Ashley Varner has been selected as the new executive director for the JC Schools Foundation and will begin her new role in early 2020. She will succeed Karen Enloe, who has served as the executive director since 2007 and is retiring at the end of 2019. The JC Schools Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to raising funds to support teachers and students of the Jefferson City School District. 

Several Edward Jones financial advisors were honored during a regional meeting. Max Fisher received the A.F. McKenzie Award; John Taylor and Corey Luetkemeyer received the Jack Phelan Award; and Brad Oxenhandler, John Koester, Robin Leach, and Kelly Kruse received the Ed Armstong Award. These awards celebrate exceptional achievement in building client relationships. Additionally, the following advisors received awards named after employees who were innovative and recognized the need for quality financial advice for long-term individual investors: Joe March received the Edward Jones Sr. Founders Award, and DJ Thrash and Ryan Green took home the Ted Jones Entrepreneurial Award.

Kas A Designs was voted “Best Jeweler in Missouri” by readers of Missouri Life magazine. Kas A Designs is the longest-established independent full-service jewelry store and custom jewelry design house in central Missouri. 

GFI Digital was recognized by Ricoh, the international imaging and electronics company, for having the company’s highest overall revenue growth in the U.S.

Howell’s Carpet has hired Samantha Rush as its new interior designer. Rush has been working in Jefferson City for the last two years and graduated from Missouri State University in 2017 with a degree in interior design.

Jefferson City Medical Group has welcomed Dr. Ryan A. Strain to its roster of surgical specialists. Strain is a board-certified general surgeon who also specializes in bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass and gastric sleeves. Strain’s bariatric surgical program in Jefferson City is being developed and is expected to launch in early 2020. Strain attended medical school at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, followed by a general surgery residency at the University of Kansas and a bariatric surgery fellowship at the University of Missouri. 

Several members of the Brownfield Ag News team were honored during the 76th Annual National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention. Anchor and reporter Tom Steever was inducted into the 2019 Hall of Fame and Shannon Yokley, digital products coordinator, was selected as the 2019 Horizon Award winner.

Carson & Coil employee Sarah Rau has been selected by the Leadership Jefferson City Class of 2019 to serve a one-year term as the class representative to the Chamber’s Board of Directors and the LJC Steering Committee. 

Capital Region Medical Center has hired Adrienne Mills as surgical services director. Prior to accepting this position, Mills served Capital Region for two years as the director of cardiovascular services. She also served as the manager of interventional services for SSM Health St. Mary’s. 

Abby Kemna, RN, is now director of cardiovascular services, intensive care unit and progressive care unit, at Capital Region Medical Center. Kemna was previously employed with MU Health Care, most recently serving as clinical manager and service line specialist. Before beginning her nursing career, she was a certified public accountant.

The Architects Alliance has announced the addition of architect Jonathan Thompson. Thompson brings 11 years of experience, most recently as lead architect for the Missouri Department of Conservation. Thompson also serves as president of the American Institute of Architects Mid-Missouri Chapter.