Ramsey, Garrett promoted at AAT
Access America Transport, a leading third-party logistics provider headquartered in Chattanooga, has promoted Ronald Ramsey to vice president as the company continues to build momentum and experience record growth in 2011.
"Ronald's intensity and work ethic have made him an invaluable leader within our company, and much of AAT's success to date is the result of his mentorship of our salespeople," said Chad Eichelberger, president of Access America Transport.
Ramsey joined AAT from US Xpress in 2005 and began working as the director of parcel shipping before being promoted to director of sales and eventually regional vice president.
Access America also promoted Lookout Mountain native Carter Garrett to regional sales director after two years as a top producer at AAT.
"The company culture we strive for at Access America relies on driven and focused individuals like Carter who set the standard," Ramsey said.
Last year Inc. Magazine recognized AAT as one of its 500 fastest-growing companies in the United States. AAT now has seven offices across North America.
IBM honors three BlueCross champs
IBM has selected three BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee employees for its Information Champions program, which is designed to "identify and showcase outstanding technology professionals." BlueCross is one of only four companies worldwide with three information champions.
Frank Brooks, director, data management and information delivery, was named a champion for business analytics and recognized for his contributions, including numerous speaking engagements, white papers and articles, as well as service on IBM's business analytics customer advisory board.
Brian Green, manager of business intelligence development, also was selected as a champion for business analytics. He is an active member of the business intelligence excellence advisory committee and co-authored a business intelligence strategy book in 2010. Brooks and Green also are supporting a joint effort among BlueCross, IBM and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to develop an information management center of excellence.
Bindu Madhav, technical systems analyst III, was named a champion for IBM's InfoSphere data integration tool. He is a frequent contributor to community forums, including the Chattanooga User Group for IT Architects, and has spoken at the Information on Demand global conference for four consecutive years.
"This recognition highlights the incredible depth of talent we have here at BlueCross," said Nick Coussoule, senior vice president and chief information officer.
Ward elected union vice president
Richard Ward, a lifetime resident of Chattanooga, recently was elected as second general vice president of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers as part of the leadership team led by General President Walter Wise.
Ward started his apprenticeship at Local Union 704 in Chattanooga in 1963 and rose quickly through the ranks. He eventually was elected by his fellow ironworkers as business agent in 1984.
Ward was elected president of the Iron Workers District Council of the Tennessee Valley and Vicinity in 1989 and also has served as a trustee on the District Council of Tennessee Valley and Vicinity fringe benefits funds for more than 20 years. Ward was appointed general vice president in 2003.
Robinson heads biofuels at Museum
The Creative Discovery Museum has added Wayne Robinson as biofuels coordinator. Creative Discovery Museum was selected by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Georgia's Education Department to develop and pilot science lessons on biofuels and alternative energy for transportation in 2008.
Working with top scientists, engineers and science educators, the museum created a classroom lesson called "Farming for Fuels" that is presented through the museum's school outreach program, Museum-A-Go-Go.
Robinson will lead the program that provides lessons by museum outreach staff for middle school grades on the scientific processes for creating biofuels from switchgrass rather than from corn.
Robinson served as director of science curriculum for Walker County Schools for 28 years.
"Wayne brings expertise and unique experience in the field of science education, successful project management and a passion for science education to this position," said Jayne Griffin, director of education at the Creative Discovery Museum.
Fuchar to direct planning council
Paul Fuchar has been named to a two-year term as chairman of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health Planning and Policy Council.
Fuchar currently serves as executive director of the Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, a nonprofit facility which offers in-patient and day treatment as well as prevention and regional training activities for the Chattanooga area.
"We are very excited about Paul's tenure as chairman," Tennessee Department of Mental Health Commissioner Doug Varney said. "His leadership at CADAS will serve him well in guiding the direction of the Planning and Policy Council as they advise our department on policy, budget requests, and developing and evaluating services and supports."
The council meets every three months. In addition to advising TDMH in policy, budget, service development and evaluations, it also assists in planning high quality prevention, early intervention, treatment and rehabilitation services, as well as advocates for the needs of people with mental illness, serious emotional disturbance and substance use disorders.
Wilson to head bank client services
CapitalMark Bank & Trust has appointed veteran banker Terry Wilson as director of client services. The Chattanooga bank tries to align one banker per client and relies heavily on the use of executive courier services and technology to enhance the clients' banking experience.
"Many banks offer one-size-fits-all products when, in actuality, clients have unique financial needs," Wilson said. "CapitalMark's bankers take time to get to know their clients, fully assess their banking needs and create tailored solutions."
Wilson is a 33-year banking veteran with extensive experience in relationship management. A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the Mid-South School of Banking in Memphis, he is one of seven bankers operating from the Chattanooga office of CapitalMark.
"Our unique business model is proving successful in a tough banking climate," said Kenny Dyer, CapitalMark's Chattanooga president. "CapitalMark is well-capitalized and continues to attract seasoned bankers like Terry."