Ballard joins law firm of Evans, Harrison, Hackett
The Chattanooga law firm of Evans Harrison Hackett PLLC announces that attorney Timothy B. Ballard has joined the firm as a member. Ballard practices primarily domestic relations and personal injury litigation, according to a news release.
While Ballards's practice consists largely of domestic relations, he also represents clients in personal injury litigation. He has been recognized by "Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch," a national publication based entirely on peer review, for his work in the arena of personal injury litigation on behalf of plaintiffs.
Ballard is a native of Chattanooga, and he completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He then moved to Columbia, South Carolina, to attend the University of South Carolina School of Law. While obtaining his law degree, he clerked for the Attorney General of South Carolina in the prosecution division.
United Community Mortgage Services promotes Johnston to vice president
United Community Mortgage Services announced in a news release the promotion of Courtney Johnston to vice president, mortgage loan originator to its team in Southeastern Tennessee. In this expanded role, Johnston will guide clients in Bradley County through the homeownership process with the various mortgage products that United offers.
Contributed Photo by United Community Mortgage Services/ Courtney Johnston"After years of outstanding production levels, this is an incredible accomplishment for Courtney. She is an exceptional team player and a vital part of the local real estate community," said Ryan Hulton, vice president, area sales manager in a statement from the company. "She has a way of connecting with almost everybody she meets whether it be first-time homebuyers, retirees, or investors."
Johnston joined United in 2011 as a mortgage loan processor and since has gained extensive experience in processing and originating loans for a variety of customers for the past 11 years.
Sawhill joins Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C.
The Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C. law firm shared in a news release that April Sawhill has joined the firm as counsel.
Contributed Photo by Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C./ April SawhillSawhill began her practice in commercial litigation and insurance coverage matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan after graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Law. She was elected a partner at Varnum LLP, before joining her spouse on international corporate assignments in Singapore and South Korea.
Upon her return to the United States, Sawhill served at William & Mary Law School as the lead artificial intelligence researcher for the Center for Legal and Court Technology, where her research centered on the implications of emerging technologies for tort and other liabilities, key components of AI regulations (legal and ethical), and multi-disciplinary responses to cybersecurity.
In 2022, she joined Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison P.C. as a general civil and commercial litigator, and a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 General Civil mediator.
Peek, Ditmer and Thurman join local Pinnacle Bank
Pinnacle's Chattanooga office adds three more veteran financial services professionals to its team, according to a news release from the bank.
Contributed Photo by Pinnacle/ Scott PeekScott Peek and Josh Ditmer have joined Pinnacle as financial advisors in the firm's client advisory group, which serves business and commercial clients. Jim Thurman has brought his expertise to Pinnacle as a treasury management advisor. All three are based at Pinnacle's office at 801 Broad St.
Peek had been with Regions Bank for 20 years. For the past 15 years, he served as a commercial banking relationship manager. He also has experience in credit underwriting and branch office management. Peek earned a master's degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. He holds a Certified Treasury Professional designation from the Association for Financial Professionals.
Contributed Photo by Pinnacle/ Josh DitmerDitmer worked for Regions Bank for 19 years, with a concentration in serving commercial clients and high-net-worth individuals. He also has experience in branch office management and telebanking. Ditmer is a certified wealth strategist and was the top commercial lending wealth advisor for Regions in 2021.
Thurman had been with Regions Bank for seven years, most recently serving as treasury management sales officer. Prior to his tenure at Regions, he worked for U.S. Xpress Enterprises as senior treasury analyst and cash manager. Thurman is a graduate of Wofford College and earned a master's degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He holds a Certified Treasury Professional designation from the Association for Financial Professionals.
Contributed Photo by Pinnacle/ Jim ThurmanWilson to head recruitment at BlueCross's BlueSky Institute
BlueSky Tennessee Institute, a workforce development venture with East Tennessee State University offering a bachelor's degree in computing in just over two years, has chosen Haley Wilson as recruitment coordinator.
Before joining the BlueSky Institute team, Wilson taught at East Ridge Middle School in the Hamilton County school system. She also served as an instructional leader for planning and development for the Hamilton County Literacy Council during the 2021-2022 school year.
"Haley shares our commitment to expanding opportunities for driven, talented students to realize their dreams of a career in tech," said Bradley Leon, executive director of the BlueSky Institute in a news release. "Her enthusiasm and her experience in education and relationship-building skills make her a great fit for BlueSky's recruitment efforts, and we are pleased to have her on board."
As recruitment coordinator, Wilson will conduct regular outreach to educate and engage prospective students and other key audiences about the BlueSky Institute program's features and benefits. She'll build connections with advisors and teachers, host regular informational sessions, and cultivate champions for the program, with a particular focus on Hamilton County schools.
JHM announces new partners
JHM announces Sherri Anderson and Derek Young as partners.
Anderson joined JHM in January 2004 and has since grown to offer business advice to many nonprofits as well as leading multiple audits for our nonprofit and construction clients. She has served on numerous boards in the community and is the leader of motivation for the firm to update processes, values, and team incentives, according to a news release from the firm.
Derek Young joined JHM in December 2003. Young has extensive experience in the housing and governmental industries and also received the Advanced Single Audit Certification in 2017. He is a member of the JHM Peer Review Practice team and maintains quality control procedures for the firm.
Hughes, Droke and Brown joins Lawson Winchester
Kay Hughes, Patrick Droke and Kayley Brown have joined Lawson Winchester Wealth Management, a Chattanooga-based financial advice and management firm.
Contributed Photo by Lawson Winchester Wealth Management/ Kay HughesHughes is joining the firm as a senior wealth advisor and a chartered financial planner.
Droke comes to the team as a financial advisor working closely with his clients to develop a deep understanding of what they really want and need, according to the news release.
Contributed Photo by Lawson Winchester Wealth Management/ Patrick DrokeBrown joins Lawson Winchester Wealth Management as a client service representative where her goals are to provide all clients with an excellent service experience and to support the advisors in helping their clients plan for their future.
Contributed Photo by Lawson Winchester Wealth Management/ Kayley BrownGirls Inc. of Chattanooga announces appointment of new board members
Girls Inc. of Chattanooga shared the appointment of five new members to the Board of Directors in a news release.
New board members include:
-- Quintin Alford, senior executive pharmaceutical sales representative for AstraZeneca
-- Abbey Dyer-Amonette, operations director for Cigna Healthcare
-- Florence Bromfield, learning business partner and director of learning for Unum
-- Laura Campbell, vice president Supply Chain with TVA
-- Selma Kayne, founding attorney with Kayne Legal Consulting, PLLC
Information about new hires, promotions and business awards should be sent to onthemove@timesfreepress.com.