The Jefferson City East Side Business Association (JCESBA) recently presented Donnell Rehagen with the 2022 Outstanding Service Recognition Award. Donnell Rehagen, CEO of Clean Fuels Alliance America, has been a foundational part of the Jefferson City East Side Business Association. He and his organization are perpetual supporters of JCESBA, donating their time and resources to lead and advance the organization. Rehagen was instrumental in initiating cornerstone JCESBA programs and events such as the annual scholarship program and golf tournament.
1731 Southridge Dr. | (573) 635-9295 | jcesba.org
Central Bank is delighted to announce Michelle Varcho has been hired as the new vice-president, director of human resources. Varcho brings more than 25 years of experience in human resources. For the last decade, she led operations/education outreach for 3RNet-National Recruitment and Retention Network. In addition, she has human resources experience with the Community Health Center of Central Missouri. Varcho is a graduate of Columbia College and earned her master’s degree from William Woods University. She and her husband have two sons and reside in Jefferson City.
238 Madison St. | (573) 634-1302 | centralbank.net
SSM Health’s system wide Clinical Awards honored exceptional employees who carry forward the legacy, mission, and values in a way that has garnered admiration of their peers. Christopher Paynter, DO, MS, FACOFP, family medicine physician in Tipton was honored as physician of the year. Dr. Paynter was recognized for being a wonderful practitioner who takes exemplary care of his patients, but is also an admirable leader. As a mentor and coach, Dr. Paynter helps medical students integrate and he highlights ways they can add great value to clinics during their rotations. Shannon Wright, APRN, nurse practitioner in Belle, received the high honor as Advanced Practice Provider of the Year. Wright was nominated for knowing rural medicine, managing patients with complicated conditions locally, understanding their travel limitations, and her overall access to specialists and higher levels of care. Karla Libbert, senior administrative assistant, received recognition as clinical support team member of the year. Libbert is often the new team members’ first impression of SSM Health. She reflects their mission and values every day in her interactions. She is also known for being the glue that holds the nursing team together, offering support, encouragement, a listening ear, and a shoulder to cry on.
2505 Mission Dr., Ste. 210 | (573) 681-3187 | ssmhealth.com
Nikolaus Levin, a newly appointed biology teacher at Capital City High School, and Elizabeth Stegeman, have been recognized among the 2022 Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow by the Missouri Milken Educators. The Missouri Milken Educators partnered with WGU Missouri to create this new program, and in its first year, 10 teachers across the state – all of whom are WGU Missouri graduates – received the Missouri Teacher Leaders of Tomorrow designation.
205 Jefferson St. | (573) 751-42 | eqdev@dese.mo.gov
Lendmark Financial Services, a provider of household credit and consumer loans, has opened a new branch in Jefferson City. Jefferson City marks Lendmark’s third branch in Missouri, following the recent branch openings in Columbia and Independence.
2208 Missouri Blvd., Ste. 103 | (573) 491-1001 | lendmarkfinancial.com
Jefferson City Medical Group is proud to welcome Kevin Middlemist, DO, to the JCMG orthopaedic & sports medicine team. As part of the team, Dr. Middlemist will be performing a variety of procedures including which include: shoulder arthroscopy (instability and rotatorcuff ), knee arthroscopy (ligament reconstruction), hiparthroscopy, cartilage preservation and restoration, join treplacement (shoulder and knee), orthopaedic trauma, and Tommy JohnSurgery (UCL reconstruction).
1241 W. Stadium Blvd. | (573) 635-5264 | jcmg.org
Capital Region Medical Center is pleased to announce five new providers. Sostanie Enoru, M.D., has been welcomed to Capital Region Physicians – cardiology. Dr. Enoruis board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. In addition, he holds professional memberships in the American College of Cardiology, the American College of Physicians, and the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. John Savooji, M.D. has been welcomed to the Goldschmidt Cancer Center. Dr. Savoojiis board-certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine. He is a member of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and American Society of Hematology. Olakunle Oni, M.D., was welcomed to Capital Region Physicians – pediatrics. Dr. Oni recently completed his pediatric residency at New York Medical College, Metropolitan Hospital Center in New York. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Miranda Luebbert, APRN, FNP was welcomed to Capital Region Physicians – urgent care. Miranda received her bachelors in nursing from Lincoln University and masters from Herzing University. Sarah Murphy, DNP, APRN, FNP-C was also welcomed to Capital Region Physicians – urgent care. As a nurse practitioner, Sarah has specialized in family and internal medicine.
1125 Madison St. | (573) 632-5000 | crmc.org
Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri Department of Public Safety recognizes Sergeant Timmy D. Shoop, Troop B for his efforts following an Amtrak derailment earlier this year. He provided an immediate response to the scene in Chariton County where everyone was evacuated safely, including a severely injured crew member pinned under the railcar. In the following days, Shoop facilitated communication, led in the removal of oversized railcars, worked on crash investigation, and visited the injured Amtrak crew member in the hospital. State Emergency Management Agency and Missouri Department of Public Safety also recognize Melissa Friel for her excelling work following the Amtrak derailment as well as unprecedented flash flooding in the St. Louis Region. Friel led collaboration among voluntary and community organizations to bring assistance for those affected by flooding. She canceled her vacation to continue providing support.
301 W. High St. #870(573) 751-4905 | dps.mo.gov
Steele’s Fine Custom Meats is projected to open this fall. Owner, Scott Steele has a family history in the meat processing industry, worked in a butcher shop in college, and has gathered experience working across the country. The location (formerly Zesto Drive-In) will provide high-quality meats featuring a deli case, shelved dry goods, and a reach-in freezer.
1730 Jefferson St. | (573) 375-5685 | steelesmeats.com
Runge Conservation Nature Center Manager, Kevin Lohraff, was awarded the 2022 Ernest Thompson Seton Award, presented to individuals for their contributions to efforts support-ing the community and nature around them. Lohraff was awarded for his work with the Great Rivers Council and the Sporting Clays Committee.
2901 W. Truman Blvd. | (573) 751-4115 | mdc.mo.gov
Missouri River Regional Library is pleased to announce Claudia Youngas the 2022 Missouri Library Association (MLA) president. The MLA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization operating to promote library service, the profession of librarianship, and cooperation among organizations concerned with library service in the state. MRRL also recognizes those who were selected to receive MLA Awards in 2022: Madeline Matson and Christine Boston, of Lincoln University, have been selected as the 2022 Community Partnership Award Recipients. The award recognizes a library and one or more community organizations for developing a partnership that benefits members of their shared community. Lisa Sanning was also selected as the 2022 Outstanding Professional Librarian Recipient.
214 Adams St. | (573) 634-2464 | mrrl.org
River Oak Christian Academy is pleased to announce the addition of Jacob Baker as their new deputy head of school. Jacob will follow Lisa Smith, who has served as the head of school for River Oak Christian Academy since 2016. In addition to a new head of school, River Oak Academy will open enrollment for eighth grade in January 2023 to round out its middle school expansion while also launching a capital campaign to finance construction of a new school building.
919 Wildwood Dr. | (573) 634-3983 | riveroakjc.org