Business Digest: Ira Weiss named CEO of Chattanooga-based 3D Operations, Inc.

3D Operations Inc., a Chattanooga-based company that utilizes 3D printers to create patient-specialized anatomical replicas, has named Ira Weiss as president and chief executive.

Weiss has 40 years experience in health care and corporate management, including work at BioDech Inc., and Gentlemen of Technology LLC before joining 3D Ops in Chattanooga. A graduate of San Diego University and California State University, Weiss will be responsible for strategic planning, capital formation and internal management at 3D Ops.

He will continue to serve on the board of directors and work with healthcare leaders and partners in further developing its 3D based technology solutions.

Dr. Blaise Baxter, a neuro-interventional radiologist, is the chief medical advisor for 3D Ops.

The company converts MRI and CT scan images into 3D printable data and then prints 3D models of patient-specific anatomy for pre-surgical planning.

Alexis Stoops manages sales at Trident Transport office

Alexis Stoops is the first female regional sales manager for Trident Transport, the fastest growing small business in Chattanooga last year according to Inc. magazine.

Trident Transport, founded in 2013, is a Chattanooga-based logistics and freight forwarding company that ranked among the 400 fastest growing companies in America in 2018 with sales of $11.7 million, up 1,244 percent in the past three years.

When I started at Trident (July 2018) I was still in school full time pursuing my business management degree,” Stoops said. “Up until I was hired, I had no idea what I was going to do after school, and I did not think that anyone would give me a chance at a managerial role since I would be a new graduate. However, Trident rewards effort and provided me with an opportunity to prove my worth.”

Siskin therapists earn certifications

Siskin Hospital announces that Michelle Smith, Sara Tinter, and Kyle Volentine are now Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS).

The certification is awarded by the Brain Injury Association of America. This achievement brings Siskin Hospital’s total number of CBIS-certified staff to 19.

Smith and Tinter have master of science degrees in speech-language pathology (SLP) and are licensed SLPs in Siskin Hospital’s SLP Therapy Services.

Volentine has a master’s of occupational therapy degree and is a registered/licensed occupational therapist in Siskin Hospital’s Inpatient Therapy Program.

Kinser joins SunTrust Regional Advisory panel

SunTrust Banks, Inc. has appointed Mark Kinser, executive vice president of General Shale, to the company’s East Tennessee Region Advisory Council.

“SunTrust is proud to have Mr. Kinser, a well-recognized local leader, as the newest member of our East Tennessee Region Advisory Council,” said Jim Vaughn, East Tennessee market president for SunTrust. “Our shared commitment to the Greater Tri-Cities community and dedication to improving the financial confidence of our fellow East Tennessee residents is what makes him the right fit for the position,”

Members of the Advisory Council are responsible for providing feedback on the opportunities for SunTrust in the region, as well as serving as representatives of the bank to the broader civic and business community.

Kinser currently serves on the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce Foundation board, the Washington County Hospital Board, the University of Tennessee-School of Architecture Advisory Board, and the Brick Industry Association Board.

Magan O’Dell joins PayPro as sales vice president

PayPro HCS, a full-service human capital management company with offices in Chattanooga and Kennesaw, Georgia, has hired Magan O’Dell as vice president of sales. The newly created position will help PayPro drive business development and increase revenue as it delivers a range of services to small and large businesses. PayPro provides everything from recruiting and hiring to payroll, benefit administration and time and attendance services.

Prior to joining PayPro, O’Dell served as vice president of business development at Uni-Structures, Inc., where she led a company rebranding, including the launch of a website and social media. Before that, she surpassed sales targets as assistant branch manager at Randstad North America. In 2015, she held the #4 spot in revenue out of 600 sales executives.

O’Dell graduated from Kennesaw State University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and corporate psychology. Dedicated to growth, O’Dell has participated in multiple leadership programs and completed mission work in various countries.

“Magan holds an impressive record in meeting and exceeding sales goals, and she’s an excellent addition as our company grows,” said Mike Steele, PayPro chief development officer and co-owner.

Donna Darnes wins award from Crye-Leike

Crye-Leike Real Estate Services has recognized Donna Darnes at the company’s Ooltewah office with the company’s highest award, the Circle of Excellence and honorary title of Vice-President.

With over 13 years of real estate experience, Donna Darneshas served the Southeast Tennessee area specializing in residential buyers and sellers and relocation services. A Crye-Leike Multi-Million Dollar Club Producer, she has earned multiple real estate designations to include Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI), At Home With Diversity (AHWD), ePRO certified, and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS).

“This award recognizes those unique individuals who attain the highest level of professional development,” said Harold Crye, the company’s CEO.

Crye-Leike Real Estate Services is the nation’s third largest privately-held residential real estate firm and the largest in the Mid-South.

Cornerstones elects board officers

Cornerstones, Inc., Chattanooga’s historic preservation organization led by Executive Director Ann Gray, announces its 2019 officers.

Arch Willingham IV, of TU Parks Construction, will assume the role of president of the board and help lead the organization through its first capital fundraising campaign set to launch this spring.

Edmund Amoye, Cullon Hooks, and Trey Wheeler are the incoming board members beginning their first three-year term as part of Cornerstones, Inc.’s Board of Directors.

Other officers include Melissa Mortimer, vice president; Trip Farmer, treasurer; and Sarah Robbins, secretary.

Pinnacle Bank wins 21 Greenwich awards

Pinnacle Financial Partners, the parent company of Pinnacle Bank, has earned 21 Greenwich Excellence Awards and four Greenwich Best Brand Awards recognizing exceptional service to both small business and middle market clients.

“Greenwich Associates is the world leader in market research for financial services, so to have them say that Pinnacle has a measurably distinctive brand is rewarding,” said Terry Turner, Pinnacle’s president and CEO. “We see this in our own client surveys, where associates get exceptional ratings for the service they provide. Our people are the reason we have been so successful, as the Greenwich Associates research bears out.”

Though more than 600 banks are eligible to win the Greenwich Excellence Awards, just a few dozen made the final list.

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