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Business Digest: Ajay Rupramka promoted to director of customer service

Ajay Rupramka
Ajay Rupramka Ajay Rupramka

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Business News is published each Sunday. Send information about new hires, promotions and business awards to onthemove@timesfreepress.com.

Rupramka promoted to director of customer service

U.S. Xpress, Inc. has named Ajay Rupramka director of customer service. Rupramka holds a Bachelor of Science degree in supply chain management and production operations management from Iowa State University.

Rupramka comes to U.S. Xpress, Inc. with more than 12 years of experience in the transportation industry, most recently serving in the capacity of Director of Regional Operations & Business Development at his previous employer.

In his new role, he will utilize the skills and knowledge he obtained in customer service, pricing and fleet interaction to manage U.S. Xpress, Inc. customer service team.

He resides in Chattanooga with his wife and two sons.

Three pulmonologists join Erlanger Health

Erlanger Health System is adding three new pulmonologists: Drs. Matthew Kreth, Patrick Koo and Matthew Aboudara.

Dr. Matthew Kreth, board certified pediatric pulmonologist, has joined Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. Dr. Kreth is passionate about sudden infant death syndrome research and national marketing of infant cribs and sleep-related products. His clinical expertise is in severe asthma, cystic fibrosis, technology-dependent children with chronic health conditions, tracheostomy- and ventilator-dependent children, end of life care, and bronchoscopy. He also provides treatment for children with chronic cough and other general pediatric pulmonary conditions.

Dr. Patrick Koo, fellowship trained pulmonologist, is now accepting patients at UT Erlanger Respiratory and Critical Care. Dr. Koo received his medical degree at Ross University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Connecticut Health Center before completing his Pulmonary and Critical Care fellowship training at Brown University. He specializes in research and treatment of sleep disorders, lung cancer, diaphragm disease, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, (COPD).

Dr. Matthew Aboudara, board-certified pulmonologist and intensivist, has joined UT Erlanger Respiratory and Critical Care. Dr. Aboudara completed both his internal medicine residency and pulmonary and critical care fellowship training at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. He did interventional pulmonology training at Franklin Square Hospital Center in Baltimore. His clinical focus includes the diagnosis and management of lung cancer, lung cancer screening, pleural disease, asthma and interstitial lung disease.

Reedy, Capps promoted at CO.LAB

The Company Lab (CO.LAB) has promoted two members of its staff to key leadership roles at the organization. Former Programs and Events Director Allison Reedy will now serve as chief operating officer (COO) and former Communications Director Tia Capps, has been promoted to chief communications officer.

“We’re really lucky to have two individuals as talented and motivated as Tia and Allison on our team,” said Jack Studer, executive director of CO.LAB. “Chattanooga has a rich history of community involvement and individual engagement, and we are so proud that two of our own embody that ethos so completely. “

In her new role as COO, Reedy will work with CO.LAB’s staff and board of directors to implement programs and strategies that advance the organization’s mission. She will also lead efforts to secure grants and fulfill their requirements, as well as manage CO.LAB’s finances and human resources.

Reedy joined the organization at its launch in 2010, having previously served as finance and operations director for the organization’s predecessor, CreateHere.

In addition to her role at CO.LAB, Reedy is an advisor to The UnFoundation and has served on the organizing committees of the Chattanooga Mini Maker Faire and Mad, Bad & Dangerous. She is also a founder of Startup Week Chattanooga. Reedy graduated cum laude from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a bachelor’s degree in business finance.

A native of Chattanooga, Capps joined CO.LAB in 2013 following three years as the communications coordinator at the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition to her role at CO.LAB, she serves on the board of SoundCorps and has previously served on a number of local committees, including the Entrepreneurial Alliance of Chattanooga and Southeast Tennessee STEM Hub Communications Committee. Capps graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

Levi joins Pinnacle Financial Partners

Shannon Levi has joined Pinnacle Financial Partners as a service specialist for the firm’s Shallowford Road office. She will be located at Pinnacle’s downtown office at 801 Broad St. until the Shallowford Road office is complete.

“Shannon has a great reputation for providing distinctive service and effective advice to clients,” said Larry Vinyard, Pinnacle’s Shallowford Road office leader. “She will be an excellent addition to the growing team in Chattanooga.”

Levi brings 11 years of financial services experience to Pinnacle. She was most recently a head teller at FSGBank. Prior experience includes serving as a head teller at First American National Bank.

Levi attended Chattanooga State Technological Community College.

Pinnacle Financial Partners provides a full range of banking, investment, trust, mortgage and insurance products and services designed for businesses and their owners and individuals interested in a comprehensive relationship with their financial institution. The American Banker recognized Pinnacle as the sixth best bank to work for in the country in 2016.