Eric Blumberg
Veterans United Home Loans announced the hiring of award-winning journalist Eric Blumberg as multimedia producer. Blumberg’s role will focus on covering stories and issues across the nation relevant to veterans. Blumberg previously worked for KOMU-TV 8, where he was a multimedia sports journalist for 10 years.
“Whether it is helping during the home-buying process or providing information to help them use their benefits, we are constantly looking for ways to serve our veterans and active military,” says Kris Farmer, chief marketing officer for Veterans United Home Loans. “Eric’s multimedia experience is a great addition to our team and will help us serve even more people.”
Star Night
The Convention and Visitors Bureau and Columbia Hospitality Association hosted their annual Star Night in late February to recognize members of the Columbia hotel, motel and bed-and-breakfast community who went above and beyond in defining “hospitality.” More than 90 people attended the event. Those recognized and awarded were: Employee of the Year, Edith Evans, Staybridge Suites; General Manager of the Year, Patrick Presnal, Hampton Inn at Clark Lane; Salesperson of the Year, Dawn Richison, Hampton Inn at University of Missouri; Hospitality Star of the Year, Mike Kelly, general manager, Stoney Creek Inn.
Boone County National Bank: January Promotions
Nick Adcock, customer service representative II
Miles Taylorsteele, customer service representative II
Trenton Vaughn, customer service representative II
Keri Moore, senior teller for the Lake of the Woods Bank
Josh Guild, teller II
Rebecca Ittner, teller II
Nichole Twenter, teller II
Rodney Dixon, consumer banking representative for the Columbia Mall Bank
Doug Schaefer, financial associate for the Smiley Lane Bank
Marco Horn, compliance coordinator for the Downtown Bank
Hilary Babcock, residential underwriter for the Downtown Bank
Steve Wiegenstein
A novel written by Columbia College Graduate Dean Wiegenstein has been named the runner-up for the 2012 Langum Prize in American Historical Fiction. Slant of Light, Wiegenstein’s debut novel, tells the story of a fictional group of utopians who establish a settlement in southern Missouri during the years before the Civil War. It draws upon his academic research involving utopian communes of the 19th century and his upbringing as a fifth-generation Ozarks native.
Jerome Rader
Rader joined the Woodhaven Board of Directors in 2013. He is the vice president for human resources for MBS Textbook Exchange, where he has been employed for 23 years. He has a long history of advocating for individuals with disabilities, both as an employer at MBS and through board service at organizations including Job Point and ACT.
Sarah Read
Read joined the Woodhaven Board of Directors in 2013. She is an attorney and consultant residing in Columbia. Her professional experience includes strategic planning, administration and conflict resolution. She is also the community service co-chair of Columbia Metro Rotary and on the board of Columbia Parents for Public Schools, among other community interests.
Robert Condron
MFA Oil Co. named Condron chief financial officer. As CFO, Condron will be responsible for the IT, finance and corporate services departments. He will also evaluate strategic and financial planning as the company seeks growth in new regions of the country.
Condron brings 34 years of energy sales, marketing and cooperative experience to MFA Oil. Most recently, Condron served as the director of petroleum supply and marketing for Coffeyville Resources Refining and Marketing LLC.
“Robert brings a proven track record of achieving results,” says MFA Oil President Jerry Taylor. “His vast knowledge and experience in the energy and cooperative environment made him a perfect fit for us. We feel very fortunate to add someone with Robert’s proven skills to lead our team into the future.”
Kyle Reynolds
Reynolds joined The Trust Co. as account administrator. Originally from Indiana, Reynolds attended Purdue University and majored in pre-medicine and psychology and, upon switching majors, graduated from Columbia College with a bachelor’s degree in business management and finance. Prior to joining The Trust Co., Reynolds was assistant branch manager for a locally owned bank. He is a member of EPIC and has volunteered at the Food Bank and Columbia Stream Cleanup.
Kathleen Kerr
Kerr, an adviser at the University of Missouri, has been awarded the 2013 National Academic Advising Association Region 7 Award for Outstanding Advising in a Primary Role. Kerr works with MU’s Academic Exploration Advising Services and aids students in developing and accomplishing academic and life goals by finding a fit between the student’s interests and abilities and what MU has to offer. This is the fourth straight year that an MU adviser has been recognized by NACADA.
Mike Lederle
Lederle has been named assistant dean for Military and Federal Programs for the Division of Adult Higher Education at Columbia College. He is the primary contact for the institution’s military partnerships; oversees the expansion of the college’s military programs; coordinates all military-related college marketing and informational materials; and develops direction, processes and principles of best practice for military programs offered via seat and online environments. In his new role, he is the face of the college to numerous external agencies inside the military voluntary education community.
“Mike has a distinguished military background and extensive experience in both management and law enforcement,” says Dr. Gary Massey, dean for Adult Higher Education. “We are pleased to add his talents to our team.”
Jennifer Bondurant
Westminster College recently hired Bondurant as executive director of marketing and strategic communication. Previously, Bondurant divided her professional time between public relations/marketing and writing and editing. She operated her own public relations/marketing firm, CatchPhrase Communications, and served as editor for Jefferson City Magazine, a bi-monthly publication.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jenny as head of our marketing team,” says Westminster President Dr. George B. Forsythe. “She brings a wealth of experience to the position as well as a deep understanding of the mission, values and background of the college. Her qualifications and background have allowed her to hit the ground running here, and the college is already reaping the rewards of her leadership.”
