Huffines retires from Tennessee River Gorge Trust
After nearly 11 years of service, Rick Huffines is retiring as executive director of the Tennessee River Gorge Trust.
Since joining the land trust in 2012 after working as a program analyst for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Huffines helped add more than 1,500 acres of conserved land through donations and acquisitions. The acquired property included high-profile projects such as the Edwards Point vista and trails and the Aetna Mountain Bogs. A bird research lab was built in the Gorge, where hundreds of birds have been banded and released for research efforts.
“We were so lucky to have Rick lead our organization over the past decade,” Scott Smith, board chair of the Tennessee River Gorge Trust, said in a statement. “Though his accomplishments are many, perhaps his greatest achievement is expanding our work beyond preservation to encompass public access and extensive environmental research.”
Smith said the River Gorge board of directors established a transition committee earlier this month to assist the organization as it moves forward in choosing new leadership. Additional information will be posted on the organization’s website in November.
Rick HuffinesProbasco promoted at The Trust Co.
The Trust Co. of Tennessee has promoted William Probasco to the role of associate relationship manager, based in the firm’s Chattanooga office.
Probasco joined The Trust Co. of Tennessee as a client specialist in 2021. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management with a minor in business from the University of Tennessee in 2012.
“William has quickly built great trust with our clients, while also continuing to commit himself to supporting the Chattanooga community,” said Zach Hurst, vice president and Chattanooga managing director for The Trust Co. of Tennessee, in a news release. “We believe this is the first of many next steps for William within The Trust Co. of Tennessee.”
Founded in 1987 and with offices in Chattanooga, Knoxville and the Tri-Cities, The Trust Co. of Tennessee currently has more than $4 billion under management. The firm helps individuals, families, business owners and nonprofits make better financial decisions through wealth management, personal investment strategy, corporate retirement plans, estate planning and personal trust services.
William ProbascoWay joins Brightbridge Capital loan fund
BrightBridge Capital, a community development financial institution headquartered in Chattanooga, has added Preston Way to its Community Development Financial Institutions loan fund.
Way began his career as a consumer finance intern for Regions Bank in Birmingham and later worked at a startup fintech company that was privately owned by Goldman Sachs. He served as a manager focusing on selling alternative investments to financial advisors.
“I’m excited to serve the small business community,” Way said in a news release about his appointment. “The meaningful purpose and positive impact BrightBridge offers is the biggest driver for me.”
Way is a graduate of The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and earned a Master of Business Administration. He was part of UTC’s Student Managed Investment Learning Experience.
“Preston is such a great fit for the BrightBridge team and we look forward to putting his skillsets to work,” BrightBridge Director Bill Bill Pollard said in a statement.
BrightBridge has worked to help provide financing for startups and existing businesses since 1981.
Preston WaySimmons becomes member of Miller & Martin
Attorney Scott Simmons has been elected and promoted to membership in the Chattanooga-based law firm of Miller & Martin PLLC.
Simmons works in the firm’s Chattanooga office on labor-and-employment matters where he practices in both state and federal courts, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the National Labor Relations Board. Simmons returned to the private practice of law at Miller & Martin in 2019 after spending several years as a partner and licensed agent in an independent commercial insurance agency. He also is an ordained Southern Baptist minister who served several years full-time as senior pastor of a local church.
Simmons is licensed to practice in Tennessee, and he has been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America in the areas of commercial litigation, labor-and-employment law and employment litigation. He graduated from the University of Tennessee magna cum laude with his law degree, as well as with a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA.
He is a member of the Chattanooga Bar Association and the Tennessee Bar Association and he serves on the board of directors for the Southeast Tennessee Society of Human Resource Management. He serves as Deacon Chair and Personnel Committee member of Red Bank Baptist Church.
Scott SimmonsCore Homes promotes Smith to production coordinator
Jenn Smith has been promoted to production coordinator of Core Homes. Smith previously served as an administrative assistant for three years for Core Homes prior to being promoted.
In her new role, Smith will oversee purchasing, permitting and billing for Core Homes and Marono Properties, the rental properties arm of Core Homes.
Smith entered the construction industry 20 years ago in Westhampton Beach, New York. She began her career in land surveying and high-end residential construction. Smith found her niche in property management and expediting permits.
“I have found that honesty and communication are the keys to happy clients, partners and fellow team members,” Smith said in an announcement of her appointment. “You can’t achieve excellence without them.”
Information about new hires, promotions and business awards should be sent to onthemove@timesfreepress.com.