has 10 years of experience in tax practice. She works primarily in the areas of corporate, partnership and state taxation.

She holds a master's degree in professional accounting from the University of Texas and a bachelor's degree in business administration with a major in accounting from the University of Georgia.

Two attorneys join local firm

The Chattanooga law firm Spears Moore Rebman & Williams P.C. has welcomed to the firm as shareholders two local attorneys, Terry A. Cavett and Robin L. Miller.

Cavett has been practicing in Chattanooga for the past 30 years, with a focus on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and business planning. She received her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Tennessee.

Miller practices primarily in the field of estate and trust litigation, representing clients both at the trial and appellate levels. She received both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Tennessee and is licensed to practice in Tennessee in state and federal courts.

Walker picked as senior VP

Bart Walker has been promoted to senior vice president of operations for Life Care Centers of America.

Walker was previously vice president of operations. In his new role, he will coordinate the efforts of care in each of Life Care's eight divisions around the country. The appointment was effective Feb. 1.

"Bart Walker was ordained to be a leader of operations for skilled nursing facilities," said Beecher Hunter, Life Care president. "He grew up in a family known for concern and help for others, and his father is a longtime professional in the skilled nursing business."

Law firm selected most prolific

Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan PLLC has been named the most prolific trial law firm in Tennessee for 2011, according to The Tennessee Jury Verdict Reporter.

The Tennessee Jury Verdict Reporter editorial staff is made up entirely of attorneys who study, review and write about civil jury verdict results.

Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan PLLC had a total of 10 cases reported for 2011. Among the seven-year combined total for most trials, Leitner, Williams was ranked as the second most prolific firm statewide with a seven-year total of 75 cases reported.

Full Media chooses Naegele

Full Media, an Internet marketing and website design firm with offices in Chattanooga and Gainesville, Ga., has hired Ryan Naegele, who will join its Chattanooga business development team in helping prospective clients develop growth strategies based on a more effective use of the Internet.

Naegele brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Full Media's Chattanooga office. A graduate of East Tennessee State University, his previous work experience includes fundraising for nonprofits in Johnson City and starting his own consulting business that helped summer camps and programs market themselves online. Most recently, he served as the marketing director for a local outdoor adventure company.

HHM names three to firm

Henderson Hutcherson & McCullough PLLC, a local accounting firm that has provided accounting, tax planning, management consulting and specialized services since 1981, has made three appointments.

Jason Martin, a certified public accountant, has joined HHM as audit manager. He has eight years experience in financial, operational and regulatory auditing. For the last three years, he served as audit manager for a CPA firm in Savannah, Ga.

Kevin Rose, CPA, was named senior tax manager. He brings eight years of certified public accounting firm experience. He previously served as lead senior tax manager for closely-held businesses at an Atlanta firm.

Jones Krogh, CPA, is tax senior and has four years experience in corporate, partnership, individual, property, payroll and international returns. Before joining HHM, he was a tax senior at an accounting firm in Atlanta.

Announcements should be sent to Deputy Business Editor Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or by calling 423-757-6318.

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