Business Digest: Duncan named to medical panel

photo Dr. Deanna Duncan

Duncan named to medical panel

The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine recently appointed Dr. Deanna Duncan, a Chattanooga native, to its public policy committee.

The Academy is the national professional organization for physicians specializing in hospice and palliative medicine, which for more than 20 years has dedicated itself to improving the care of patients with life-threatening or serious conditions.

For more than a decade, Duncan has worked in hospice and palliative medicine. She has served as the medical director at Hospice of Tennessee. She was medical director of Hospice of Chattanooga from 2009-2011. She is currently owner of Hearth LLC.

Yates joins CapitalMark

CapitalMark Bank & Trust has added veteran mortgage loan originator Bootsie Yates.

Yates has over 18 years of related experience at a large regional financial institution where she earned corporate recognition for being a top producer.

"I was drawn to CapitalMark's model, which promotes customizing solutions for clients on a local level," Yates said.

Kenny Dyer, CapitalMark's Southeast Tennessee president, said Yates' experience, professionalism and enthusiasm for helping her clients make her a perfect addition to its team.

Myers to head Boehm Center

The board for the Walter E. Boehm Birth Defects Center has selected Elizabeth Myers as the new executive director.

She succeeds Sharree Stoker, who retired at the end of May, after dedicating nearly 25 years of service to the center.

Myers will oversee the center's operations and be charged with implementing comprehensive development, marketing and community relations programs.

"Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience to the Boehm Center, and we are confident she will provide excellent leadership as we continue to serve an ever-growing number of patients," said board President Denise Wilson.

Read House hotel earns designation

The Sheraton Read House Hotel Chattanooga has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award.

The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. About 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive the award.

Paul Mezick, the hotel's general manager, said it strives "to offer our customers a memorable experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive traveler reviews on TripAdvisor."

Vitulli named BlueCross VP

Christy Vitulli has been named the vice president of provider networks and contracting for BlueCross Blue-Shield of Tennessee.

Vitulli will play a vital role in the management of provider contracting activities throughout all lines of business, including commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid, according to BlueCross.

"We are pleased to have Christy join our team during this transformational time in the health care industry," said Mark Austin, senior vice president of provider network management for BlueCross.

Vitulli will be based out of BlueCross' Nashville office and will work with health care providers statewide.

Hooks to head Walldorf condos

Walldorf Property Management Inc. has named Cullon Hooks to direct its condominium and homeowner association management business.

"Cullon has excellent, relevant experience and a solid track record with condominium development and association operation and governance," said Rudy Walldorf, an owner of the company.

Hooks earned a master's degree in historic preservation from Savannah College of Art & Design after graduating from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

He has served as project manager and senior leasing manager at 2 Northshore and downtown retail director for the River City Co.

Kennamer gains certification

James R. Kennamer has been certified as a civil trial specialist by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization.

He joins a select group of over 300 Tennessee attorneys who have completed the certification process required by the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Certified attorneys also must maintain $500,000 in malpractice insurance and complete a law practice management checklist each year.

The business digest appears every Sunday. If you have business appointments, promotions, awards or openings, contact Deputy Business Editor Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or call 757-6318.

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