The James Company adds three new agents
The James Co. has added Nicole Echols, Mark Echols and Dodie James as agents.
Nicole Echols has been a resident of Chattanooga her entire life and has a background in real estate, mortgage and construction.
Mark Echols is also a lifelong resident and a multi-million dollar producer and “Top Producer.” He is licensed in Tennessee and Georgia.
James has been a resident of Chattanooga and North Georgia her entire life and has worked in real estate and construction for 15 years.
BlueCross names Templeton internal audit director
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee has promoted Karen Templeton to director of internal audit.
Templeton will be responsible for directing all internal audit activities including financial and operational audits, technology audits, quality assurance audits and external audit coordination services.
Over the past 25 years, Templeton has held progressive leadership positions within the company’s corporate audit services division. On multiple occasions, teams under her leadership have been recognized for best-in-class performance by the BlueCross BlueShield Association.
“Karen has played a key role in building an outstanding internal audit organization,” said Robbie Sims, vice president and chief audit executive for BlueCross.
Templeton earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Clemson University. She is a certified public accountant, a certified internal auditor and a certified information systems auditor. She is also a fellow of the Academy for Healthcare Management.
King heads Aquarium development
Melanie King, a development professional from Atlanta, recently joined the Tennessee Aquarium as senior development officer. King was in charge of individual leadership giving at the Georgia Tech Alumni Association for the past 10 years. She also was responsible for sponsorships and maintaining corporate relations for fundraising events. Previously King worked with the National Wildlife Federation and the Georgia Conservancy.
In her new role, King will be focused on advancing the mission of the Tennessee Aquarium through individual donor relationships. Special emphasis will be placed on major gifts and planned giving for the Aquarium’s Fund for Excellence. This support helps ensure Chattanooga’s success too.
“I believe Melanie has the perfect combination of experience and passion for our mission,” said Keith Sanford, the Aquarium’s president and CEO.
Hayslett completes SHRM credentials
Yolonda Hayslett, accounting manager at the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, completed the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional exam. SHRM is the world’s largest society for human resources, representing 285,000 members in more than 165 countries.
Hayslett has an MBA and has worked as an accountant with the chamber since 2005. As the accounting manager, she assists with financial, payroll and human resource affairs of the organization. Prior to her work at the Chamber, Hayslett worked as an accountant at the Chattanooga Group, at Olan Mills and Hawker PowerSource. Hayslett is also a mom of two, who loves to be involved in the community, currently serving as treasurer for the Orchard Knob Community PTA.
Tranco Global’s Collins heads logistics
Luke Collins has been appointed manager of international logistics at Tranco Global. In this role, he and his team will be focusing on providing trans-Pacific logistics solutions to Far East importers.
Most recently, Collins was the business development manager at Steam Logistics and also has worked for Covenant Transport. Originally from Australia, he was an accomplished professional rugby player before starting his career in transportation.
Tranco Global is a Chattanooga-based international freight forwarder providing air and ocean logistics solutions.
Dr. Gentry joins CHI Internal Medicine
Jacqueline Gentry, M.D., has joined CHI Memorial Internal Medicine Associates-Chattanooga.
Dr. Gentry received her medical degree from East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City. She completed her residency in family medicine at University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga. She is a member of Tennessee Academy of Family Physicians and American Academy of Family Medicine.
“As the East Brainerd community continues to grow, we want to make sure residents have access to the highest quality of care where they live,” said Glyn Hughes, president, Mountain Management.
Dr. Gentry joins David Castrilli, M.D., at CHI Memorial Internal Medicine Associates-Chattanooga.
Wisniewski joins Covenant Allergy and Asthma Care
Dr. Joe Wisniewski has joined Dr. Susan Raschal at Covenant Allergy and Asthma Care.
He is a board-certified specialist in adult, adolescent, and pediatric allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology. Dr. Wisniewski has practiced in the Knoxville area for the past 15 years and is returning to his native Chattanooga home.
Kuyrkendall joins Gresham Smith
Bert Kuyrkendall, P.E., has joined Gresham, Smith and Partners as a senior transportation engineer. He brings more than 20 years of project management and design experience.
Kuyrkendall is a graduate of Mississippi State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, as well as Belhaven University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.
GS&P is a privately held firm of architects, engineers, interior designers and planners creating design and consulting solutions for the built environment.
BenchMark names Myers as VP
BenchMark Physical Therapy recently named Keith Myers, PTA, MBA, CEAS III. CEFE, as vice president of industrial services and workers’ compensation.
In his new national role, Myers will oversee and sell BenchMark’s industrial services line, which includes pre-employment, first aid, flex and stretch and wellness programs, as well as workers’ compensation in all BenchMark Rehab Partners’ clinics across 13 states.
Myers has been with BenchMark Physical Therapy since 2001 and has served as a regional director over Chattanooga and North Georgia markets since 2008. He received his Associate of Applied Science as a Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Chattanooga State Community College in 2004. In 2010, he received his Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and in 2012 graduated with a Master’s of Business Administration from Bryan College.
Pinnacle’s Goldberg is senior VP, adviser
Dan Goldberg has joined Pinnacle Financial Partners as a senior vice president and financial adviser for the firm’s client advisory group. He is based at Pinnacle’s downtown Chattanooga office at 801 Broad St.
Goldberg has 20 years of financial services experience, most recently serving as a commercial banker at Synovus Bank with responsibility for the Chattanooga and North West Georgia market. Previously, he was a commercial relationship manager over East Tennessee and Northwest Georgia for SunTrust Bank.
“We continue to attract the best and most knowledgeable financial professionals in the market,” said Kenny Dyer, Pinnacle’s Chattanooga president.
Goldberg is active in the community with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga, where he is a board member and led its community support campaign. He also works with the Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services.
Goldberg earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
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