Former KY3 anchor Maria Neider joins City of Ozark communications team
The City of Ozark announced in a press release Monday that Maria Neider has joined the communications team as director. Ms. Neider joins the City after her nearly 20-year career as an anchor and reporter at KY3. In this role, Mr. Neider will oversee all aspects of communications for the City of Ozark. This includes media relations, public relations, and internal communications.
“I am excited to contribute to the continued growth and success of this community,” Neider said in the release.
Benjamin Ward also joins Ozark's communications team. The ward will serve as the city's spokesperson. Ozark Communications Prior to joining the team, she oversaw internal and external communications at Adult & Teen Challenge USA.
“My family and I have been part of the Ozark community for years,” Ward said. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve in this role and continue to inform and engage the people of the Ozarks.”
Mercy Announces Two Leadership Promotions in Ozark
Mercy announced in a press release Wednesday that David Argueta, president of Mercy Springfield Communities, has been promoted to regional president of Mercy Southwest Missouri Communities. John Myers, chief operating officer of Mercy Springfield Communities, has assumed the position of Argueta's former community president.
Murthy said these promotions are part of a strategic growth plan to address increased patient volume, which may soon include Pittsburgh, Kansas. Mr. Murthy expects to complete the transaction with Ascension's Via Christi Hospital this summer. To meet the needs of a diverse patient population, Mercy selected Argueta to provide strategic guidance for a regional approach.
“Southwest Missouri is a large and important region for Mercy, encompassing 27,000 square miles of patients and more than 200 treatment facilities,” Argueta said in the release. Our regional approach allows us to lead collaboratively across all of our facilities in the region, deepening our existing services while also growing into communities like Pittsburgh, Kansas. ”
Mercy's southwest Missouri community is a mix of rural and urban areas, Myers said, and the region has unique needs when it comes to health care. Mr. Myers joined Mercy in 2022 as chief operating officer in Springfield. He has more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare and clinical leadership field and prior to joining Mercy served as Chief Operating Officer at Research Medical Center in Kansas City.
Ozark Chamber of Commerce names Russell as new president and CEO
The Ozark Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Chris Russell as its new president and CEO.
“The Ozark Chamber of Commerce is preparing to revitalize our presence in the community,” said Ozark Chamber of Commerce Board President Guy Caraway. “We have already made great strides in supporting and promoting our local business partners, and Chris is the leader we need to continue our forward momentum.”
Mr. Russell joins the Ozark Chamber of Commerce after serving as president and CEO of the Nixa Chamber of Commerce for five years. Russell's leadership was instrumental in the purchase and renovation of the Nixa Chamber of Commerce's Welcome Center, according to a press release.
“Throughout my professional career, I have been dedicated to helping businesses and organizations thrive,” Russell said. It is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to bring my passion for success to Ozark and work with the Board, volunteers, and the community at large. ”
Arvest Bank announces three new branch sales managers
Arvest Bank has announced three branch sales managers for the Springfield area.
Jen Elridge joins Arvest as branch sales manager at the National Avenue store in Springfield. She brings her eight years of banking experience to this role. Elridge will be responsible for sales, production and profitability for the entire branch. She also provides consumer financial services to her clients as needed. Elridge holds an associate degree from the Ozarks Technical Community and a certificate in business and commercial lending from the American Bankers Association.
Shelby Monnig has joined Arvest as Sales Manager for the Sunshine Street Branch. With her 10 years of experience in the industry, she will be responsible for providing sales leadership and overseeing the branch's sales, production and profitability. Monnig holds an associate degree in general education from Ozarks Technical Community College.
Parker Davis has been promoted to branch sales manager for the Republic Road branch in Springfield. Davis has three years of experience at Arvest and was previously a banker. In his new role, he will manage the branch's sales, production and profitability. He will also lead the sales team and provide consumer financial services. Davis holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Drury University.
Marbury joins OMB housing finance team
Nathan Mayberry joins OMB Bank's Home Lending team as a Mortgage Loan Officer, serving Joplin and the surrounding areas.
Maberry has over 15 years of mortgage lending experience. He began his career in 2009 as a loan officer with his Missouri Capital Finance, and most recently he served as his mortgage originator with USA Mortgage.
“Nathan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and his track record of confidently serving customers throughout the mortgage process is perfectly aligned with our commitment to providing excellent customer service. ” said Michael Flerking, Director of Mortgage. “We look forward to Nathan’s commitment to helping individuals and families achieve their dreams of homeownership in Barton, Jasper, Newton, Vernon and other counties.”
Hunt promoted to Vice President of Human Resources at Branson Bank
Branson Bank announced the promotion of Jamie Hunt to vice president and director of human resources. In addition to his current role supporting more than 75 bank employees, Mr. Hunt will lead strategic initiatives supporting employee recruitment and retention, succession planning, and strengthening Branson Bank.
Mr. Hunt joined Branson Bank in July 2008 and has since held several positions throughout the organization. She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and a minor in psychology from the College of the Ozarks. She also serves as Secretary of the Branson Tri-Lakes HR Association.
“Jamie's diverse experience, talented skill set, and caring heart uniquely equip her to be an outstanding leader in HR,” said Bill Jones, President and CEO of Branson Bank. , which is exactly who she is.”
Mr. Clark receives the 2024 SQF Practitioner Leadership Award of Excellence
Vital Farms Quality Assurance Manager Robert Clark has been awarded the 2024 SQF Outstanding Practitioner Leadership Award, according to a press release. This award is presented by the Safe and Quality Food Association. This underscores the company's commitment to food safety and sustainable agriculture at Egg Central Station, an egg processing and packaging plant in Springfield.
“Robert's expertise extends beyond just understanding quality. He has helped us build an overall food safety culture and ensured the safety standards of every Vital Farms egg that reaches people's tables. ” said Russell Diez-Canseco, President and CEO of Vital Farms.
In his role at Egg Central Station, Mr. Clark leads a team of 21 food safety and quality assurance professionals who oversee the processing of eggs from more than 300 family-owned farms. This brings him up to 6 million eggs per day that are sorted, washed and packaged at the factory.
Egg Central Station is a critical part of Vital Farms' goal of building a resilient food system with industry-leading conservation capabilities. This includes advances in water filtration and bioretention systems, solar energy panels and LED lighting, zero waste production to landfill, and high safety and quality standards.
