Tag Archives: Management and Career Moves

EPIC Adds Aaron Zetterower in Dallas, Texas

DALLAS, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Aaron Zetterower has joined the firm as Principal of the firm's Southwest Risk Management Practice.

Zetterower will be based in Dallas, Texas and report to KJ Wagner, President of EPIC's Southwest Region. In his new position, Zetterower is responsible for new business development and the design, placement and management of property and casualty insurance programs, providing risk management strategies and solutions for mid-market and large clients.

Zetterower joins EPIC from AssuredPartners, where he served as Vice President. Prior to that, he was the National Director for Charter School Programs at Crystal & Company.

"We are thrilled to continue the growth of our Property & Casualty operation in the Southwest Region," said EPIC's KJ Wagner. "Aaron's extensive background supporting Charter Schools brings a wealth of knowledge and rich industry experience to the team. I could not be more excited to have Aaron join us," said Joffrey Clark, EPIC's Charter School Practice Leader.

Aaron Zetterower can be reached at aaron.zetterower@epicbrokers.com or 214-923-7867.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
EPIC Holdings, Inc. is the corporate parent overseeing investments across the entire EPIC platform. The firm's core retail insurance brokerage business, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Aaron Zetterower has joined the firm as Principal of the firm's Southwest Risk Management Practice.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Aaron Schwen joins EPIC in Dallas

DALLAS, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Aaron Schwen has joined the firm as Client Advocate of the firm's Southwest Risk Management Practice.

Schwen will be based in Dallas, Texas and report to KJ Wagner, President of EPIC's Southwest Region. In his new position, Schwen is responsible for new business development and the design, placement and management of property and casualty insurance programs, providing risk management strategies and solutions for mid-market and large clients.

Schwen joins EPIC from AssuredPartners, where he served as the Charter School Practice Leader. Prior to that, he was a Director at Crystal & Company.

"We are thrilled to continue the growth of our Property & Casualty operation in the Southwest Region," said EPIC's KJ Wagner. "Aaron's extensive background supporting Charter Schools brings a wealth of knowledge and rich industry experience to the team. I could not be more excited to have Aaron join us," said Joffrey Clark, EPIC's National Charter School Practice Leader.

Aaron Schwen can be reached at aaron.schwen@epicbrokers.com or 817-727-2490.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Holdings, Inc. is the corporate parent overseeing investments across the entire EPIC platform. The firm's core retail insurance brokerage business, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Aaron Schwen has joined the firm as Client Advocate of the firm's Southwest Risk Management Practice.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Valentis Security welcomes new Business Development Lead in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- Valentis Security is proud to announce and welcome Joseph Ortiz as its new Business Development/Inside Sales Lead. Ortiz will be responsible for business development throughout the markets that Valentis is licensed to operate in.

Ortiz has 20 years experience collectively in both law enforcement as a New York Police Officer and the contracted security industry. He brings to Valentis 7 years' experience in sales and business development, including his time performing these tasks at one of the largest security companies in North America. Ortiz also brings supervisory experience with overseeing security guard operations in various capacities.

Marnie Sutch, CEO of Valentis, stated, "We welcome Joseph as part of our growing team as we continue to strategically place personnel in key roles to help facilitate our growth."

About Valentis:

We are a fully operational security logistics solution for a variety of clients and security concerns. We are growing domestically, and envision global ventures, in risk management and security logistics with services and products under development to create a network of global affiliates, lead through branding, and expand our clients; financial institutions, governments, religious facilities, maritime, cybersecurity, combined with specially-developed training, software and telecommunication consultancy, and more. We are mindful and committed and care about our clients, team, and shareholders.

Learn more at: https://valentissecurity.com/

Valentis Security is proud to announce and welcome Joseph Ortiz as its new Business Development/Inside Sales Lead. Ortiz will be responsible for business development throughout the markets that Valentis is licensed to operate in.

Related link: https://valentisinternational.com/

Raylene Chiarizzio joins EPIC in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Raylene Chiarizzio has joined the firm as Senior Vice President of the firm's Southwest Risk Management Practice.

Chiarizzio will be based in Los Angeles, California and report to KJ Wagner, President of EPIC's Southwest Region. In her new position, Chiarizzio is responsible for complex program design, placement and management of property and casualty insurance programs, providing risk management strategies and solutions for mid-market and large clients. Chiarizzio joins EPIC from Willis Towers Watson.

"We are thrilled to continue the growth of our Risk Management operations in the Southwest Region," said EPIC's KJ Wagner. "Raylene's extensive risk management experience brings a wealth of knowledge and rich industry experience to the team. I could not be more excited to have Raylene join us."

Raylene Chiarizzio can be reached at Raylene.chiarizzio@epicbrokers.com or 213-628-5525.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
EPIC Holdings, Inc. is the corporate parent overseeing investments across the entire EPIC platform. The firm's core retail insurance brokerage business, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants ("EPIC"), a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Raylene Chiarizzio has joined the firm as Senior Vice President of the firm's Southwest Risk Management Practice.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Brand Messaging Strategist Loren Weisman joins Fish Stewarding Group to cover the brand messaging and optics elements of the different divisions of FSG

SUNSET, S.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Fish Stewarding Group is pleased to announce that Loren Weisman has joined The Fish Stewarding Group. A Brand Messaging Strategist that looks deeply into the psychological aspects of messaging, Weisman will strategize in the areas of brand discovery, brand development, brand compliance as well as brand audits and the overall messaging and optics strategies.

For many years, Loren Weisman has worked as a brand messaging strategist and branding speaker with a focus on the authenticity, authority, optics, psychology and perceptions of a brand, persona or product.

From musicians to authors, restaurants to real estate and entertainment companies to insurance agencies, Loren works with everyone, from CEOs to administrative assistants to help solidify and demystify the fundamentals of authoritative and authentic brand creation and implementation to create higher engagements that convert to sales, profits and customer retention.

Loren will bring these the umbrella of Fish Stewarding Group as well as the FSG Realty, FSG Custom Prebuild Process and the Peninsula Ridge divisions.

About Fish Stewarding Group and the realty divisions:

Fish Stewarding Group focuses on the other side of solutions by educating, developing and transitioning businesses through strategic guidance and process architecture. Fish Stewarding Group is Stewarding Strategic Solutions.

The FSG Realty division is stewarding real estate experiences for buyers, sellers, investors and agents through education, communication and contributions. Through the protection and development of common missions and common goals, FSG Realty shares a platform of value, connection and protection to the real estate process. This is rooted in the stewarding and contributing foundation created by Doug Fish, A Real Estate Steward and Educator and founder of FSG Realty in Sunset, South Carolina.

The FSG Custom Prebuild Process division stewards and expedites every touchpoint of exclusive home ownership for the most discerning and selective buyers. The FSG Custom Prebuild Process is Stewarding Completed Properties from Concept to Closing.

"I have found the home I have been looking for in the experience that Doug has and the model that he has created. The tagline of stewarding strategic solutions clearly shares a methodology that is about helping people with what they have and what they might be missing. It is more than just fixing problems. It is about identifying and igniting visions, businesses and individuals to achieve their definitions of success." says Loren Weisman.

More information about Fish Stewarding group:
https://www.fishstewarding.com/

More information about Loren Weismann:
https://lorenweisman.com/

About Fish Stewarding Group:

Fish Stewarding Group focuses on the other side of solutions by educating, developing and transitioning businesses through strategic guidance and process architecture. FSG Realty LLC is a Real Estate Stewarding and Contributions Group with a primary focus on Lake Keowee and Peninsula Ridge in Sunset, South Carolina, United States.

FSG Realty is stewarding real estate experiences for buyers, sellers, investors and agents through education, communication and contributions. Through the protection and development of common missions and common goals, FSG Realty shares a platform of value, connection and protection to the real estate process. This is rooted in the stewarding and contributing foundation created by Doug Fish, A Real Estate Steward and Educator and founder of FSG Realty in Sunset, South Carolina.

Fish Stewarding Group is pleased to announce that Loren Weisman has joined The Fish Stewarding Group. A Brand Messaging Strategist that looks deeply into the psychological aspects of messaging, Weisman will strategize in the areas of brand discovery, brand development, brand compliance as well as brand audits and the overall messaging and optics strategies.

Related link: https://www.fishstewarding.com/

Myriad Electrical Contractors Promotes New Sales Manager and Becomes Certified ChargePoint Electric Vehicle Charging Station

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Myriad Electrical Contractors, myriadec.com, congratulates Dave Nickerson on becoming the new Sales Manager. Dave has also become a certified ChargePoint electric vehicle installer along with several other employees receiving their certifications on air cooled standby generator installation, and photovoltaic system installation.

Dave Nickerson, Myriad's newly appointed Sales Manager, has been working for Myriad for nearly 6 years after leaving retail management looking for something different. Already a friend of Vice President of Myriad, Ed Shaffer, he began working with him as a field tech. Several years later Dave became the Residential Field Manager for the company.

Myriad is very excited about the new certifications their team has acquired. Especially their certification allowing them to install ChargePoint electric vehicle charge stations. They also pride themselves on several of their people having certifications for installing photovoltaic systems.

Myriad Electrical Contractors is a certified electrical contractor located in Blairsville, Ga. and was established in 1995. Their service area includes Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas. They have twenty-four W-2 employees and five project managers. They specialize in commercial electrical installation and service, small to mid-size health facilities, tenant build-outs, generators, electric car chargers, solar panels, photo-electric power, and back-up power systems.

Learn more: http://myriadec.com

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/Uo6KZOwY5WA

Myriad Electrical Contractors congratulates Dave Nickerson on becoming the new Sales Manager. Dave has also become a certified ChargePoint electric vehicle installer along with several other employees receiving their certifications on air cooled standby generator installation, and photovoltaic system installation.

Related link: http://myriadec.com

Out Leadership Hires New Global Head of Events

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- Out Leadership, the only business organization working globally to promote LGBT+ equality is delighted to announce that Chris Frederick is joining the leadership team. This follows a three-month strategic review of the organization as it approaches a decade in business and is prompted by strong growth in membership, high member retention rates along with rapid expansion to new cities and geographies. Chris is the first of 5 strategic hires the organization has made, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Chris Frederick (Managing Director, Global Events) joins from NYC Pride where he has spent the past 8 years as Executive Director, and most recently led the delivery of the phenomenally successful WorldPride 2019, marking the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York. This was the first time WorldPride was ever hosted in the US and was the largest LGBT+ event in history with over 5 million attendees.

Chris Frederick commented "I am excited to join the Out Leadership team as we celebrate our tenth anniversary in 2020. I have enjoyed building NYC Pride into the successful event series it has become over the last decade, and thank Heritage of Pride for believing in my vision as we set out to successfully create WorldPride 2019. I look forward to continuing to expand Out Leadership's world-class programming, while affecting change for future generations of out leaders."

Out Leadership CEO & Founder Todd Sears added; "We could not be more excited to have this world class talent joining the team. 2020 is a big year for us as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. Chris's role as well as the other key hires were created following a very deliberate strategic deep dive to help us identify where we aspire to be in ten years' time".

Chris will lead the creation of all Out Leadership events across 4 continents, and help launch the next phase of Out Leadership's work towards LGBT+ inclusion around the world.

Chris has been widely recognized for his contribution to the industry and was recently included in MetroSource's recent issue of "People We Love for 2019". He was also named one of the top 1000 Event Professionals in the US by BizBash.

See Chris Frederick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherfrederick1/

About Out Leadership

Out Leadership is a global LGBT business advisory that partners with the world's most influential companies to build business opportunities, cultivate talent, and drive LGBT equality forward. We believe that LGBT inclusion positively impacts business results, and that including LGBT people at the most senior level of executive leadership builds business. We call this idea Return on Equality(tm).

Comprised of 72 member firms from the financial services, technology, legal and insurance industries, and dedicated to cross-industry collaboration, Out Leadership is a certified B Corporation. Out Leadership convenes CEOs, business leaders and allies at exclusive invitation only events across 4 continents. Out Leadership also operates three talent initiatives: Quorum, which aims to increase LGBT representation on corporate boards; OutNEXT, the first global talent development program for emerging LGBT leaders; and OutWOMEN, connecting senior level LGBT women in business.

For more information, please visit https://outleadership.com/

For further information, please contact:
Stephen Smith
Head of Marketing, Out Leadership
Stephen.Smith@outleadership.com
917-336-0604

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1206s2p-Chris-Frederick-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Chris Frederick, Managing Director, Global Events, Out Leadership.

Out Leadership, the only business organization working globally to promote LGBT+ equality is delighted to announce that Chris Frederick is joining the leadership team. This follows a three-month strategic review of the organization as it approaches a decade in business and is prompted by strong growth.

Related link: https://outleadership.com/

BobbiJo DeNofa joins EPIC in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that BobbiJo DeNofa has joined the firm as Managing Principal of the firm's Southwest Risk Management Practice.

DeNofa will be based in Los Angeles, California and report to KJ Wagner, President of EPIC's Southwest Region. In her new position, DeNofa is responsible for growing our Risk Management Practice in the Southwest, leading new business development and the design, placement and management of property and casualty insurance programs, providing risk management strategies and solutions for mid-market and large clients.

DeNofa joins EPIC from Willis Towers Watson, where she spent the last 15 years of her career. At Willis, she was serving as the head of its Southern California offices leading property and casualty operations for its Southwest Region, which included Phoenix, Los Angeles, Irvine, and San Diego markets.

"We are thrilled to continue the growth of our Risk Management operations in the Southwest Region," said EPIC's KJ Wagner. "BobbiJo is a well-respected, highly strategic, and consultative risk management professional and a proven leader who will deliver great value to our clients and to other EPIC team members. I could not be more excited to have BobbiJo join our team."

"EPIC's operations in the Southwest continue to grow by welcoming power houses like BobbiJo," said Jim Gillette, Regional President, Pacific South. "This is exciting for all of us, and I look forward to officially welcoming her expertise and watching our clients benefit from our ongoing growth and collaboration across the organization."

BobbiJo DeNofa can be reached at bobbijo.denofa@epicbrokers.com or 213-705-9654.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
EPIC Holdings, Inc. is the corporate parent overseeing investments across the entire EPIC platform. The firm's core retail insurance brokerage business, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that BobbiJo DeNofa has joined the firm as Managing Principal of the firm's Southwest Risk Management Practice.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

David Thoke joins EPIC in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that David Thoke has joined the firm as Managing Principal of the firm's Southwest Risk Management Practice.

Thoke will be based in Los Angeles, California and report to KJ Wagner, President of EPIC's Southwest Region. In his new position, Thoke is responsible for new business development and the design, placement and management of property and casualty insurance programs, providing risk management strategies and solutions for mid-market and large clients.

Thoke joins EPIC from Willis Towers Watson, where he spent the last 15 years of his career. At Willis, he was serving as Executive Vice President of Willis North America, and prior to that, he spent 25 years with Marsh.

"We are thrilled to continue the growth of our Risk Management operations in the Southwest Region," said EPIC's KJ Wagner. "David's extensive background brings a wealth of knowledge and rich industry experience to the team. I could not be more excited to have David join us."

"EPIC's operations in the Southwest continue to grow by welcoming power houses like David," said Jim Gillette, Regional President, Pacific South. "This is exciting for all of us, and I look forward to officially welcoming his expertise and watching our clients benefit from our ongoing growth and collaboration across the organization."

David Thoke can be reached at david.thoke@epicbrokers.com or 626-297-5551.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Holdings, Inc. is the corporate parent overseeing investments across the entire EPIC platform. The firm's core retail insurance brokerage business, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that David Thoke has joined the firm as Managing Principal of the firm's Southwest Risk Management Practice.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Adds Todd Randolph in Atlanta, GA

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Todd Randolph has joined the firm as a Principal of its Southeast Employee Benefits Practice.

Randolph will be based in Atlanta and report to Ed Oravetz, Managing Principal. In his new position, Randolph is responsible for new business development and the design, placement, and management of employee benefit programs, providing critical attraction and retention strategies for mid-market and large clients.

Randolph joins EPIC from USI Insurance Services, where he spent the last eight years of his career. As a VP and Employee Benefits Consultant at USI, he was known for implementing value-based benefit programs and specializing in advanced design and funding approaches for group medical (all ancillary lines) - including the appropriate uses of captives, self-funding, HRA/HSAs, private exchanges, and traditional, fully-insured programs.

"We are thrilled to continue the growth of our Employee Benefit operations," said EPIC's Ed Oravetz. "Todd is a well-respected, highly strategic, and consultative employee benefits professional who will deliver great value to our clients and to other EPIC team members. I could not be more excited to have Todd join our team."

"EPIC's operations in the Southeast continue to grow by welcoming power houses like Todd," said Steve Needle, Managing Principal of EPIC's Southeast Region. "This is exciting for all of us, and I look forward to officially welcoming his expertise and watching our clients benefit from our ongoing growth and collaboration."

Todd Randolph can be reached at todd.randolph@epicbrokers.com or 713-705-1485.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Holdings, Inc. is the corporate parent overseeing investments across the entire EPIC platform. The firm's core retail insurance brokerage business, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0808s2p-epic-logo-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Todd Randolph has joined the firm as a Principal of its Southeast Employee Benefits Practice.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Conte Wealth Advisors Opens York Office Continuing Expansion

CAMP HILL, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- Camp Hill based Conte Wealth Advisors continues its considerable expansion efforts opening an office at 1423 E Market St in York and welcoming two seasoned advisors into the organization.

Brian Lauer and Patrick Barry each joined CWA on November 1, 2019 in order to offer expanded independent financial planning and wealth management services and benefits to their clients courtesy of the infrastructure and the team approach embraced by CWA, its staff, and its advisors. Lauer and Barry have brought their support staff to the new firm with them, bringing the team of staff across CWA up to 13 individuals.

"Moving to CWA will give me the ability to empower my clients to effect positive change in their lives through planning and investment guidance," Lauer says.

Barry believes that "It's really all about the client and their experience. The level of support at CWA, and the suite of products available to the team helps us to put our best foot forward in serving our clients."

The York office represents the seventh CWA office with the rest spread across Florida and Pennsylvania. Lauer and Barry round out the CWA team of advisors to 17 in total with six of those advisors having joined in 2019.

Conte Wealth Advisors continues to enjoy unprecedented growth and recognition from its broker/dealer, Cambridge Investment Research, where it falls within the top 6% of all producer groups which spans over three thousand advisors across all 50 states.

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Conte Wealth Advisors and Cambridge are not affiliated. 2009 Market Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011

Camp Hill based Conte Wealth Advisors continues its considerable expansion efforts opening an office at 1423 E Market St in York and welcoming two seasoned advisors into the organization.

Related link: https://www.contewealth.com/

EPIC Adds Sheryl Marshall in Napa, California

NAPA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Sheryl Marshall has joined the firm as Principal within the firm's Moving & Storage Practice.

Marshall will be based in Napa, California and report to John Sames, Senior Vice President. In her new position, Marshall is responsible for new business development and the design, placement and management of property and casualty insurance programs, providing risk management strategies and solutions for mid-market and large clients.

Marshall joins EPIC from Paul Hanson Partners, where she spent the last 19 years of her career. While with Paul Hanson Partners, Marshall served as a Senior Vice President, providing strategic risk solutions to her clients within the Moving & Storage Industry, primarily on the West Coast.

"We are thrilled to continue the growth of our Risk Management operations in Napa," said EPIC's John Sames. "Sheryl is a well-respected, highly strategic, and consultative risk management professional who will deliver great value to our clients and to other EPIC team members. I could not be more excited to have Sheryl join our Moving & Storage team, headed by Lou Hefter."

Sheryl Marshall can be reached at sheryl.marshall@epicbrokers.com or (707) 666-1477.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Holdings, Inc. is the corporate parent overseeing investments across the entire EPIC platform. The firm's core retail insurance brokerage business, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Sheryl Marshall has joined the firm as Principal within the firm's Moving & Storage Practice.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Adds Scott Weiss as Principal – Addition Further Strengthens EPIC’s Risk Management Operations in California

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Scott Weiss has joined the firm as a Principal in their Risk Management Practice.

Weiss will be based in Concord, California and report to Curt Perata, Regional President. In his new position, Weiss is responsible for new business development and the design, placement and management of property and casualty insurance programs, providing risk management strategies and solutions for mid-market and large clients.

Weiss brings over 27 years of experience to his role with EPIC. He has a strong background in leading regional teams in the design and implementation of complex risk management programs in real estate, food systems, manufacturing, wholesale and consumer products. In addition to his work in these industries, he has focused on mergers & acquisitions due diligence.

Weiss comes to EPIC from USI Insurance Services and previously held positions with Marsh, Aon, Willis and AJ Gallagher.

"We are excited to continue the growth of our Risk Management operations in California," said Curt Perata, Regional President. "Scott's broad industry knowledge and risk management experience will add to our already strong Risk Management Practice. I could not be more excited to have Scott join the team."

Scott Weiss can be reached at scott.weiss@epicbrokers.com or (925) 989-6632.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Holdings, Inc. is the corporate parent overseeing investments across the entire EPIC platform. The firm's core retail insurance brokerage business, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1202s2p-epic-Scott-Weiss-300dpi.jpg

*Photo caption: Scott Weiss has joined EPIC as a Principal in its Risk Management Practice.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Scott Weiss has joined the firm as a Principal in their Risk Management Practice.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Kelly Geary of EPIC Named National Executive Risk and Cyber Practice Leader

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Kelly Geary has been named National Executive Risk & Cyber Practice Leader. Geary and her team bring deep knowledge and expertise in Cyber and Executive Risk to EPIC and their clients with an average of over 25 years of experience.

Geary has spent the past 20 years focused on Cyber and Executive Risk solutions for organizations. In her role as practice leader, she will lead and direct all cyber and executive risk initiatives across the organization. Geary will also focus on privacy related legal and regulatory changes impacting the organization. She will also provide support in risk management counseling and claims advocacy as part of the Lemme Group, a division of EPIC. She is a frequent speaker at industry conferences on cyber and executive risk exposures and liability. Geary understands the importance of building a strong collaborative team to deliver the best for our clients.

Scott Davis, President of EPIC's National Specialty Practice, said, "We are fortunate to have someone of Kelly's knowledge and expertise leading our Executive & Cyber Risk Practice. She is the right person to help continue to build the team of professionals focused on protecting our clients in the ever growing cyber and executive risk space."

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 70 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $730 million, EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Kelly Geary has been named National Executive Risk & Cyber Practice Leader. Geary and her team bring deep knowledge and expertise in Cyber and Executive Risk to EPIC and their clients with an average of over 25 years of experience.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

ENX2 Marketing CEO Nicole Farber Named to NSBA Leadership Council

DALLAS, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- Nicole Farber, CEO of digital marketing agency ENX2 Marketing in Dallas, Pennsylvania, was recently named to the National Small Business Association (NSBA) Leadership Council.

NSBA is the nation's oldest small-business advocacy organization, and operates on a staunchly nonpartisan basis. Farber, a recognized leader in the small-business community, joins the NSBA Leadership Council alongside other small-business advocates from across the country as they work to promote the interests of small business to policymakers in Washington, D.C.

"As a small-business owner, I see daily the importance of being involved and active when it comes to laws and regulation," stated Farber. "It can be difficult to have your voice heard, especially in such a competitive field as the tech industry. Joining NSBA's Leadership Council will enable me to take our collective small-business message to the people that need to hear it most: Congress."

As the CEO of a national digital legal marketing agency, Farber has consulted with some of the top law firms in the world and has met with a variety of business owners - from small businesses to Fortune 500 CEOs. Nicole is a highly sought-after speaker in the legal industry and has presented to some of the most prestigious law firms in the country. She has spoken on behalf of Google at the world's largest Small Business Expo in Philadelphia and was recently an invited speaker at the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) Convention in New Orleans -- an event touted as the largest gathering of plaintiffs' employment lawyers.

For years, her peers have recognized Farber for her talents. She was nominated for the 2017 North American EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ program. Nicole was named as Corporate Vision Magazine's "Most Influential Female CEO of the Year in Digital Marketing," as part of the 2018 Corporate Excellence Awards and was named one of the 30 Best Leaders to Watch in 2019 by The Silicon Review. In 2018, she was the official U.S. representative at the Chambers and Partners Editors' Reception event in Rome.

Farber joined the NSBA Leadership Council as part of her efforts to tackle the many critical issues facing small business, including tax reform, regulatory restraint, health care costs and how the Affordable Care Act will impact small business. The NSBA Leadership Council is focused on providing valuable networking between small-business advocates from across the country while ensuring small business a seat at the table as Congress and regulators take up key small-business proposals.

"I am proud to have Nicole Farber as part of our Leadership Council," stated NSBA President and CEO Todd McCracken. "She came to us highly recommended and I look forward our coordinated efforts for years to come."

For more on the NSBA Leadership Council, please visit https://nsba.biz/

About ENX2 Marketing:

A nationwide boutique digital marketing agency, ENX2 Legal Marketing specializes in everything digital. ENX2 has had much success in improving the online presence of some of the most elite law firms in the United States.

For more information, visit https://enx2marketing.com/ or email info@enx2marketing.com.

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*Photo caption: Nicole Farber, CEO of digital marketing agency ENX2 Marketing.

Nicole Farber, CEO of digital marketing agency ENX2 Marketing in Dallas, Pennsylvania, was recently named to the National Small Business Association (NSBA) Leadership Council.

Related link: https://enx2marketing.com/

Leonard Lombardi Named AVA Companies CEO

HICKSVILLE, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- AVA Companies of Hicksville, N.Y., case-ready manufacturer and distributor to the supermarket and food processing industry of private label pork, beef and other protein products, has announced the appointment of Leonard E. Lombardi, Jr. as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Lombardi, a Villanova University alum, succeeds AVA's founder, Albert L. Girgenti, who recently passed away.

Lombardi has been affiliated with AVA for over 22 years, moving from sales trainee in its Pennsylvania butchering plants in the 1990's, to plant and regional sales, marketing and operations positions, then to various corporate positions, including Director of Operations and Executive Vice President, before his appointment as Company President in 2004.

A resident of Mt. Kisco, N.Y., Lombardi describes himself as "a family man and an avid outdoorsman," finding respite in sailing and offshore fishing, with a dose of motorcycle touring through Westchester County, N.Y., "for a little excitement."

He describes his vision for AVA as, "a continuum of what Albert (Girgenti) started, revved up with some exciting new products and presentations we've been working on, to hit our customers' shelves early next year."

About AVA Companies

Founded in 1985, AVA Companies of Hicksville, N.Y., is a case-ready manufacturer and distributor to the supermarket and food processing industry of private label pork, beef and other protein products. Its ownership and management spans a combined 150 years of experience in all sides of supply for retail and foodservice. AVA's very essence has been developing solutions for retail. It is privately held, nimble, and an ever-evolving organization that can adapts easily to the ever-changing demands on the retail business.

AVA's plant provides the highest standards in quality control and exceeds the United States Department of Agriculture's inspection methodology with HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) and SQF (Safe Quality Food) level 2. AVA is certified to process USDA Organic meats and is an approved vendor for various major retailers. For more information, visit: http://www.avapork.com/.

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*Photo caption: Leonard E. Lombardi, Jr. named Chief Executive Officer at AVA Companies.

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AVA Companies of Hicksville, N.Y., case-ready manufacturer and distributor to the supermarket and food processing industry of private label pork, beef and other protein products, has announced the appointment of Leonard E. Lombardi, Jr. as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Lombardi, a Villanova University alum, succeeds AVA's founder, Albert L. Girgenti, who recently passed away.

Related link: http://www.avapork.com/

Valentis Security Welcomes New Northwest Regional Manager in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- Valentis Security is proud to announce and welcome Dan Ries as its new Northwest Regional Manager. Ries will be responsible managing Valentis operations, personnel, and assisting with business development in northwest Pennsylvania, mid Pennsylvania, and Ohio markets.

Ries spent 19 years as a sworn Law Enforcement Officer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including the last 13 years as the Chief of Police in Albion, PA. His law enforcement career also includes service as a Park Ranger with the Pennsylvania Dept of Conservation and National Resources (DCNR) at Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pa.

Prior to his LE career Dan served in the United States Air Force for 7 years. His military service included work as a Weapons Load Member and instructor to other load crews on how to load, arm, and unarm conventional and unconventional weapon systems for fighter bombers. During his military service he also attended professional supervisor training that helped him lead a law enforcement department.

Marnie Sutch, CEO of Valentis, stated, "We are very excited to have Dan as part of our team. Dan's military and law enforcement background helps to reinforce our renewed commitment to professionalism and quality."

About Valentis:

We are a fully operational security logistics solution for a variety of clients and security concerns. We are growing domestically, and envision global ventures, in risk management and security logistics with services and products under development to create a network of global affiliates, lead through branding, and expand our clients; financial institutions, governments, religious facilities, maritime, cybersecurity, combined with specially-developed training, software and telecommunication consultancy, and more. We are mindful and committed and care about our clients, team, and shareholders.

Learn more at: https://valentissecurity.com/

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Valentis Security is proud to announce and welcome Dan Ries as its new Northwest Regional Manager. Ries will be responsible managing Valentis operations, personnel, and assisting with business development in northwest Pennsylvania, mid Pennsylvania, and Ohio markets.

Related link: https://valentisinternational.com/

Jean Hagan Brings Decades of Restaurant Operations Experience to the Culinary Institute of America as Newly Appointed Adjunct Professor

PASADENA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Jean Hagan, Principal of KROST CPAs & Consultants and leader of the firm's restaurant consulting practice, has recently taken on an additional title as Adjunct Professor of Restaurant Operations and Management Strategies at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Her first course, Operations and Management Strategies for the Restauranteur, began this fall.

Jean teaches the master's level course through the college's online platform. Much like the consulting services she and her team provide at KROST, the curriculum covers management and operations strategies for the foodservice industry. Under Jean's guidance, students explore experimental simulations to practice a variety of concepts and problem-solving techniques, using individually selected projects.

Jean leveraged her extensive network of connections to supplement the student's weekly assignments with video interviews with industry experts who provide real-life examples of the course fundamentals in application.

In addition to adjunct professorship, Jean also serves as a member of both the Culinary Institute of America's Society of Fellows and the Education Committee.

"It is an honor to further champion the mission of the Culinary Institute of America in this newly appointed role as adjunct professor. Developing and teaching this curriculum is an exciting challenge. It is an incredibly fulfilling experience to have the opportunity to shape the future leaders of this field, and share my passion for the industry with like-minded, eager students," remarked Jean Hagan, Principal at KROST and Adjunct Professor at the Culinary Institute of America.

Jean has owned, operated, and consulted in the restaurant industry for more than 30 years. During that time, she worked with a well-known national chain; owned a food and beverage company that operated multiple restaurants, bars, and event spaces in the Squaw Valley area; and became the president, CEO, CFO, and shareholder of one of the highest-grossing restaurants in California. Today Jean is Principal and leads the restaurant operations consulting practice at KROST.

About KROST CPAs & Consultants

KROST is a full-service Certified Public Accounting and Consulting firm headquartered in Pasadena, California with offices throughout Greater Los Angeles in West LA, Woodland Hills, and Valencia. As trusted advisors and industry leaders, clients depend on KROST for timely information, innovative solutions, and results-driven teamwork in the areas of accounting, assurance, business management, consulting, tax, mergers and acquisitions, and wealth management.

KROST Website - https://www.krostcpas.com/services/restaurant-accountants

KROST Restaurant Accountants - http://restaurantaccountants.com

Jean Hagan, Principal of KROST CPAs & Consultants and leader of the firm's restaurant consulting practice, has recently taken on an additional title as Adjunct Professor of Restaurant Operations and Management Strategies at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Her first course, Operations and Management Strategies for the Restauranteur, began this fall.

Related link: https://www.krostcpas.com/

Susan Tewhill of EPIC named Practice Leader of Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Susan Tewhill will be leading the Edgewood Healthcare Advisors practice. Susan and her team bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the healthcare industry with an average of over 25 years of experience.

Tewhill alone brings over 30 years of experience to her role as practice leader and has a vast array of experience in working with complex healthcare risk management challenges and providing solutions to the clients she serves. She draws on her background in healthcare to develop optimum risk transfer and alternative risk financing programs to her clients.

She understands the importance of building a strong collaborative team to deliver the best for clients and with this expertise and focus she will be able to take Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC to the next level.

Scott Davis, President of EPIC's National Specialty Practice., said, "I am thrilled to have Susan in this leadership role to drive the success of Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC forward, and deliver the right solutions to our clients in the healthcare industry."

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 70 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $730 million, EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Susan Tewhill will be leading the Edgewood Healthcare Advisors practice. Susan and her team bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the healthcare industry with an average of over 25 years of experience.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Sokal Hires Alex Bryant to Head Up Business Development and OEM Relationships

RALIEGH, N.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Sokal, a full-service automobile advertising agency, is pleased to welcome Alex Bryant to their team. Alex is the new director of Dealer Acquisition and OEM relationships at Sokal. He will oversee business development as well as lead the charge in OEM partnerships.

"We are extremely pleased to have Alex on our Sokal team," commented Mark Sokal, CEO of Sokal. "I'm confident in his abilities, insights, and his rich background experience and I believe he will be able to take our agency to the next level of successful accomplishments."

Alex is a graduate from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a degree in business administration and marketing. He is an experienced sales professional and sales leader and has worked in the automotive marketing and technology space for many years. He comes to Sokal from Netsertive, where he was the director of automotive where he was responsible for hiring, training and managing a sales team. Additionally, he is experienced in consulting, business growth, and growing OEM relationships. Outside the realm of sales management, Alex was the head golf coach at Newberry College.

About Sokal:

With headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina and offices stretching from up and down the east coast to Texas, Sokal is the area's largest advertising agency focusing on automotive advertising. Sokal is dedicated to growing business for their clientele through multiple marketing and advertising services. As a full-service agency, they manage the entire project from start to finish. The company executes everything from media buying, radio and television production, ad design, direct mail, search engine marketing, website design, website maintenance, and much more.

Sokal employs well over 100 staff members from Account Managers and Account Coordinators, to Media Buyers, Digital Strategists, Website Developers, and Graphic Designers, while currently managing well over 350 clients across the country.

For more information on Sokal, please visit their website at: https://www.gosokal.com

Sokal, a full-service automobile advertising agency, is pleased to welcome Alex Bryant to their team. Alex is the new director of Dealer Acquisition and OEM relationships at Sokal. He will oversee business development as well as lead the charge in OEM partnerships.

Related link: https://www.gosokal.com/

Bank of Southern California NA Names Troy Perry Managing Director, Business Banking

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, is pleased to announce that Troy Perry has joined the company as Managing Director of Business Banking. He will be responsible for broadening Bank of Southern California's market presence by actively seeking new business opportunities throughout Los Angeles' Westside.

Mr. Perry offers a wealth of commercial and industrial lending expertise, with more than ten years of experience in business development, credit and portfolio management. Prior to joining Bank of Southern California, he served as Vice President, Commercial and Business Banking Manager at California Bank & Trust. Mr. Perry holds a bachelor's degree from University of Washington.

"I am pleased to welcome Troy to Bank of Southern California's Business Banking team. He offers deep roots and a wealth of experience providing banking products, services, and solutions to businesses throughout Southern California," said Tony DiVita, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer.

"This is an important step in expanding our Business Banking team and growing our footprint in key markets. Troy's background and experience in credit and commercial lending, are a big win for the Bank," concluded DiVita.

About Bank of Southern California

A growing community bank, established in 2001, Bank of Southern California, N.A., with headquarters in San Diego, Calif., is locally owned and managed, and offers a range of financial products to individuals, professionals and small-to-medium sized businesses. The Bank's solution-driven, relationship-based approach to banking provides accessibility to decision makers and enhances value through strong partnerships with its clients. The Bank currently operates eleven branches in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, as well as a production office in Orange County.

For more information, please visit https://www.banksocal.com or call (858) 847-4780.

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Tickers: OTC Pink:BCAL / OTC:BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL / OP: BCAL /

Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, is pleased to announce that Troy Perry has joined the company as Managing Director of Business Banking. He will be responsible for broadening Bank of Southern California's market presence by actively seeking new business opportunities throughout Los Angeles' Westside.

Related link: https://www.banksocal.com/

National Deaf Chamber of Commerce Names Board of Directors

AUSTIN, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- The National Deaf Chamber of Commerce (NDCOC), the first organization truly dedicated to advocating and protecting the interests of the Deaf business community, is pleased to announce its Board of Directors, Gina D'Amore, Michael Pimentel, Evan Winegard, and Jared Allebest.

The NDCOC was formed in late 2018 and is in the early stages of enlisting business and programming partners, and these early relationships will be driven by the NDCOC's current board. As part of its next steps, the NDCOC is seeking qualified and enthusiastic additions to its board, individuals who offer unique and diverse strengths and perspectives to help the NDCOC realize its vision.

Gina D'Amore said, "It has been exciting to work with our Board of Directors. They all have unique backgrounds with diverse experiences in the business community that make them an asset to the National Deaf Chamber of Commerce while promoting the needs and interests of the Deaf business community as a whole. We are committed to transparency, inclusivity, and ensuring that the needs of the Deaf business community are met through our new board members."

The NDCOC is currently pursuing partnerships with other local chambers, businesses, and organizations to provide a set of benefits and group services to members of the National Deaf Chamber of Commerce. Partnership goals include provisioning these services in a way that directly supports the needs of Deaf business owners, such as provided resources translated into ASL, or a videophone hotline staffed by Deaf business experts.

About the NDCOC board

Gina D'Amore is the Chief Executive Officer at Mid-Atlantic Interpreting Group, Inc., an SBA 8(a) company. Gina has grown her business to over $4 million, and grew up in both Erie, PA and Houston, Texas in an entrepreneurial environment as she witnessed her families run different businesses. She resides in Maryland, has a son, and also works as a Certified Deaf Interpreter in her goal to provide the best to the Deaf community when it comes to interpreting services.

Michael Pimentel is the Chief Executive Officer of Heart Cruises, LLC, which specializes in cruises, land tours, and all-inclusive resorts all around the world. Michael was also a world-class professional sports photographer for 17+ years and his photos were published in Sports Illustrated and ESPN Magazines. Michael is passionate about international travel and has visited 70+ countries. He is also in the process of launching Blue Wolf Branding, and resides in Union City, California, with his family of six children.

Evan Winegard is the Chief Financial Officer for several companies including CHILMARKeting, a digital advocacy and outreach agency that offers creative and marketing services for business and organizations. Evan was previously the CFO for several multi-million-dollar companies including Maraolo, Biscuits & Bath, Communication Service for the Deaf, and Convo Communications. He also serves as a board member on both the Greater Austin Foundation for the Deaf and the Texas School for the Deaf Foundation.

Jared Allebest is the Chief Executive Officer of Allebest Law Group, a solo practitioner with legal experience in business law, estate planning, discrimination legislation, and advocacy. Jared currently practices law in Arizona, California, and Utah. He previously served as the Chairman for Loop Utah, an ongoing advocacy campaign dedicated to educating those in Utah about the benefits of hearing loop technology.

The goals of the NDCOC are to promote professional opportunities, financial growth, leadership, and legislative awareness that benefits all members of Deaf communities. The National Deaf Chamber of Commerce is in the process of applying for 501(c)(6) status and is not affiliated with any existing organizations. For more information, visit: https://deafchamber.com/

For individuals interested in becoming a Board Member, or for partnership opportunities, please contact the NDCOC board at board@deafchamber.com.

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The National Deaf Chamber of Commerce (NDCOC), the first organization truly dedicated to advocating and protecting the interests of the Deaf business community, is pleased to announce its Board of Directors, Gina D'Amore, Michael Pimentel, Evan Winegard, and Jared Allebest.

Related link: https://deafchamber.com/

Hans van der Sluijs Joins BioTork as Chief Development Officer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- BioTork, the leading evolution biotechnology company, today announced that biotech executive Hans van der Sluijs has joined the company as Chief Development Officer. Hans brings over 20 years of international business leadership experience, with a focus on business development, management, and building strategic alliances/partnerships. Hans will be responsible for commercializing BioTork's technology globally.

"I'm very excited to join BioTork at this stage of their development, the company possesses a unique technology and has made great strides over the past years," said Hans. "Nature continuously develops and BioTork leverages that with their adaptive evolution technology; the opportunities are endless."

"We are looking ahead to 2020, and are happy to have the opportunity to strengthen our management team with the additions of industry veterans such as Hans van der Sluijs and Mark DeAndrea earlier this month," said Eudes de Crecy, CEO and Founder of BioTork. "We believe we have the right leadership in place to guide BioTork forward and gain the necessary market penetration to become an industry standard."

Renewable fuels and bio-based alternatives are becoming increasingly more important as the world shifts from oil to bio-based products. BioTork harnesses its proprietary adaptive evolution technology to create optimum non-GMO cellular factories for the conversion of agricultural by-products, co-products and feedstock into desirable commodities or specialties.

This better positions clients to leverage their production of sustainable biomaterials, thus dramatically improving efficiency while also reducing their carbon footprint.

BioTork's diverse approach can be used to improve upon any organism, whether it be GMO, non-GMO, and organic.

Most recently, as Vice President Business & Strategy - Americas for DSM Bio-based Products & Services, Hans built the North American team, delivered on the strategic objectives, shaped new ways for growing the emerging business including launching new biotechnology into the ethanol market, and significantly grew revenue through strategic partnerships and license agreements.

Previously, Hans served as Joint Venture Director for POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels. He played a leadership role in establishing and managing the partnership to build and operate the world's first commercial scale cellulosic ethanol plant. Hans's international leadership experience also includes strategic projects (M&A) and finance management, for DSM's antibiotic division and an international food company.

About BioTork:

BioTork is the leading evolution biotechnology company that focusses on the development and improvement of organisms. The company develops and improves scalable, highly efficient, and robust microorganisms and adapts them to their related industrial processing conditions. BioTork's technology has numerous applications in industries like agriculture, biofuels, biomaterials, chemicals, consumer products, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, food, and feed.

Learn more at: https://biotork.com/

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BioTork, the leading evolution biotechnology company, today announced that biotech executive Hans van der Sluijs has joined the company as Chief Development Officer. Hans brings over 20 years of international business leadership experience, with a focus on business development, management, and building strategic alliances/partnerships.

Related link: https://biotork.com/

Stephen Walker Appointed to Board of Directors for The National Association of REALTORS

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- The National Association of REALTORS(R) has appointed Stephen Walker as a large brokerage representative to the Board of Directors for 2020 on behalf of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties.

Stephen was recognized as the #3 overall Elite Associate in Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties in 2018 and attained the Chairman's Circle Diamond award level representing the top one half of 1% in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices global network in 2018.

He has previously served in numerous industry and local community roles including Georgia REALTOR(R) of the Year 2017, NAR Hall of Fame 2018, President of the Fayette County Board of REALTORS(R), Fayette County REALTOR of the Year (2017, 2014, 2004), Women's Council of REALTORS(R) at the local and state levels, Georgia Association of REALTORS(R), Kiwanis of Fayette County, Southside Church, and local Fayette county schools. Stephen has successfully attained certifications including ABR, ASR, CRS, GRI, PMN, SFR, SRES, and SRS.

"We are proud to have Stephen Walker represent our company on the NAR Board of Directors," said Dan Forsman, president & CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. "Stephen is an accomplished leader and has an outstanding record of serving his clients, customer and fellow REALTORS. He is respected by his peers and we look forward to the difference he can make in this important and prestigious role."

Jan Baker, Regional Vice President at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties and member of the NAR Hall of Fame was the previous company representative as the NAR Director. Due to the outstanding engagement of leaders like Stephen Walker and Jan Baker, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS(R) is uniquely positioned to succeed in serving members, the real estate industry, and real estate clients.

"It has been my pleasure and privilege to serve as our company representative to The National Association of REALTORS Board of Directors for the past 8 years," said Jan Baker. "I am delighted to pass this honor to Stephen as he is held in high regard for his professionalism and integrity. I am confident he will have an auspicious future!"

"It has been a pleasure watching Stephen Walker grow as a REALTOR and leader for our industry," said Steve Quinn, Southern Crescent Regional Vice President & Managing Broker for the Peachtree City office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. "Stephen has the experience, insight and passion to truly make a difference in this new role."

About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties:

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties has over 1,650 associates and 26 locations across the Greater Metro Atlanta and North Georgia area. The company generated over $4 Billion in sales volume and 12,016 transaction sides in 2018. Trendgraphix reports that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties is ranked #1 in home sales for the Greater Metro Atlanta area.

Led by President and CEO Dan Forsman, the organization offers a full suite of real estate services including residential real estate, luxury real estate, new homes services, condo/ high-rise services, commercial real estate, corporate relocation, property management, mortgage lending, title and settlement services, home warranties and insurance. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Learn more at: https://www.bhhsgeorgia.com/

The National Association of REALTORS has appointed Stephen Walker as a large brokerage representative to the Board of Directors for 2020 on behalf of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties.

Related link: https://www.bhhsgeorgia.com/

Depth Public Relations Names Lindsey Neal Vice President of Client Services

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Depth Public Relations, LLC, (DepthPR) a leading provider of consultative marketing, public relations and reputation management services for the mortgage lending and residential finance industry, today announced its promotion of Lindsey Neal to vice president of client services.

Neal, an advisor to mortgage lenders and businesses that provide services and technology solutions to mortgage lenders since 2006, has served DepthPR clients since 2009, first as a contractor before becoming a full-time employee in 2015. Over the last decade, she has been responsible for developing full-service marketing and PR strategies, ensuring their effective execution, and cultivating productive relationships for DepthPR clients.

"Lindsey has been an invaluable member of the DepthPR team for a decade, proving herself an astute counselor and a gifted practitioner at every turn," said DepthPR founder and president, Kerri S. Milam. "As impressed as I have been by Lindsey's business acumen and job performance, I have come to place the highest value on her integrity, her emotional intelligence, her instincts and her trustworthiness - qualities that can't be taught.

"Anyone who has launched a consultative services business knows that in the early days everyone is a utility player and the willingness to wear many hats makes or breaks the enterprise. Lindsey has been indispensable in growing our firm. I have tremendous respect for her and rely on her judgement daily," Milam added.

Neal, a 2006 graduate of Berry College in Rome, Georgia, in 2011 earned her M.B.A. from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia.

About DepthPR:

Depth Public Relations, LLC, (DepthPR) is a leading provider of consultative marketing, public relations and reputation management services for the mortgage lending and residential finance industry. Since 2006, the firm has represented a clientele of established and emerging brands serving mortgage lenders, real estate professionals and appraisers. DepthPR is committed to serving the cause of digital innovation and to practicing the pay-it-forward principle alongside The Golden Rule. DepthPR is a member of and supports the Mortgage Bankers Association mission, an active participant in The Mortgage Collaborative, and a proud annual sponsor of the Source Media Digital Mortgage Conference.

For more information, visit https://www.DepthPR.com/.

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* Caption: Lindsey Neal, vice president of client services at DepthPR.
[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1025s2p-depthpr-logo-300dpi.jpg
*Caption: DepthPR logo.

Depth Public Relations, LLC, (DepthPR) a leading provider of consultative marketing, public relations and reputation management services for the mortgage lending and residential finance industry, today announced its promotion of Lindsey Neal to vice president of client services.

Related link: https://www.DepthPR.com/

Industry Veteran Chris Olsen Joins OpenClose as Vice President of Sales Engineering

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- OpenClose(R), an industry-leading multi-channel loan origination system (LOS) and digital mortgage fintech provider, announced that it added technology veteran Chris Olsen to help further expand its sales department. Chris holds the newly created position of vice president of sales engineering and will provide software support for OpenClose sales executives catering to mortgage bankers, credit unions, community banks and other real estate entities. He holds a through-and-through background in mortgage technology with a deep understanding of individualized lender needs.

"Chris brings a unique blend of enterprise-level solution-based experience, sales engineering methods supporting large lenders, development knowledge, project execution and management expertise from start-ups to Fortune 500 Companies," stated Vince Furey, chief revenue officer at OpenClose. "He will serve as a valuable resource for our organization as our rapid growth continues."

Chris comes to OpenClose from Ellie Mae, where he was a senior technical sales engineer managing enterprise LOS pre and post sales engagements for their core as well as add-on services. At Ellie Mae, he led multiple cross-organization training initiatives for new product introductions and positioning, provided consultative custom development insight and assisted with the successful onboarding of new lender customers.

Prior to joining Ellie Mae, Chris was a project manager and AVP at JP Morgan Chase, interfacing with senior management to prioritize projects, determine business requirements, and serve as the primary vendor point of contact throughout new projects. He also hired, built and spearheaded a team of developers and technical analysts to drive enterprise-wide implementation of high-profile business workflows.

Previous to that, he was a senior software developer and partner at ClosersEdge, an independent software provider for the real estate title and settlement services industry. While there, he assembled and led a team of developers to build and consume high-quality, commercial web-based services and multi-tier online applications including REST and SOAP protocols. ClosersEdge was successfully acquired by TSS Software Corporation, a nationwide company with approximately 18,000 users.

"I look forward to working with lenders and taking OpenClose's pre and post sales engineering to the next level," said Olsen. "The completely browser-based comprehensive mortgage software suite that OpenClose has developed and continues to expand on is in high demand by a variety of different lending entities of all types and sizes. OpenClose is an innovative and nimble software firm that has major advantages over the competition. I will enjoy showcasing their immense strengths, disruptive software model and far-reaching lender benefits."

At OpenClose, Chris will play a key role in further advancing the company's digital mortgage point-of-sale (POS) solution, ConsumerAssist(TM) Digital POS, which operates seamlessly with OpenClose's LenderAssist(TM) LOS, DecisionAssist(TM) product and pricing engine (PPE), and IntegrationAssist(TM) RESTful API ecosystem. The single-source solution is one of the first of its kind in the mortgage industry, increasing demand among lending entities of all types looking to streamline their POS and LOS experience and workflow.

About OpenClose:

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, OpenClose(R) is a leading enterprise-class, multi-channel loan origination system (LOS), POS digital mortgage and fintech provider that cost effectively delivers its digital platform on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) basis. The company provides a variety of innovative, 100 percent web-based solutions for lenders, banks, credit unions, and conduit aggregators. OpenClose's core solution, LenderAssist(TM), is comprehensive loan origination software that is completely engineered by OpenClose using the same code base from the ground up.

The company offers a RESTful API suite that standardizes system-to-system integrations, making them easier to develop, quicker to implement and more cost effective. OpenClose provides lending organizations with full control of their data and creates a truly seamless workflow for complete automation and compliance adherence. For more information, visit https://www.openclose.com/ or call (561) 655-6418.

Social Media: @OpenCloseSocial #MultiChannelLOS #POSDigitalMortgage #DigitalMortgageEcosystem #LoanOriginationSoftware

Media Contact:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949-378-9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1023s2p-chris-olsen-openclose-300dpi.jpg

OpenClose, an industry-leading multi-channel loan origination system (LOS) and digital mortgage fintech provider, announced that it added technology veteran Chris Olsen to help further expand its sales department. Chris holds the newly created position of vice president of sales engineering.

Related link: https://www.openclose.com/

FormFree Welcomes Christy Moss, CMB as Director of Partner Relationships

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree(R) today announced it has appointed former Fannie Mae Strategic Business and Relationship Manager Christy Moss, CMB as director of partner relationships. In her role at FormFree, the 30-year mortgage industry veteran will strengthen and grow industry partnerships and cultivate internal talent as leader of the company's strategic sales team.

"A landmark hire for our organization, Christy is well-positioned to help FormFree grow and impact real change on the mortgage industry," said FormFree Founder and CEO Brent Chandler. "A consummate professional, she is adept at developing strategic organizations, brilliant at creating the face of a company and highly invested in cultivating the next generation of mortgage professionals through mentorship. We are thrilled to welcome Christy to the team."

Prior to joining FormFree, Moss held an 11-year tenure at Fannie Mae, where she played a critical role spearheading relationships with lenders and partners to advance business initiatives mutually beneficial to stakeholders across the mortgage lending ecosystem. In recent years, her role as Fannie Mae strategic business relationship manager led Moss to focus on driving lender and partner adoption of technology that improves borrower experience and profitability.

Having held advanced positions in the correspondent lending divisions of such organizations as CitiMortgage, Wachovia and GE Capital Mortgage Services, Moss possesses an in-depth understanding of both the primary and secondary mortgage markets. Additionally, Moss is a designated Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB).

"The passion I have poured into helping drive the digital transformation for consumers, lenders and investors, and how I envision the future of our industry aligns perfectly with FormFree's mission and vision," said Moss. "I look forward to helping change what is most consumers' largest financial transaction into an easy, stress-free digital experience. Together with FormFree, I will help the industry we all love navigate its digital transition to improve the mortgage process for everyone."

"This is a great day for FormFree and our industry as we move forward in modernizing lending," said Faith Schwartz, board member at FormFree. "Christy knows lending and has been a driver of the great transformation happening in our industry. Her immense passion for advancing the mortgage industry paired with her extensive experience as an ambassador of digital mortgage processes make her an excellent fit at FormFree."

About FormFree

FormFree(R) is a market-leading fintech company whose revolutionary products AccountChek(R) and Passport(TM) are changing the credit decisioning landscape and encouraging lenders nationwide to incorporate a more holistic view of each borrower's financial DNA. To date, thousands of U.S. lenders and brokers have ordered millions of FormFree's patented verification reports representing over a trillion dollars in loan verifications.

FormFree delights borrowers and lenders with a paperless experience, reduces origination timelines by up to 20 days and offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and investors using a secure ReIssueKey(TM). A HousingWire TECH100(TM) company for four consecutive years, FormFree is based in Athens, Georgia.

For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

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Twitter: @RealFormFree #digitalmortgage

FormFree today announced it has appointed former Fannie Mae Strategic Business and Relationship Manager Christy Moss, CMB as director of partner relationships. In her role at FormFree, the 30-year mortgage industry veteran will strengthen and grow industry partnerships and cultivate internal talent as leader of the company's strategic sales team.

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

Lupus Research Alliance Welcomes New Senior Director of Marketing and Communications

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is pleased to announce that seasoned professional Penny Mitchell has joined the organization as Senior Director of Marketing and Communications. In her new role, Ms. Mitchell will oversee the organization's strategic communications approach to leading lupus research worldwide and the value of participation by all sectors of the lupus community.

Ms. Mitchell comes to the LRA with more than three decades of experience in the healthcare communications field where she has worked at leading agencies such as Fleishman-Hillard, Porter/Novelli and dna/Weber Shandwick. Most recently she served as Executive Vice President, Health Practice Lead for Makovsky, an independent PR firm specializing in regulated industries including healthcare. Prior to that she was U.S. Health Practice Lead for Hill & Knowlton Strategies. She began her career at the Will Rogers Institute, a non-profit pulmonary research organization.

Throughout her career she has driven communications efforts for a range of healthcare clients including non-profit, academic research, pharmaceutical, medtech and consumer health companies. Her experience has involved integrated brand planning, corporate reputation management, issues/crisis management, media strategy, data communications, public/private partnerships and advocacy relations.

Her experience in autoimmune diseases is particularly strong having launched several highly effective communications campaigns for pharmaceutical companies working in lupus as well as psoriasis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease and thyroid disorders.

"We are tremendously excited about adding Penny to our team," commented LRA Executive Director Andrea O'Neill. "In addition to her breadth of knowledge, Penny brings enormous creativity, strategic thinking and scientific acumen as well as dedication to empowering people with challenging medical issues."

"The Lupus Research Alliance has long been at the center of the lupus community committed to funding research, forging collaboration and finding a cure for this complex, highly-individualized autoimmune disease," said Ms. Mitchell. "I am delighted to join forces with this extraordinary group to bring greater attention to its groundbreaking research efforts, the needs of the community and ultimately, improving the lives of people with lupus."

About Lupus:

Lupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. More than 90 percent of people with lupus are women; lupus most often strikes during the childbearing years of 15-45. African Americans, Latinx, Asians and Native Americans are two to three times at greater risk than Caucasians. In lupus, the immune system, which is designed to protect against infection, creates antibodies that can attack any part of the body including the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin, and joints.

About the Lupus Research Alliance:

The Lupus Research Alliance aims to transform treatment while advancing toward a cure by funding the most innovative lupus research in the world. The organization's stringent peer review grant process fosters diverse scientific talent who are driving discovery toward better diagnostics, improved treatments and ultimately a cure for lupus. Because the Lupus Research Alliance's Board of Directors fund all administrative and fundraising costs, 100 percent of all donations go to support lupus research programs. Learn more at: https://www.lupusresearch.org/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1116s2p-LRA-Penny-Mitchell-300dpi.jpg

The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is pleased to announce that seasoned professional Penny Mitchell has joined the organization as Senior Director of Marketing and Communications. In her new role, Ms. Mitchell will oversee the organization's strategic communications approach to leading lupus research worldwide and the value of participation by all sectors of the lupus community.

Related link: https://www.lupusresearch.org/

Bank of Southern California NA Names Jacob Mathews Managing Director of Business Banking

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, is pleased to announce that Jacob Mathews has joined the company as Managing Director of Business Banking. He will be responsible for expanding Bank of Southern California's client base by actively seeking new business opportunities in Los Angeles County and Orange County.

Mr. Mathews is an accomplished business banker with a wealth of in-market knowledge and a commitment to helping small businesses grow and succeed. Prior to joining Bank of Southern California, he served as Relationship Manager II with California Bank & Trust.

"We are pleased to welcome Jacob to our experienced team of Managing Directors. He is a deeply rooted and experienced banker with a proven history of delivering custom-tailored financial solutions to small and mid-sized businesses throughout Southern California," said John Chung, Group Managing Director. "We look forward to Jacob's contributions as Bank of Southern California continues to build upon its success and realize additional growth opportunities in Los Angeles County and Orange County," concluded Chung.

About Bank of Southern California:

A growing community bank, established in 2001, Bank of Southern California, N.A., with headquarters in San Diego, CA, is locally owned and managed, and offers a range of financial products to individuals, professionals and small-to-medium sized businesses. The Bank's solution-driven, relationship-based approach to banking provides accessibility to decision makers and enhances value through strong partnerships with its clients.

The Bank currently operates eleven branches in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, as well as a production office in West Los Angeles.

For more information, please visit https://www.banksocal.com or call (858) 847-4780.

* LOGO Link for Media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-0118s2p-bank-so-cal-300dpi.jpg

Tickers: OTC Pink:BCAL / OTC:BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL / OP: BCAL

Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, is pleased to announce that Jacob Mathews has joined the company as Managing Director of Business Banking. He will be responsible for expanding Bank of Southern California's client base by actively seeking new business opportunities in Los Angeles County and Orange County.

Related link: https://www.banksocal.com/

Former POET and Domtar Executive Mark DeAndrea Joins BioTork as President and Chief Strategy Officer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Industry Veteran Mark DeAndrea has been appointed as President & Chief Strategy Officer of BioTork. Mark's recent operational leadership experience includes Vice President and Business Unit Leader for Domtar BioMaterials (advanced materials and performance chemicals innovation and commercialization) and Senior Vice President of Strategic Development for POET.

Mr. DeAndrea's international leadership experience also includes private equity and investment banking, where he served as Partner and Managing Director for technology focused investment and M&A advisory firms.

BioTork, an innovator within the biotech and fermentation industry, is pleased to announce the addition of Mark DeAndrea as President & Chief Strategy Officer.

Mr. DeAndrea, a 20-year veteran of the renewable energy and bio-based materials industries, will oversee and drive strategic growth at BioTork. "Throughout my career, having led, or at least helped influenced, the growth and strategic direction for companies at various stages of the business life cycle, from early stage startup to Fortune 500, the opportunity I see at BioTork is second to none. I look forward to helping BioTork's adaptive evolution technology become the industry standard," said Mark.

He added, "This technology is transformational, as it crosses industries, improving performance and dramatically reducing costs, while maximizing partner's revenue streams and cash flows. Thereby accelerating the commercialization of new, sustainable, renewable, environmentally friendly technologies for the benefit of consumers and society."

"We are excited with the addition of Mark, as we have known him for years. He is a proven strategist and important addition to the BioTork leadership team," said Eudes de Crecy, CEO and founder of BioTork. "His vision and ability to identify new opportunities, new partners, and develop new projects, along with his knowledge, relationships, reputation, and experience, will be a great addition to the BioTork team."

DeAndrea and BioTork look forward to collaborating with firms in the biomaterials space who are looking to develop new revenue stream, leverage their biomass supply chain, and maximize profits by creating sustainable, bio-based products, and renewable energy. We are not developing new products, rather, we are solving problems for companies trying to commercialize new technology.

To learn more visit: https://biotork.com/

About BioTork:

BioTork is a biotechnology company whose focus is the optimization of industrial fermentation processes. The company develops or improves scalable, highly efficient, and robust microorganisms and adapts them to their related industrial processing conditions. Thus, making the organisms capable of converting low-value carbon sources, such as agro-industrial by-products, into high-value chemical and materials (e.g.; biofuel, feed, and food ingredients). Using a state-of-the-art patented proprietary technology, BioTork has developed and mastered an industrial scale evolutionary optimization methodology that has applications in industries Agriculture, Biofuels, Biomaterials, Chemicals, Consumer Products, Pharmaceutical, Pulp and Paper, Food, and Feed, just to name a few.

Media Only Contact:
Alex Himes
BioTork
ahimes@biotork.com
(352) 562-7524

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1015s2p-Mark-DeAndrea-300dpi.jpg

Industry Veteran Mark DeAndrea has been appointed as President & Chief Strategy Officer of BioTork. Mark's recent operational leadership experience includes Vice President and Business Unit Leader for Domtar BioMaterials (advanced materials and performance chemicals innovation and commercialization) and Senior Vice President of Strategic Development for POET.

Related link: https://biotork.com/

EPIC Adds Dave Tate in Dallas, Texas

DALLAS, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that Dave Tate has joined the firm's Property and Casualty operations, as a Principal, reporting to EPIC Managing Principal and Director of the Southwest Region, KJ Wagner.

Tate, based in Dallas, will be responsible for new business development and the design, placement and management of property/casualty insurance programs, providing risk management strategies and solutions for mid-market and large clients.

Tate joins EPIC from Marsh, where he specialized in the placement of insurance for businesses with difficult exposures, or difficult historical loss experience, particularly product liability issues and risk challenges in the Manufacturing, Construction and Energy industry.

"We are thrilled to continue the growth of our Property & Casualty team in the Southwest region with Dave's addition," said KJ Wagner. "He brings a strong risk management background that adds tremendous value to our clients. He is a talented professional who will be a terrific addition to EPIC."

Dave Tate can be reached at david.tate@epicbrokers.com or 214.502.9799.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 2,000 team members operating from more than 70 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $600 million, EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1008s2p-dave-tate-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Dave Tate has joined EPIC's Property and Casualty operations.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that Dave Tate has joined the firm's Property and Casualty operations, as a Principal, reporting to EPIC Managing Principal and Director of the Southwest Region, KJ Wagner.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

KBKG Tax Specialty Firm Hires Alex Martin to Lead New Transfer Pricing Practice for Cross-border Businesses

PASADENA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Nationwide tax specialty firm KBKG announced the hiring of Alex Martin as Principal and leader of the firm's new Transfer Pricing practice. Alex comes with over 22 years of full-time, international transfer pricing experience working in Washington, D.C.; Melbourne, Australia; and Detroit, Michigan where he resides currently.

Transfer pricing is the cross-border pricing of goods, royalties, services, and loans that drives how much income tax a multinational company pays by country. With Alex at the helm, KBKG will assist U.S. and international companies in establishing, documenting, and defending transfer pricing practices for the IRS and international tax authorities.

Alex has been a transfer pricing economist for his entire career, working for a Big-4 firm, middle-market firm, and through his independent transfer pricing consultancy. As a director at a Big-4 firm, he received the Chairman's Award and Coach of the Year recognition for building a Detroit-based transfer pricing practice.

Prior to joining KBKG, his team was named one of the world's leading transfer pricing consultancies by International Tax Review for three years in a row. Alex was also featured in Accounting Today for instituting an innovative approach to partnering with professional service firms, including training and development of transfer pricing programs.

When asked what the addition of Alex means for KBKG and the future of the firm, Greg Kniss, Managing Principal remarked, "Alex's US and global transfer pricing expertise broadens the scope of our tax specialty services provided to both US and international clients. While transfer pricing can be a highly contentious tax issue for multinationals, Alex has the experience to deliver practical savings strategies for companies competing internationally. Through his unique expertise in this space, Alex will be an invaluable asset to the businesses and CPA firms we support."

About KBKG:

Established in 1999 with offices across the US, KBKG provides turn-key tax solutions including research and development tax credits, cost segregation, transfer pricing, green building tax incentives, and more to CPAs and businesses nationwide.

Contact us for more information at https://www.kbkg.com/contact-us.

Nationwide tax specialty firm KBKG announced the hiring of Alex Martin as Principal and leader of the firm's new Transfer Pricing practice. Alex comes with over 22 years of full-time, international transfer pricing experience working in Washington, D.C.; Melbourne, Australia; and Detroit, Michigan where he resides currently.

Related link: https://www.kbkg.com/

EPIC’s National Marine Operations Bolstered with Addition of Ivon Friedman in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC) announced today that Ivon Friedman has joined the firm's Marine Practice in San Francisco. Friedman will report to EPIC's Risk Management - National Property and Marine Practice Leader, Michael Korn.

Friedman will handle new business development as well as the design, placement and management of marine insurance programs. In particular, he will focus his considerable experience on large, complex ocean cargo programs, including stock throughputs.

Friedman comes to EPIC from the Ocean Marine division of The Travelers Companies, Inc., where he worked for the past seven years as a Managing Director and Account Executive Director for the Northern California and Southwest regions.

"Ivon is skilled in leading underwriting teams to execute risk management strategies for clients with complex and considerable risks," said Korn. "We are thrilled to have him join our team and begin leading the underwriting, production and management of portfolios of business that will include Cargo, Marine Liabilities, Hull & Machinery and Recreational Marine lines, among others."

Ivan Friedman can be reached at ivon.friedman@epicbrokers.com or 415-365-4207.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 2,000 team members operating from more than 70 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $600 million, EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1007s2p-Ivon Friedman-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants (EPIC) announced today that Ivon Friedman has joined the firm's Marine Practice in San Francisco. Friedman will report to EPIC's Risk Management - National Property and Marine Practice Leader, Michael Korn.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

ACCT Philly Hires New Executive Director and Announces Additional Updates at the Shelter

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly) Board of Directors today announced Aurora Velazquez as the new Executive Director of the City's animal shelter. Velazquez will begin her new role on November 4, 2019.

Velazquez comes from the Animal Care Centers of NYC, most recently serving as the organization's Chief Operating Officer. Throughout her tenure, she spearheaded the organization's focus on surrender prevention and community-oriented services. She also played a key role in developing and driving programs which resulted in a 25 percent reduction in intake of cats and dogs since 2014 and huge strides in lifesaving, achieving a placement rate of 92.5 percent in 2018-ACC of NYC's highest ever.

Prior to joining the ACC of NYC in 2011, Velazquez mentored agencies around the country on the operational aspects of establishing high quality, high volume spay/neuter clinics, including staff management, policy development and metrics analysis. She brings more than 15 years of experience in animal sheltering operations including management, operational and leadership expertise.

"ACCT has faced significant challenges for many years. With an intake of more than 18,000 animals annually, a tight budget and aging building, finding the right leader to take ACCT to the next level was a daunting task," said Marsha Perelman, chair of the Search Committee and a member of ACCT's Board of Directors since late 2018. "There are many improvements that are planned for or in progress at ACCT, and I'm thrilled that someone with Aurora's experience and leadership skills will oversee the implementation of them. Having an executive director with Aurora's knowledge and experience is a huge win for the animals, for the organization and for the city."

"I'm tremendously honored to have been selected for such an important role, at such a pivotal time," said Velazquez. "I'm eager to get in there, learn from the ACCT team, and work with the community to help realize all the potential this organization has, so we may better serve the animals and people of Philadelphia."

The organization also announced earlier today the successful completion of a two-day intensive training by national shelter medicine experts aimed at facilitating the implementation of new procedures that will improve shelter operations, reduce the length of stay for its animals, and ensure that animals in its care receive top-level care and compassion. In addition, ACCT recently broke ground on the construction of a new welcome center, funded by a generous grant from the Petco Foundation.

This comes on the heels of the news that the City's Vector Services, currently sharing the West Hunting Park facility, will be relocated and ACCT will be able to utilize an additional 9,000 square feet in the facility in late winter. As part of ongoing improvement, the organization will also replace its outdated kennels and the drainage system in early 2020.

As the Executive Director of ACCT Philly, Velazquez will oversee these improvements to the city's only open admission shelter and will work with life-saving, medical and adoptions staff and community partners to continue to strengthen the organization and help Philadelphia's homeless pets.

Learn more at: http://www.acctphilly.org/

The Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly) Board of Directors today announced Aurora Velazquez as the new Executive Director of the City's animal shelter. Velazquez will begin her new role on November 4, 2019.

Related link: http://www.acctphilly.org/

Five New Partners Enhance BDR Senior Leadership

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- BDR is delighted to announce the addition of five new Partners to its Senior Leadership Team. Anna Forgey, Hector Morales, Katie Leonard, David Benson and Jesse Frasier have been appointed as partners to enhance the specialization and focus of the Atlanta-based consulting team.

In their 12th year of existence, BDR has experienced exponential growth and development. That growth was reflected internally to establish the organizational platform from which BDR can efficiently operate and expand in the years ahead. With the expansion of senior leadership, BDR is firmly positioned to expand its delivery of world-class program management services. The quality of service provided to clients will improve by further engaging the individuals who exemplify and embody the collaborative culture of BDR.

Anna is a Georgia Tech grad with a Building Construction degree. She joined the firm in 2012 and will now be in charge of business development. With 25 years of experience including nine years with BDR, Hector will be the leader in resource allocation. Talent development will be managed by Katie Leonard who also has a BS from Georgia Tech and serves as a Board Member for the Georgia Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. David Benson will provide his expert knowledge to enhance business intelligence and solidify BDR as a thought leader. Jesse brings 17 years of experience and connections as the industry liaison to elevate and promote the organizational brand.

Speaking on behalf of the existing four partners, Kim Cook (Chief Strategy Officer) remarked that, "These individuals offer the unique strengths and passions to position BDR to take full advantage of the growth opportunities ahead."

ABOUT BDR:

Based in Atlanta, BDR oversees the planning and execution of today's most complex facilities and transforms them into iconic, efficient assets that maximize engagement and ROI. Their project management staff includes architects, engineers, contractors, and clinical operational specialists who make up a multi-disciplinary consultant team uniquely suited to provide turnkey support for capital projects.

Learn more at: http://www.bdrpartners.com/

BDR is delighted to announce the addition of five new Partners to its Senior Leadership Team. Anna Forgey, Hector Morales, Katie Leonard, David Benson and Jesse Frasier have been appointed as partners to enhance the specialization and focus of the Atlanta-based consulting team.

Related link: http://www.bdrpartners.com/