jamie grossAquarium appoints Jamie Gross as finance director
The Tennessee Aquarium has hired Jamie Gross as finance director for the nonprofit organization that oversees the day-to-day operations of Chattanooga's three top attractions.
Mr. Gross will be responsible for the aquarium's finance department, managing day-to-day financial operations, cash management, tax filings, financial audits, accounting and recordkeeping, and fiscal policy compliance. His responsibilities also extend to the Creative Discovery Museum and the Hunter Museum of American Art, which share business services with the aquarium.
Mr. Gross, a certified public accountant, previously served as director of finance and administration for the Chalmers Center at Covenant College and was previously chief financial officer of Bryan College and administrator of Covenant College.
“Tennessee Aquarium plays an important role in Chattanooga's tourism economy, generating more than $4.88 billion in local spending since opening in 1992,” said Gordon Starrance, Tennessee Aquarium Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He has contributed to the promotion.” statement. “As we look to the next decade on Chattanooga's Riverfront, we are thrilled to have Jamie provide strong financial management that will be essential to the continued success of our mission to connect guests with water and wildlife. I'm excited to be joining the team.”
Mr. Gross earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Westminster and a certificate in nonprofit accounting from the International Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He serves on the Southeastern Climbers Union and the Woodland Park Baptist Church Finance Committee.
Brock Oliver named partner of HHM
HHM Certified Public Accountants, a full-service CPA and consulting firm with locations in Chattanooga, Memphis and Cleveland, has added CPA Brock Oliver as a partner in the firm's Chattanooga office.
block oliverOliver brings more than 10 years of accounting experience to the firm and previously played a key role in launching the firm's Nashville office and leading its higher education practice in the Southeast.
A native of Chattanooga, Oliver spent four years (2008-2011) on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. He is a member of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants.
“We are honored to welcome Mr. Block to our firm as a partner,” said Donnie Hutcherson, managing partner at HHM CPAs, in a statement. “His unique skillset and expertise in auditing will bring tremendous value to our firm. We look forward to working with Block to continue to provide excellent service to our clients and drive our growth.” I am.”
Alma Estrada joins Cempa's Board of Directors
Alma Estrada, vice president and financial sales manager for First Citizens Bank, has joined Cempa Community Care's board of directors.
Estrada has more than 20 years of experience in the banking and financial industry and currently serves as an ambassador for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and previously served as an ambassador for the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce. She also served on the board of the Rift Youth Center. Estrada is also a member of Catoosa's 2020 Class of Leadership.
“Cempa has such an important and valuable impact on our community, and I look forward to helping this organization reach more friends and neighbors in the Chattanooga area,” said Estrada, Cempa board member. This was stated in a news release regarding participation in the meeting.
William Kent selected as partner at Holland & Knight
William Kent, a member of the business department of Holland & Knight LLP in Chattanooga, is one of 46 attorneys selected to partner with the firm, effective January 1.
Kent advises privately held companies, long-term holding companies, private equity sponsors and venture capital firms on a wide range of transactional, corporate and securities matters.
Holland & Knight is a global law firm with approximately 2,200 attorneys and other professionals in 34 offices around the world.
Thrive adds board member Rhett Bentley to team
Thrive Regional Partnership joins the team to address the growth challenges of the 16-county tri-state region.
Rhett Bentley has returned to the group as chief communications officer. According to Thrive, she has 10 years of experience in marketing and communications, including brand strategy, digital media strategy, and public relations. In this role, she will lead her communications initiatives across a variety of media championing the brand to local, regional and national audiences.
The nonprofit also welcomed nine new board members, reflecting the region's growth in leadership and representation. Newly elected Board Trustees are April Cameron, Carol Eimers, Chuck Hammonds, Craig Bock, Dan Merriman, John Squires, Kelsey Keener, Mark McKnight, and Pete Conroy.
“As Thrive continues to advance our programs and investments in sustainable initiatives in our communities, it is important that our efforts are led by leaders from across the region,” said Thrive President and CEO. ) Bridget Massengill said in a statement.
Will Stansell selected to Ingersoll Rand Champions Club
Will Stansell, who has been an account manager for Ingersoll Rand for the past three years, was awarded the Champions Club for his 2023 sales performance. This award is given annually to the top 10 sales professionals in the United States.
Stansell's territory spans several counties in North Georgia. Stansell is a Chattanooga native and graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Ingersoll Rand is a market leader in industrial compressed air systems, services and controls.
Send information about new hires, promotions and business awards to onthemove@timesfreepress.com.
