Newsmakers: Aug. 28-Sept. 3, 2023

Accounting
Michael A. Nelson, a tax department supervisor at KPM CPAs & Advisors, earned the certified valuation analyst credential from the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts. With nine years of experience in tax and forensic accounting and valuation services, he’s a certified public accountant and certified fraud examiner, and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting, as well as an MBA, from Missouri State University.

Banking & Finance
Brad Weaver, senior vice president and chief lending officer at Systematic Savings Bank, was elected secretary of the State Banking and Savings and Loan Board. Gov. Mike Parson appointed Weaver to the board, which operates under the Missouri Division of Finance, in April 2021, and he succeeds Thane H. Kifer, of Bolivar, as secretary.

Mid-Missouri Bank hired Jason Whitesell as a senior vice president at its Willard branch. He has 22 years of banking experience, including VP roles at Guaranty Bank and OMB Bank, and holds a bachelor’s in marketing from MSU.

OMB Bank added Christy Maupin and Sarah Smith as private banking officers. Both previously worked as retail officers at Legacy Bank & Trust Co. Maupin has 34 years of banking experience, while Smith has worked 20 years in retail and private banking.

Branson Bank hired Jordan Dowden as vice president of commercial lending. With seven years of lending experience, he holds a bachelor’s in business from MSU and is a graduate of the Missouri Bankers Association School of Banking.

Law
Attorney Corey Kilburn, founder of RoundTable Legal LLC, was recognized in Missouri Lawyers Weekly’s 2023 Up and Coming Awards. Among 54 attorneys recognized statewide, he’s one of four named in the Law Firm Leaders category.

Sandy Ellis, legal secretary and receptionist for Wampler & Passanise PC, received a 2023 Unsung Hero Award from Missouri Lawyers Media. She was one of eight legal secretaries recognized for a commitment to excellence and behind-the-scenes leadership. Ellis began her career as the legal secretary for Greene County prosecuting attorney Dee Wampler, then worked for Judge John Crow at the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, before joining Wampler & Passanise.

Municipal
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued $30,000 grants to Arcola and Stockton and a $50,000 grant to Branson West. The cities are slated to evaluate their public wastewater systems for possible improvements for drinking water.

Nonprofit
The Springfield-Greene County Library Board added Robert Stephens and Melanie Weiler as trustees and appointed officers Rachael Morrow as president, Stacey Penney as vice-president, Christopher Bozarth as secretary and Aaron Jones as treasurer. The board’s trustees serve three-year terms with the possibility of reappointment.

The Efactory received a $200,000 award from the Missouri Technology Corp. through its Physical Infrastructure Grant Program to enhance and increase access to entrepreneurial support services.

The funding is going toward expansion of physical resources at the Efactory, largely through incubator space for businesses in manufacturing, health sciences, logistics and supply chain management, and technology.