David Richards, Curtis McKinely named Hullco managers and more Chattanooga-area career moves

David Richards, Curtis McKinley named Hullco managers

David Richards and Curtis McKinley have joined Hullco, one of Tennessee’s biggest home remodelers with offices in Chattanooga and Knoxville.

Richards was appointed Hullco’s sales manager and will be responsible for leading the company’s growing sales team of product specialists in both Chattanooga and Knoxville markets. Richards comes to Hullco after 10 years in transportation sales with Estes Express Lines.

McKinley joins Hullco as general manager. Previously, he has more than 22 years experience operating Harley Davidson dealerships, operating all departments including service, sales, parts and retail.

Hullco specializes in replacement windows, doors, siding, roofing and bath to shower conversions.

BASF’s Amanda Hodges wins manufacturing award

Amanda Hodges, a process engineer for BASF in Chattanooga, was among 130 women recognized nationally through The Manufacturing Institute’s eighth annual STEP Ahead Awards.

Focusing on science, technology, engineering and production (STEP), the program recognizes women who exemplify leadership within their companies. This national honor identifies top talent in the manufacturing industry, and further encourages award winners to mentor and support the next generation to pursue manufacturing careers.

Hodges received the STEP Ahead Emerging Leader award.

The recognition is part of the STEP Women’s initiative, which is working to shrink the gender gap in manufacturing and increase innovation.

“Manufacturing is a place where ideas become reality. I thrive in an environment where creativity is encouraged, and the results are very tangible,” said Hodges. “Every day is different and filled with new challenges, and I am honored to be part of an industry that continues to change our world.”

Carolyn Lee, executive director of the Manufacturing Institute, said the STEP Ahead awards “are dedicated to fostering a 21st century manufacturing workforce that gives women the recognition and support they deserve. By honoring current and existing leaders we are building and elevating the role models that can inspire the next generation – and we are building the networks for women to have support in their industry and do even more.”

Dr. Rochelle Jones joins Siskin Hospital

Rochelle Jones, a clinical psychologist with expertise in neuropsychology and neuroscience, has joined the Behavioral Medicine Department at Siskin Hospital.

Dr. Jones obtained her doctorate in psychology from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California. She completed her two-year postdoctoral fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, American Lake Division, which is an accredited program of the American Psychological Association.

Jones specializes in assessment and treatment of traumatic brain injury/concussion, stroke, dementia, movement disorder and other medical and neurological conditions that affect cognitive functioning. Additionally, Dr. Jones specializes in post-concussive recovery and rehabilitation psychology services for coping and adjustment to disability, using interventions such as motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive remediation.

At Siskin Hospital, she conducts neuropsychological and psychological evaluations, conducts cognitive rehabilitation therapy, and provides consultation services for inpatient and outpatient therapy programs.

Dr. Jones is a contributing author to two peer- reviewed journal articles. She has also made oral presentations and has presented numerous posters at professional conventions.

Cathy Cornet, Teresa Swanger join USA Vascular

Nurse practitioners Cathy Cornett and Teresa Swanger have joined USA Vascular, a division of University Surgical Associates.

Cornett has been a practicing registered nurse since 1984, working in emergency medicine, the cardiac catheterization lab, as Life Force flight RN, and most recently as a house supervisor and patient flow manager at Erlanger Health Systems. She earned her nursing degree from Baroness Erlanger School of Nursing and completed training to become an EMT paramedic from Chattanooga State Technical Community College. In 2018, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner from Southern Adventist University.

Cornett is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the Chattanooga Area Nurses in Advanced Practice and the Emergency Nurses Association.

Swanger has been a registered nurse since 2009, focusing on clinical nursing in cardiology and most recently as an adult gerontology cardiac nurse practitioner.

Swanger earned an associate of nursing, registered nurse degree from Chattanooga State Technical Community College in 2009. She completed a master’s in nursing, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner degree from Southern Adventist University. She is a certified Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and is a member of the Chattanooga Area Nurses in Advanced Practice and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Hannah Nichols certified as brain injury specialist

Hannah Nichols, a speech-language pathologist at Siskin Hospital, has completed the requirements for Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS).

The certification is awarded by The Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists.

Nichols performs swallow studies in the only rehabilitation center in Chattanooga with on-site instrumental assessment of swallowing with videofluoroscopy. She specializes in dysphagia, dysarthria, dysphonia, aphasia and cognitive disorders.

Theatre Centre names eight new board members

The Chattanooga Theatre Centre is expanding its board of directors with eight appointments it says will add expertise and diverse perspectives to the non-profit organization’s governing board.

Newly elected to the board are Roger Cass, Josh Garcia, Magge Hudgins, Amy Meller, Pam Miller, Jan Suhrbier, Shelia Wofford and Beth McClary Wolford.

“The new directors have a wide range of backgrounds, including TV and film production, media, education, insurance and community leadership,” said Mitch Collins, board president for the Chattanooga Theater Centre. “These are challenging times, and we need a diverse group with a large skill set to continue working towards our mission at the CTC.”

Cass is the chief architect and vice president of Unum Group and holds a Ph.D. in engineering. He previously served on the board of directors of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Dayton, Ohio. He and his wife, Jennifer, are the parents of eight children, all of whom are actively involved in community leadership and volunteer roles in theater, improv and chorale.

Garcia, an employee at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, is a graduate of Harvard University, and has appeared on the CTC stage and works as an actor, composer and sound designer for community stage and film projects.

Hudgins has taught acting at the Center for Creative Arts for the last 13 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and theater from the University of Tennessee and an M.F.A. in directing from Brooklyn College and is an alumnus of the Lincoln Center Director’s Lab. Hudgins has directed and performed in several CTC productions.

Meller is a preschool director in the Signal Mountain community and a foundation member of the Signal Mountain Playhouse board of directors. She helped establish and served as president of the Signal Mountain Middle-High School Theatre Arts Boosters and she is an active CTC volunteer and mother of three children who have participated in numerous CTC shows.

Miller is a founding member of the Performing Arts League. The first female counselor in a Tennessee all-male correctional facility, she worked as a juvenile probation/parole officer in North Carolina. She also served as vice president of corporate ethics and compliance with a multinational corporation. She and her husband, Frank, are dedicated CTC patrons.

Suhrbier has been serving the CTC as an administrative and front-of-house volunteer for the last five years. She is frequently joined by her son, Ben, who has attended Summer Academy, performed in several youth theater productions, and served as part of the stage crew of several mainstage productions.

Wofford is a professional actress, writer, director, filmmaker and casting director who has written and directed two award-winning films and has worked regionally on many productions. She has been performing for over 20 years, including volunteering with the Chattanooga Theatre Centre and Destiny Ensemble Theatre. She and her husband, Sam, have a son, Trey.

Wolford, sales director for The New Flat Rate, has worked for 30 years in sales in a variety of different roles. She has performed in theater productions throughout the community and is well known for her musical theater roles at the CTC. She is married to Jeff Wolford and has three grown children.

Founded in 1923, the Chattanooga Theatre Centre is one of the oldest and largest community theaters in the Southeast. The Theatre Centre produces high-caliber theatrical productions and provides volunteer and educational opportunities for people of all ages.

DCF adds Jay Hildebrand as managing director

Jay Hildebrand has joined Decosimo Corporate Finance, LLC, as a managing director. Hildebrand will work from the Chattanooga office focusing on maximizing privately-held businesses’ value for owners through sell-side transaction advisory and corporate finance services.

Hildebrand joins DCF from Alderman Holdings, LLC (Alderman), a Chattanooga-based, independent sponsor private equity group that he co-founded in 2015. Alderman successfully raised private capital, completed several acquisitions, operated its portfolio companies, and sold one of its companies to a strategic buyer. Prior to Alderman, Hildebrand worked as an associate at Leitner Williams Dooley & Napolitan, PLLC. Hildebrand’s background in private equity and his experience as an attorney will prove an invaluable resource both to DCF and its clients.

“We are proud to welcome Jay Hildebrand to the DCF team,” said Tom Decosimo, managing principal of DCF. “Jay’s experience in private equity will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow our brand as a leading sell- and buy-side advisory services group.”

Information about new hires, promotions and business awards should be sent to onthemove@timesfreepress.com.