Tag Archives: Management and Career Moves

Dr. Lisset Arenas Joins the Spodak Dental Group Team

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Dr. Lisset Arenas, a dedicated and highly-skilled general dentist, has joined the Spodak Dental Group team in Delray Beach, Fla. A 2017 graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, Dr. Arenas looks forward to providing her patients with unparalleled dental care.

"We are all very happy to have Dr. Arenas as part of our dental team," said Dr. Craig Spodak, general dentist at Spodak Dental Group. "She demonstrates not only skillful dentistry, but also truly cares about her patients' oral and overall health. We look forward to a great and long-lasting relationship with her and our team."

Born and raised in Peru, she moved to South Florida in 2000. Her passion for dentistry began when she was a teenager, after she realized the big impact that oral health can have on people's lives. She worked as a dental assistant while obtaining her bachelor of biology at Nova Southeastern University, so received invaluable hands on training while studying. With the support and love of her family and friends, she became the first doctor in her family to receive her doctor of dental medicine degree from the University of Florida, where she was also heavily involved in volunteerism and community service.

Dr. Arenas' professional organizations and affiliations include the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. She has also proudly received awards, honors and distinctions from the Xi Omicron Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society, the International Congress of Oral Implantologist Pre-Doctoral Student Achievement Award, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Implant Student Award and the Academy of Dentistry International Student Servant Leadership Award.

When she's not attending continuing education courses or volunteering on dental service trips to Ecuador and Guatemala, she and her husband Ruben enjoy time together in Florida with their two dogs.

Since 1976, the Spodak Dental Group has evolved to become South Florida's premier, comprehensive dental facility, and comprises a world-class association of dental professionals poised to provide full-service dental care second-to-none in both scope and skill. The Spodak Dental Group team includes General and Restorative Dentists, Endodontists, Periodontists, Prosthodontists, Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Master Ceramic Artists and Anesthesiologists, as well as one of the nation's only in-office labs.

Spodak Dental Group is located at 3911 W. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach, Fla. Please visit https://www.spodakdental.com or call (561) 498-0050 for more information or to make an appointment.

Dr. Lisset Arenas, a dedicated and highly-skilled general dentist, has joined the Spodak Dental Group team in Delray Beach, Fla. A 2017 graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, Dr. Arenas looks forward to providing her patients with unparalleled dental care.

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

EPIC Adds Vanessa Smiley in Atlanta, Georgia

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, today announced the addition of Vanessa Smiley who will assume a key role in EPIC's growing Integrated Risk Solutions Consulting Practice as Senior Vice President, Operations.

Smiley joins EPIC from Beecher Carlson in Atlanta, where she served as Vice President, Claims Operations.

Maurice Edwards, Managing Principal of EPIC's Integrated Risk Solutions Practice, commented, "We are very pleased and excited to add Vanessa, a well-respected thought leader in the area of operational efficiency. Vanessa will lead operations with a focus on building processes and procedures to further expand and enhance the value we deliver to our clients."

Vanessa Smiley can be reached by email at vanessa.smiley@epicbrokers.com or by phone at (708) 287-0641.

Learn more about EPIC Integrated Risk Solutions at https://www.epicbrokers.com/product/integrated-risk-solutions/

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 1,800 team members operating from 80 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 $575 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, today announced the addition of Vanessa Smiley who will assume a key role in EPIC's growing Integrated Risk Solutions Consulting Practice as Senior Vice President, Operations.

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

EPIC Adds Chris Knight in Atlanta Georgia

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, today announced the addition of Chris Knight who will assume a key role in EPIC's growing Integrated Risk Solutions Consulting Practice as Senior Vice President, Analytics and Innovation.

Knight joins EPIC from Beecher Carlson in Atlanta, where he served as Vice President, Analytics.

Maurice Edwards, Managing Principal of EPIC's Integrated Risk Solutions Practice, commented, "Chris will be responsible for creating and delivering our cutting-edge advanced analytical tools that drive innovation throughout our organization. Through his leadership, EPIC will leverage quantitative and statistical techniques to enhance decision-making and generate solutions to drive cost reduction, and optimize value for our clients."

Chris Knight can be reached by email at christopher.knight@epicbrokers.com or by phone at (770) 883-7620.

Learn more about EPIC Integrated Risk Solutions at https://www.epicbrokers.com/product/integrated-risk-solutions/

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 1,800 team members operating from 80 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 $575 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, today announced the addition of Chris Knight who will assume a key role in EPIC's growing Integrated Risk Solutions Consulting Practice as Senior Vice President, Analytics and Innovation.

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

Bank of Southern California NA Appoints Ashley Lopez as Branch Managing Director

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, has announced the appointment of Ashley Lopez as Branch Managing Director for the company's Carlsbad office. She will be responsible for expanding Bank of Southern California's market presence by actively seeking new business banking relationships with a focus on San Diego's North County communities.

Mrs. Lopez has nearly ten years of industry experience encompassing sales, operations and cash management. Most recently, she served as Regional Relationship Banking Officer for Silvergate Bank covering Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego Counties. She holds a bachelor's degree from California State University Channel Islands.

"Ashley is a seasoned banker with deep local roots and a passion for serving San Diego's business community," said Gaylin Anderson, Executive Vice President, Chief Banking Officer. "We are excited to welcome Ashley to the team and are confident that she will help us strengthen our position in the market."

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 ten branches in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, as well as production offices in Orange County and West Los Angeles.

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

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

Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, has announced the appointment of Ashley Lopez as Branch Managing Director for the company's Carlsbad office. She will be responsible for expanding Bank of Southern California's market presence by actively seeking new business banking relationships with a focus on San Diego's North County communities.

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

EPIC Insurance Brokers Adds Kevin Grady and Christian Florence in Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, today announced the addition of Kevin Grady and Christian Florence, both recognized experts in utilizing rigorous data analyses, benchmarking, and key performance metrics to reduce the total cost of risk.

Grady and Florence will join as Managing Principals and together with current EPIC Managing Principals Maurice Edwards and Jim Bacon (who recently joined EPIC through its Integro USA acquisition) will be responsible for leveraging data analytics to design and execute cost containment strategies that are proven to improve year-over-year outcomes and reduce the total cost of risk for EPIC clients.

Both Grady and Florence join EPIC from Beecher Carlson in Atlanta, where Grady served as Senior Managing Director and Florence as Managing Director, each focusing on Loss Cost Reduction solutions and practices.

Marc Kunney, President of the recently acquired Integro USA operations of EPIC, said "We are very pleased and excited to add these two highly regarded Loss Cost Reduction professionals to join Maurice Edwards and Jim Bacon of our EPIC team. Kevin and Christian are widely recognized for the depth of their experience and knowledge, creativity and innovation, and effective client consulting skills and abilities. They will add significantly to the resources and support we can make available to our larger and more complex clients, as well as to EPIC team members across the country."

Maurice Edwards, Managing Principal of Integrated Risk Solutions, on behalf of himself and Jim Bacon, also commented that "With the addition of Kevin and Christian, today marks a watershed day for EPIC's delivery of a best-in-class cost containment service for our clients. Since joining forces with the highly skilled professionals at Integro USA, EPIC has committed to creating a consulting practice focused on enterprise risk management services including a full suite of pre-loss risk assurance and avoidance, asset protection, training and awareness, and post-loss servicing. We are thrilled to have Kevin and Christian on our team"

Kevin Grady can be reached by email at kevin.grady@epicbrokers.com or by phone at (615) 604-8983.

Christian Florence can be reached by email at christian.florence@epicbrokers.com or by phone at (804) 873-3802.

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 1,800 team members operating from 80 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 $575 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, including inquiries about employment, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, today announced the addition of Kevin Grady and Christian Florence, both recognized experts in utilizing rigorous data analyses, benchmarking, and key performance metrics to reduce the total cost of risk.

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

EPIC Insurance Brokers adds JoBeth Wells in Dallas Texas

DALLAS, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that JoBeth Wells 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.

Wells, 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.

Wells joins EPIC from Willis Towers Watson, where she served as an Executive Vice President for over 30 years through predecessor companies. JoBeth specializes in the Construction, Real Estate and Public Entity industries.

"We are thrilled to continue the growth of our Property & Casualty team in the Southwest region with JoBeth's addition," said KJ Wagner. "She brings a strong risk management background that adds tremendous value to our clients. I am particularly excited to re-unite with JoBeth. She will be a terrific addition to EPIC."

JoBeth Wells can be reached at jobeth.wells@epicbrokers.com or 214-415-5345.

About EPIC:

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 1,800 team members operating from 80 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 $575 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 announced today that JoBeth Wells 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/

EPIC Insurance Brokers adds Stephanie Pitzer in Dallas Texas

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

Pitzer, 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.

Pitzer joins EPIC from Willis Towers Watson, where she served as an Account Executive. Prior to that, she also spent significant time with Higginbotham as a Senior Commercial Account Executive.

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

Stephanie Pitzer can be reached at stephanie.pitzer@epicbrokers.com or 817-938-6602.

About EPIC:

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 1,800 team members operating from 80 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 $575 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 announced today that Stephanie Pitzer, CRM, CIC has joined the firm's Property and Casualty operations, as a Client Executive, reporting to EPIC Managing Principal and Director of the Southwest Region, KJ Wagner.

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

The Mortgage Collaborative Adds Three New Board Members, 45 Lender Members and Grows Attendance at 2019 Winter Conference

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Mortgage Collaborative, a fast-growing independent mortgage cooperative of banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers, continues growth initiatives by adding three new mortgage executives to its Board of Directors. The new board members were voted in at their bi-annual member conference held in Austin, Texas. The announcement of the new board members comes in conjunction with an addition of 45 new lender members joining the cooperative in 2018 as well as a significant increase in lender members attending their 2019 winter conference.

"We're ecstatic to have Jason Madiedo, President and CEO of Alterra Group, assume the role of chairman of the board. Joining him on the Board of Directors will be Greg Grojean, Division President for Home State Bank, N.A.; Steven Milner, Founder and CEO of US Mortgage Corporation; and Julie Piepho, President of National Operations for Cornerstone Home Lending," said founding member, David Kittle.

Jason Madiedo who is currently on The Mortgage Collaborative Board of Directors is taking on a new role as chairman. His 20+ years in the mortgage industry developing programs for underserved markets and leading business divisions with compassion and a focus on delivering results will be a huge asset for the organization moving forward. Prior to joining The Mortgage Collaborative board of directors, he served as national president for the National Association for Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) - Nevada.

Greg Grojean is a veteran in the mortgage industry with 35+ years of experience. He currently serves as President for Home State Bank in Crystal Lake, Illinois. There he serves on the executive team and manages the bank's residential mortgage division, which includes all residential mortgage origination, operations and servicing functions. In the past he's served on various boards, including the Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association.

Steven Milner founded US Mortgage Corporation in 1994. The company currently has 300 employees, 33 branches nationwide and conducts business in 48 states including Washington D.C. With almost 40 years of experience in mortgage banking, Steven holds 51 individual Mortgage Loan Originator licenses and has originated close to $5 billion in mortgage loans over his career.

Julie Piepho, CMB, has over 40 years of experience in the mortgage industry. She's currently the President of National Operations for Cornerstone Home Lending. Prior to that she served in several executive positions for Norwest Mortgage and Wells Fargo. She's past chairman of the Colorado Board of Mortgage Loan Originators, Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association and is a current member of the Board of Directors for the Mortgage Bankers of America (MBA). In addition, Julie has received numerous industry awards from the MBA, MORPAC, HousingWire and the Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association.

The Mortgage Collaborative provides its members with access to products and services that help reduce costs, improve compliance and better manage their businesses. Its preferred partner network consists of product and service providers across the mortgage origination ecosystem.

"The Mortgage Collaborative's core purpose is to create an environment of collaboration for our members, and that begins with listening to and learning from our lender members on what matters the most in today's challenging market. These new board members bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will help guide the activities and services we offer small and medium sized lenders," said Jim Park, CEO and Partner for The Mortgage Collaborative.

About The Mortgage Collaborative:

Based in San Diego, The Mortgage Collaborative was founded in 2013 to empower mortgage lenders across the country with better financial execution, reduced costs, enhanced expertise and improved compliance to help its members access the dynamic and changing consumer base in America. The association is managed by its founding members: John Robbins, CMB; David Kittle, CMB; Gary Acosta, CEO of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP); and Jim Park, former chair of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA). Robbins and Kittle are former chairmen of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America (MBA).

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

The Mortgage Collaborative, a fast-growing independent mortgage cooperative of banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers, continues growth initiatives by adding three new mortgage executives to its Board of Directors. The new board members were voted in at their bi-annual member conference held in Austin, Texas.

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

Temecula United Adds Former FIFA World Cup Player Greg Ion to Staff

TEMECULA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Temecula United Soccer Club announces the hiring of former Canadian Men's National Soccer Team player, Greg Ion, as their new Program Director. He will also coach the club's premier G2005 and G2006 teams for this upcoming season as he guides the club's strategic vision.

Coach Greg Ion brings an impressive soccer resume to the Temecula valley. He was picked in the first round of the 1981 North American Soccer League (NASL) draft by the Portland Timbers and made his debut for the Canadian National Team at the age of 20. He represented Canada in the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico and went on to play professionally for 11 years before retiring in 1992. Coach Greg holds a USSF National B license, has coached collegiately in Washington state, and has coached three US Youth National Championship teams in his career.

"Temecula United is growing at an impressive rate both in numbers and - more importantly - in reputation, and I am excited to help the club reach the next level," said Ion.

With the introduction of the new and unique Temecula United Collegiate Pathway Program, Greg Ion will play an important role in developing real college soccer opportunities for the club's players moving forward.

"We are thrilled to add someone with the professional expertise of Greg Ion to the Club," said Temecula United Club President Mike Richards. "His soccer resume speaks for itself, but what impresses me the most is his passion for the game and his vision for the Club. Greg's connections to the U.S. professional and college soccer communities have already opened doors for players throughout the Temecula valley," said Richards.

To learn more about Temecula United, please go to: https://www.temeculaunitedsoccerclub.org/

About Temecula United Soccer Club:

Based in Temecula, Calif., Temecula United is a youth soccer club with players ranging from 6 years of age to 18 years of age in both girls and boys divisions. Established in 2005, Temecula United is one of the fastest growing youth soccer clubs in Southern California boasting more than 40 teams. Temecula United is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit.

Social: https://twitter.com/TU_Soccer_Club and https://www.facebook.com/temeculaunitedsoccer/.

Temecula United Soccer Club announces the hiring of former Canadian Men's National Soccer Team player, Greg Ion, as their new Program Director. He will also coach the club's premier G2005 and G2006 teams for this upcoming season as he guides the club's strategic vision.

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

Bank of Southern California NA Continues to Expand Its Business Development Team in Greater Los Angeles Area

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, is pleased to announce the expansion of its business development team in the Los Angeles market with the hiring of two seasoned banking professionals to support the company's continued growth and expansion in the Southern California region.

Mirna Batarseh - Senior Managing Director, Deposit Origination:

Mrs. Batarseh has joined Bank of Southern California as Senior Managing Director, Deposit Origination, bringing more than 25 years of exceptional banking experience. In her role, she will be responsible for expanding the Bank's client base by providing deposit solutions, commercial lending opportunities, and treasury management needs for small to mid-sized businesses. Most recently, she served as Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager at Banc of California in Los Angeles.

Jessica Batarseh - Senior Managing Director, Business Banking:

Ms. Batarseh joins the company as Senior Managing Director, Business Banking, bringing over 7 years of experience with proven success in business banking and relationship management. She is responsible for expanding existing client relationships and originating new business lending and deposit opportunities. She offers a wealth of experience and knowledge in commercial lending, business development strategies, and portfolio management.

Prior to joining Bank of Southern California, Ms. Batarseh served as Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager II at Banc of California. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Management from the California State University, Northridge School of Business and Economics.

"We are pleased to welcome both Mirna and Jessica to our growing Business Development team. Both of these banking professionals have extensive experience with a track record of success, and reputations for providing high level customer service," said Gaylin Anderson, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer.

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 production offices in West Los Angeles and 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 / OTCMKTS:BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, is pleased to announce the expansion of its business development team in the Los Angeles market with the hiring of two seasoned banking professionals to support the company's continued growth and expansion in the Southern California region.

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

Lirio Expands Behavioral Expertise with Key Hire, Chandra Osborn

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Lirio, The Behavior Change Company, welcomes Chandra Osborn as new Chief Behavioral Officer, paving the way for advanced developments in behavioral analysis and communication. Chandra is highly skilled and respected in behavioral science, having worked tirelessly to expand behavioral research and analysis in both the public and private sectors. Her insight will be invaluable to the evolution of Lirio's behavioral archetypes and engagement framework.

Chandra joins Lirio with two decades of experience in data-driven behavioral science. Over her career, she has effectively turned scientific results into better products and happier customers. A prolific researcher, she has published more than 100 publications and op-eds throughout her career.

Before joining Lirio, Chandra led digital behavioral design and research teams in both industry and academia. She oversaw all behavioral design and scientific activities in her role as Vice President of Health and Behavioral Informatics at One Drop and as Assistant Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Informatics and Co-Director of the Center for Health Education and Health Behavior at Vanderbilt University.

Chandra earned her master's degree and Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Connecticut and earned her M.P.H. (Master of Public Health) from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where she was also a Health Services Research Postdoctoral Fellow. Prior to focusing on behavioral science and communicative health, Chandra promoted pro-environmental conservation behaviors, which remain among her passions. She will enjoy the best of both worlds at Lirio-driving the behavior change mission for the company in both healthcare and energy.

"At Lirio, we believe that a behavioral approach to communication is the most relevant, effective way to bridge the customer engagement gap for our clients and drive their customers to healthier actions," says Lirio CEO Mike West. "At our core, we are The Behavior Change Company, and Chandra's addition to the leadership team as Chief Behavioral Officer takes us up a notch in delivering that value."

As an international expert in both behavioral science and communication best practices, Chandra will improve upon all aspects of Lirio's behavioral science methodology. She will be based in Lirio's Nashville office.

For more information about Lirio, visit https://Lirio.co.

About Lirio:

Lirio, The Behavior Change Company, applies the psychology of human behavior, the information wealth of big data, and the power of machine learning to help enterprise healthcare and utility clients improve their business outcomes. Lirio delivers mass personalization by surfacing the right message to the right person to drive the right action at the right time, ultimately generating individual behavior change at scale. Lirio is taking a strong, defensible leadership position in healthcare and energy by solving a massive pain point-the customer engagement gap.

Find out more at https://lirio.co/ and follow Lirio on Facebook: Facebook.com/lirio.llc, LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/company/lirio, and Twitter: @Lirio_LLC.

Lirio, LLC, The Behavior Change Company, welcomes Chandra Osborn as new Chief Behavioral Officer, paving the way for advanced developments in behavioral analysis and communication. Chandra is highly skilled and respected in behavioral science, having worked tirelessly to expand behavioral research and analysis in both the public and private sectors.

Related link: https://lirio.co/

EPIC Insurance Brokers Adds John Sames in the Northeast US

PEARL RIVER, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, today announced that John Sames has joined the firm's Northeast Region leadership team in the new position of Director of Operations and Sales. Sames will be based in EPIC's Pearl River, N.Y. office and report to Tom O'Neil, Northeast Region President.

Sames' primary responsibilities will be to support organic revenue growth within the former Capacity Group of Companies (acquired by EPIC in March 2017), by developing, implementing and managing a number of key operating and new business development initiatives.

Prior to joining EPIC, Sames served as a regional leader for Marsh & McLennan Agency. His 30 years of insurance industry experience also include leadership roles within Aon's Financial Service Group, as well as at USI Insurance Services where he provided operations and sales leadership in a variety of roles.

"We are excited to add John's knowledge, operations and sales leadership experience, and support to the entire Capacity/EPIC team to further emphasize the depth of EPIC's commitment to the success of our clients, our team members and other business partners across the Northeast Region," said Tom O'Neil.

John Sames can be reached at john.sames@epicbrokers.com or 201-661-2384

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 1,800 team members operating from 80 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 $575 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, today announced that John Sames has joined the firm's Northeast Region leadership team in the new position of Director of Operations and Sales.

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

TRK Connection Hires Chris Bruner as Senior Vice President of National Sales

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- TRK Connection (TRK), a leading provider of mortgage quality control (QC) and origination management solutions, announced today it has hired Chris Bruner, CMB, AMP, as Senior Vice President of National Sales. In this role, Bruner will lead TRK's sales division, advising mortgage operations centers across the U.S. on how to leverage TRK's Insight Risk & Defect Management (RDM) mortgage quality control (QC) audit platform to improve quality control cost centers.

"Chris Bruner is a highly experienced mortgage sales professional with deep roots in the compliance and QC sectors of the industry," said TRK Executive Vice President of Strategy Jeremy Burcham. "His extensive knowledge of this space will undoubtedly prove to be an asset as TRK enters into its next phase of growth."

Prior to joining TRK Connection, Bruner was a managing principal at Fiserv, Inc., in Wisconsin for two years. While at Fiserv, he helped to streamline loan processing, reduce costs and support regulatory compliance with an automated life-of-loan solution. Bruner also spent three years with Florida-based ACES Risk Management (ARMCO), where he served as a National Sales Director.

Having spent nearly 20 years in the mortgage industry, Bruner gained the majority of his experience working for AppIntelligence and Interthinx, which merged in 2007. From 2003 through 2007, Bruner worked in business development at AppIntelligence, and after the merger, he worked as a sales director in Interthinx's Compliance Department until 2013. Bruner started in the industry at Wave Technologies in Missouri, spending two years as a sales representative.

"In today's mortgage environment, lenders simply cannot afford to conduct their QC operations manually," Bruner said. "With its industry-first Encompass integration using the latest Ellie Mae Encompass Partner Connect APIs, TRK has built the most sophisticated audit systems on the market, and I look forward to helping lenders leverage this unique and powerful platform to mitigate loan defects and drive loan quality."

About TRK Connection:

Founded in 2013, TRK Connection prides itself on its ability to develop technologies that allow businesses to surpass their organizational needs and meet their business objectives. As an innovator in the mortgage origination and quality assurance space, TRK continues to develop and refine solutions geared to promote and strengthen the loan origination process, pre/post-close loan audits and the defect remediation process.

Currently, TRK offers solutions that support Mortgage Audit & Quality Control (Insight Risk & Defect Management(TM)), Loan Origination Vendor Management (Core Connect(TM)), Complete LOS Connectivity Platforms and more.

For more information, visit http://trkconnection.com/

TRK Connection (TRK), a leading provider of mortgage quality control (QC) and origination management solutions, announced today it has hired Chris Bruner, CMB, AMP, as Senior Vice President of National Sales.

Related link: http://trkconnection.com/

Papa Announces Appointment of Industry Veteran Chuck Hector to Executive Team

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Papa, Inc., the nation's first human companionship platform for seniors, today announced the appointment of healthcare benefit industry veteran Chuck Hector as Chief Growth Officer. Mr. Hector will play an instrumental role in leading the company's expansion of its "Grandkids On-Demand" service to address the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness in our nation's senior segment.

He will be responsible for Papa's product and revenue strategies, sales and client success, as well as strategic alliances to drive distribution to seniors.

"Papa has quickly become central to the conversation around the social determinants of health for seniors," explains Andrew Parker, Papa Founder and CEO. "Chuck brings 20 years of experience bringing new and innovative solutions to market, and will surely accelerate our growth and expansion, partake in the evolution of our vision and help establish new benchmarks for addressing senior isolation. He is a key addition to our executive leadership team," said Parker.

Before joining Papa, Inc., Mr. Hector was Chief Revenue Officer of MDLIVE, Inc., a telehealth industry leader, where he managed sales, implementation and client success for 8 years, guiding the membership growth to 35M members. He also spent 4 years with IncentOne, the online platform for incentive-based activity tracking, and 3 years with Chicago based ComPsych, the national leader in employee assistance and work-life benefits.

"I couldn't be more excited to join Papa at a stage when they are gaining national attention for their work," says Hector. "I know the subject of senior loneliness hits very close to home for me, and many of friends who have aging parents. Papa will go a long way to stem the tide of this epidemic and the associated expense to health plans and employers."

Hector graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Illinois and earned his MBA from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, with a concentration in healthcare administration. He will continue to reside in Deerfield, Ill. with his wife Kari, and their four children. He will assume his duties on March 4, 2019.

About Papa, Inc.:

Based in Miami Florida, Papa, Inc. is the first and only end to end companionship platform targeting seniors that allows the member to self-direct the experience, while gathering helpful information to improve the members interaction with their insurer. Through the "Grandkids On-Demand" product line, Medicare, Medicaid and Duals members receive access to college enrolled students for companionship, light house work and transportation. Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian is the notable seed investor and will guide the Y Combinator graduated company through Series A funding.

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

Papa, Inc., the nation's first human companionship platform for seniors, today announced the appointment of healthcare benefit industry veteran Chuck Hector as Chief Growth Officer. Mr. Hector will play an instrumental role in leading the company's expansion of its "Grandkids On-Demand" service to address the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness in our nation's senior segment.

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

Byte Back to Bring Free Tech Career Training to Baltimore

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Byte Back, a growing tech education nonprofit, today announced that Chrissie Powell was named as the organization's Baltimore Site Director, leading the launch of its first expansion outside the Washington, D.C. metro region. This past October, Byte Back won a $1 million CAD ($775,000 USD) TD Ready Challenge grant to expand to Baltimore. Powell's hire represents an important step in expanding efforts to equip adults on the other side of the digital divide with the technology skills they need to succeed.

"Baltimore is a special city filled with intelligent, innovative minds just waiting to be ignited," Powell said. "This, coupled with my in-depth knowledge and experience within Baltimore's workforce development community, provides a sweet recipe for a successful Byte Back expansion."

Powell has been in the community nonprofit sector since 2012, formerly a leader at Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake. "I'm honored for the opportunity to serve Baltimore and her residents once again," she said.

"Thousands of adults in cities around the country are looking for opportunities to fully participate in the digital economy and to earn a living wage. Byte Back is thrilled to be bringing that opportunity to Baltimore," said Elizabeth Lindsey, executive director of Byte Back. "Chrissie's passion and drive will help put tech within reach in a whole new community."

Byte Back has been increasingly in the national spotlight, as an expert in digital inclusion and tech diversity, and will now expand their on-the-ground impact.

Powell will work with community partners to recruit and train students and corporate partners to hire Byte Back graduates after they graduate. Free tech training for adults in Baltimore city is planned to launch by summer 2019, with at least 72 students receiving training by the end of the year.

About Byte Back:
Byte Back, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides a pathway of inclusive tech training that leads to living-wage careers. As a leader in digital inclusion, since 1997, Byte Back has helped hundreds of graduates launch living-wage careers that use technology. In 2018, 50 graduates were hired, earning $27,599 more per year than before Byte Back courses. Please see more at https://byteback.org/.

Byte Back, a growing tech education nonprofit, today announced that Chrissie Powell was named as the organization's Baltimore Site Director, leading the launch of its first expansion outside the Washington, D.C. metro region. This past October, Byte Back won a $1 million CAD ($775,000 USD) TD Ready Challenge grant to expand to Baltimore.

Related link: https://byteback.org/

Utelogy Expands Sales Team with Addition of Michelle Loret

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Utelogy, maker of enterprise software platform for control and intelligent connected workspaces, announced today that it has expanded its sales team with the addition of Michelle Loret as Senior Account Executive.

Following an extensive career in technology sales that also included representing numerous Audio/Visual manufacturers including Utelogy, Loret joins the Utelogy team to manage sales activity through the middle of the United States. Michelle's understanding of enterprise conferencing, collaboration and communications makes her a great fit as the A/V industry experiences its own digital transformation.

Utelogy recently announced its latest software release which incorporates a number of integrations that deliver enhancements across the enterprise including a new management and monitoring platform with Rest API and BI (Business Intelligence) data connectors. These announcements happened earlier this month at Integrated Systems Europe 2019 (ISE) in Amsterdam.

"Michelle's rich experience in audiovisual technology combined with her extensive business relationships will give Utelogy the leadership and credibility we need to continue to expand our presence in the U.S.," said Frank Pellkofer, Utelogy Co-Founder and President. "Utelogy is pleased to add this kind of depth to the team."

"I'm thrilled to join a team of people that I respect and admire. As an early fan of the technology, I'm excited about the global nature of the growing interest from the end-user and integrator community," added Loret.

Earlier this month, Utelogy brought home 3 awards from ISE 2019. The first as AVNation Reader's Choice Award for Best AV Control 2018 and two awards for U-Manage, the platform's management, monitoring and analytics portal.

About Utelogy Corporation:

Utelogy Corporation publishes an enterprise-grade software platform for managing and controlling connected workspaces. This hardware-agnostic platform revolutionizes productivity for end-users and enables advanced services for integrators and other service providers.

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

Utelogy Corporation, maker of enterprise software platform for control and intelligent connected work spaces, announced today that it has expanded its sales team with the addition of Michelle Loret as Senior Account Executive. Earlier this month, Utelogy brought home 3 awards from ISE 2019.

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

EPIC Insurance Brokers adds Jose Palmer in Houston, Texas

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants ("EPIC") announced today that Jose Palmer has joined the firm's Energy and Marine Practice, within its Property and Casualty operations, as a Principal, reporting to EPIC Managing Principal and Director of the Southwest Region, KJ Wagner.

Palmer, based in Houston, 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.

Palmer joins EPIC from Upstream Brokers (an Acrisure Partner Company), where he served as a Vice President for over seven years, supporting companies in the Construction and Oil/Gas sectors with complicated risks, including international and environmental exposures. Palmer spent the earlier part of his career with Willis of Texas, Inc. and MaximGroup. With a strong risk management background, Palmer brings nearly 20 years of industry experience to the EPIC team.

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

Jose Palmer can be reached at jose.palmer@epicbrokers.com or 281-910-3447.

About EPIC:

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 1,800 team members operating from 80 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 $575 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 ("EPIC") announced today that Jose Palmer has joined the firm's Energy and Marine Practice, within its 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/

EPIC Insurance Brokers adds Nikki Howes in Houston TX

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that Nikki Howes has joined the firm's Energy and Marine Practice, within its Property and Casualty operations, as a Client Advocate, reporting to EPIC Managing Principal and Director of the Southwest Region, KJ Wagner.

Mrs. Howes, based in Houston, 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.

Mrs. Howes joins EPIC from Upstream Brokers (an Acrisure Partner Company), where she served as Vice President with a focus on the risk exposures of marine and energy operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Prior to that, she also spent significant time with USI Insurance Services as a Marine & Energy Account Executive.

"We are thrilled to continue the growth of our Property & Casualty team in the Southwest region with Nikki's addition," said KJ Wagner. "She brings a strong risk management background that adds tremendous value to our clients in the Marine and Energy industries and our organization as a whole. Nikki will be a terrific addition to EPIC."

Nikki Howes can be reached at nikki.howes@epicbrokers.com or 832-746-2249.

About EPIC:

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 1,800 team members operating from 80 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 $575 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 announced today that Nikki Howes has joined the firm's Energy and Marine Practice, within its Property and Casualty operations, as a Client Advocate, reporting to EPIC Managing Principal and Director of the Southwest Region, KJ Wagner.

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

New York Marketing Association Appoints Director of Communications

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- The New York Marketing Association (NYMA) has appointed Caroline Cooke, Founder & Creative Director of Bright Humor, as its Director of Communications.

In her new role as a Board-Elect member of the NYMA, Cooke aims to support the association in amplifying and growing its presence within the marketing community, as well as broadening the NYMA's network of event sponsors and industry partners. Cooke will also maintain her role as Founder & Creative Director of Bright Humor, a content agency that helps brands to leverage humor in their marketing communications to boost audience engagement.

Founded in 2016, the New York Marketing Association seeks to connect like-minded innovators and thought leaders within the marketing community to foster meaningful discussions about marketing trends, strategies, tactics, and technologies.

"Marketing is ever-changing and the demands are ever-steep. Good resources should be shared and voices should be heard. We believe in challenging and exploring because innovation is happening every day. Everyone can join the journey," says NYMA Board Member, Michael Pavlov.

"We want to be the association that empowers and inspires marketers to embrace their full potential," adds Cooke.

The NYMA community offers an environment in which thought-provoking, two-way conversations can take place about the core foundations of great marketing, along with inventive approaches being embraced by the industry. Additionally, NYMA continues to connect marketers across the world by creating a global community that embraces the diversity of both thought and culture.

"The NYMA is not only based in New York City, but the culture of the NYMA is everything New York is - energetic, thoughtful, modern, diverse, and world-class - we even have the pizza! On behalf of the entire community, I invite fellow marketers and industry professionals to join us at one of our upcoming events," says Cooke.

Interested in getting involved with the NYMA? Here are a few ways to do so:

* Become a Member: Joining the NYMA is free and members receive access to a variety of professional resources, as well as special offers and discounts to upcoming events. Premium membership packages are also available, which provide enhanced opportunities for cost-savings, network exposure, and professional advancement.
* Attend an Event: The NYMA regularly hosts networking events, as well as online and in-person workshops to connect community members and provide valuable industry insights.
* Sponsor the NYMA: Organizations looking to gain more visibility with decision-makers in the marketing community can take advantage of various sponsorship opportunities available through the NYMA.
* Share Expertise: The NYMA regularly seeks industry experts to speak at upcoming events and workshops.

To learn more about the NYMA, please visit our website at: https://newyorkmarketingassociation.org/.

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

The New York Marketing Association (NYMA) has appointed Caroline Cooke, Founder & Creative Director of Bright Humor, as its Director of Communications. Founded in 2016, the New York Marketing Association seeks to connect like-minded innovators and thought leaders within the marketing community.

Related link: https://newyorkmarketingassociation.org/

Specialty Tax Firm KBKG Names John W. Hanning Principal

COLUMBUS, Ohio /ScoopCloud/ -- Nationwide tax specialty firm KBKG recently promoted John W. Hanning to Principal. John leads a team of engineers and specialists based out of the firm's Atlanta office that services both the Midwest and Southeast region that stretches from Ohio to Florida.

John joins nine other principals on KBKG's leadership team. John's primary responsibilities include servicing capital intensive clients with value-added services relating to Cost Segregation, R&D Tax Credits, Green Building Tax Incentives, and more.

Additionally, John is a Certified Member of the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP), an organization that requires members to adhere to a strict code of ethics and standards. Currently John serves on the ASCSP Board of Directors as Treasurer.

John is a council member of the Washington D.C. Real Estate Roundtable group, a non-profit organization focused on policy areas governing tax, capital and credit, environment and energy, and homeland security. John is also a nationally-recognized author and educator. John's work has been featured in publications such as Accounting Today, CCH, and TaxPro Today.

As an active member of the community, John frequently volunteers for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity & Family Promise of Delaware County that are dedicated to helping homeless families achieve lasting independence.

KBKG Atlanta opened its doors in 2017, to offer a dedicated location to service new and existing clients in and around the surrounding region. John, who lived in Columbus for many years, has partnered with businesses in the area for over a decade leading up to the firm's office expansion. John and his team are also heavily involved in the area's technology incubators, startups, and small businesses, as they regularly attend and co-host events with entrepreneurs, providing tips for increasing cashflow when early stage businesses need it most.

"John not only cares about his role as a leader in this firm, but he is also passionately invested in Columbus and the surrounding region. He takes pride in KBKG's work, which shows through the partnerships he and his team have cultivated within the technology and real estate space," said Gian Pazzia, KBKG principal. "They host events and offer help to anyone in need, be it business consulting or volunteering. Columbus is lucky to have such a champion for their growth and success."

For more information about John W. Hanning and KBKG, visit: https://www.kbkg.com/kbkg-atlanta.

About KBKG:

Established in 1999 with offices across the U.S., KBKG ( https://www.kbkg.com/ ) provides turn-key tax solutions including research and development tax credits, cost segregation, and green building tax incentives, and more to CPAs and businesses nationwide. KBKG Atlanta is located at 44 Milton Avenue, Suite 101, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

Nationwide tax specialty firm KBKG recently promoted John W. Hanning to Principal. John leads a team of engineers and specialists based out of the firm's Atlanta office that services both the Midwest and Southeast region that stretches from Ohio to Florida.

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

IT Partners Names Industry Veteran Josh Hauser Chairman of its Board of Directors

TAMPA, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- IT Partners, a trusted adviser in the data and security space, today announced it has named industry veteran Josh Hauser as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, joining a team that possesses a long list of business and military success.

The IT industry is currently experiencing a significant consolidation; the larger firms are looking to capture market share through acquisition of smaller local and regional companies, opening up a massive opportunity for growth surrounding these mergers.

IT Partners' goal is to acquire numerous companies in the areas of Cyber Security, Managed Services, Cloud Services, VOIP, Security and Surveillance, Project Management, IT Infrastructure, Data Center Facilities, and Software/App Development to eliminate redundancies and create rapid growth.

Hauser joins the IT Partners team as an experienced executive with demonstrated success in driving profitable growth with a wide range of industrial electronic products in the international arena.

"Our entire Board is thrilled to have Josh as at the helm of our board," stated Thomas Bedell, Acquisitions Manager of IT Partners. "We possess an incredible potential for growth, and along with our existing team, we are on an upward trajectory towards great success."

In addition to Hauser, IT Partners' Board of Directors include:
* Will Lassalle, a global IT and Information/Cyber Security executive, known for creating order in chaos;
* Jaclyn Cannon, who serves as an IT Operations and Maintenance Director for an aerospace test organization;
* Frank Quintana, BI consultant and data architect;
* George Cannon, experienced test pilot and business leader;
* Gore Bolton, an engineer turned investor and business engineer;
* Alberto Washington, Managing Director at Oberon Securities and Founder of Mercury Americas; and,
* Mark Coppa, a senior business leader with nearly three decades of experience.

"I am honored to be part of such a prestigious and proven team," stated Hauser. "We have a lot of work to do over the coming months and years, but am profoundly confident in the abilities of our Board and broader IT Partners team to become the ultimate leaders in this space quickly."

About IT Partners:

IT Partners is an M&A investment group based in in Tampa, Florida that purchases and nurtures tech companies and technologies throughout the United States. They look for hidden gems with owners who are ready to leave a lasting legacy for their clients, employees, and family by partnering with a group that has their best interests at its core; IT Partners' unique approach is to create a partnership that gives the seller two opportunities to exit: now to free up capital and pursue other interests, and a second to continue to participate, even in retirement.

Learn More About IT Partners at: https://itpartners.us.com/

IT Partners LLC, a trusted adviser in the data and security space, today announced it has named industry veteran Josh Hauser as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, joining a team that possesses a long list of business and military success.

Related link: https://itpartners.us.com/

Mary Shah Named Principal at Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc.

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) today announced the appointment of retirement plan consultant Mary Shah as its newest principal. Shah's promotion recognizes a track record of outstanding client service delivery and business development contributions since joining SBA.

"Mary has displayed both a mastery of servicing various types of clients with complex benefits needs and tremendous leadership skills within our organization - characteristics we seek in a principal at Strategic Benefits Advisors," said SBA Co-Founder and Principal Mindy Zatto. "We welcome her to the senior management team and know she will continue to play a key role in guiding our consultants' and clients' success."

Shah joined SBA as a benefits adviser in 2016, bringing with her more than 25 years of consulting experience at top-tier actuarial and employee benefits consulting firms. Shah's areas of expertise include actuarial valuations, financial forecasting, risk assessment and mitigation, benefits implementation support and mergers and acquisitions due diligence. She has earned the designations of Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and Enrolled Actuary.

"Strategic Benefits Advisors prides itself on staffing only experienced, service-oriented benefits professionals, which makes it a special honor to be recognized in this fashion," said Shah. "I look forward to helping shape the future of our growing firm while continuing to serve clients with creative and effective benefits consulting."

About Strategic Benefits Advisors:

Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) is an independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm focused on creatively and effectively solving complex benefits issues for clients ranging from 500 to over 250,000 employees. Founded in 2002 by veteran consultants Mindy Zatto and Andy Adams, SBA provides practical consulting recommendations and expert implementation of solutions for all types of employee benefits programs, including retirement, health and welfare, financial wellness and employee recognition. With an average of over 20 years in the field, SBA's team of actuaries, consultants and systems specialists is among the most experienced in the industry. For more information, visit http://www.sba-inc.com/.

Twitter: @StrategicBenefitsAdvisors #EmployeeBenefits

Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) today announced the appointment of retirement plan consultant Mary Shah as its newest principal. Shah's promotion recognizes a track record of outstanding client service delivery and business development contributions since joining SBA.

Related link: http://www.sba-inc.com/

Caminar Announces Mark Cloutier as New CEO

SAN MATEO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Board of Directors of Caminar has announced the appointment of Mark Cloutier, MPP, MPH, as Chief Executive Officer of the $39M nonprofit behavioral health organization. Dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals and families with complex needs to move toward resilience, wellness and independence, Caminar serves more than 20,000 people each year in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California.

Cloutier has dedicated his career to increasing access to quality health and supportive services and improving communities' overall health and well-being. With Master's degrees in public policy and public health, Cloutier has held leadership roles in health and behavioral health services organizations and foundations, including Horizons Services, San Francisco Foundation, the Center for Youth Wellness, Kaiser Family Foundation and San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

"In addition to top caliber leadership experience, we sought a CEO who has vision for and commitment to the work of Caminar," says Suzan Getchell-Wallace, President of the Board of Directors of Caminar. "Mark believes strongly in the comprehensive services we offer and the importance of offering optimal care to the communities we serve."

Founded in 1964 in San Mateo County, Caminar has grown significantly over the last two years in response to the growing complexity of behavioral health needs affecting the communities it serves. With a five-county service area encompassing San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Solano and Butte counties, the organization delivers programmatic innovations and solution-focused services that address fundamental issues affecting the health of individuals and families, including mental wellness, addiction recovery, family violence and homelessness.

"Improving the health of communities begins with understanding the role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and social determinants of health in predisposing individuals, families and communities to poor mental health and physical health outcomes," says Mark Cloutier, CEO of Caminar. "Caminar is in a unique position to address the comprehensive needs of individuals, families and communities though our trauma informed, evidence based clinical services and our collaborations with government, nonprofit and community institutions to focus on and remedy root causes."

In order to best serve the increasingly complex needs of individuals and families, Caminar has been evolving toward a whole person care approach, in which the essential factors underlying a person's health, from physical and mental wellness through housing and employment, are addressed holistically.

Recent mergers have advanced this aim by adding complementary programs and expertise to Caminar. Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley, based in Santa Clara County, brought expertise in adult substance use treatment, family violence prevention, school-based counseling programs, adolescent mental health services, and programs for LGBTQ communities. The addition of Healthy Partnerships, based in Solano County, enhanced the organization's continuum of care in the county by expanding mental health services and adding adolescent and adult substance use treatment services. Project Ninety, based in San Mateo County, expanded the organization's substance use treatment and recovery services capacity in the region.

Cloutier started in the role of CEO on January 31, 2019.

About Caminar:

Founded in San Mateo, California, in 1964, Caminar serves more than 20,000 individuals annually in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. The nonprofit organization's portfolio of behavioral health and supportive services empowers and supports individuals and families to move toward resilience, wellness, and independence. The continuum of prevention, treatment and recovery services includes residential and outpatient mental health and substance use treatment services, youth development, supportive housing, vocational rehabilitation and supported education.

More information about the organization is available at: https://www.caminar.org/

The Board of Directors of Caminar has announced the appointment of Mark Cloutier, MPP, MPH, as Chief Executive Officer of the $39M nonprofit behavioral health organization. Dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals and families with complex needs to move toward resilience, wellness and independence, Caminar serves more than 20,000 people each year in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California.

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

Bank of Southern California N.A. Names Scott Yates Regional Managing Director

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, has expanded its business development team with the appointment of Scott Yates as Group Managing Director of Branch Sales and Deposit Origination. He will be responsible for leading the branch banking group in their efforts to grow the bank's core deposits, deepening existing client relationships and originating new client relationships.

Mr. Yates brings more than 14 years of industry experience specializing in commercial banking, treasury management, and sales management. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President, Regional Banking Manager for Silvergate Bank. Active in the community, he serves as an Advisory Board Member for the San Diego Financial Literacy Center. Mr. Yates holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona.

"Scott is a strong addition to the Branch Banking team and brings extensive sales management and commercial banking expertise along with a strong reputation and history of performance," said Gaylin Anderson, Executive Vice President, Chief Banking Officer.

"His experience and strategic vision will be instrumental in further developing the team and growing our market presence in Southern California," concluded Anderson.

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 ten branches in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, and the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, as well as a production offices in Orange County and West Los Angeles.

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

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

Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, has expanded its business development team with the appointment of Scott Yates as Group Managing Director of Branch Sales and Deposit Origination. He will be responsible for leading the branch banking group in their efforts to grow the bank's core deposits, deepening existing client relationships and originating new client relationships.

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

EPIC Adds Scott Davis as President of National Specialty Practice Group in Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, today announced the addition of insurance industry veteran Scott Davis as President of EPIC's National Specialty Practice Group. Davis joins EPIC effective February 5, 2019 and will be based in the firm's Nashville office.

Davis brings to EPIC more than 30 years of large account risk management, strategic operations, business development, and executive leadership experience. Prior to joining EPIC, Davis served as President and Chief Operating Officer at Beecher Carlson, one of the fastest growing brokerages in the large account space.

Over the past 15 years Davis has specialized in the creation and delivery of innovative solutions developed to reduce a large account buyer's total cost of risk (TCOR) with tremendous success. Specifically, Davis has focused on four industry segments; Healthcare, Hospitality, Retail and Manufacturing.

Davis will have responsibility for further developing EPIC's large accounts strategy and for further growing the resources and capabilities of EPIC's Specialty Practices.

Said John Hahn, CEO of EPIC Holdings, "Scott is a real pro who has driven growth, created success, and delivered strong value in every position he has held across his long career. He is exactly the kind of free thinking strategist and strong leader we value. EPIC is not about building a 'copycat' business model and Scott will help to further drive creativity, innovation and excellence for the benefit of our large account clients and the EPIC team members who serve them."

Davis attended Indiana State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Safety Management and Environmental Safety.

Scott Davis can be reached by email at scott.davis@epicbrokers.com or by phone at (615) 948-2920.

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 1,800 team members operating from 80 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 $575 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, today announced the addition of insurance industry veteran Scott Davis as President of EPIC's National Specialty Practice Group. Davis joins EPIC effective February 5, 2019 and will be based in the firm's Nashville office.

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

Utelogy Continues Transformation with Appointment of Kevin Morrison as CEO

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Utelogy Corporation, the leading software company in Enterprise Management & Control, announced today that it has appointed industry veteran Kevin Morrison as Chief Executive Officer to lead the company through its next phase of innovation and growth.

Morrison is the CEO of Integritas, a firm that helps start-ups and small-cap companies with funding and building global presence. Acting as an investor's representative on a recent round of private funding for Utelogy, he takes on the role of CEO. Morrison has a solid tenure in the AV industry and was formerly the CEO of Endeleo, Executive VP of AMX and most recently Senior VP of Harman Professional.

Utelogy has been transforming itself to lead the enterprise software market for today's digital workspace. The company's latest software release delivers an exciting line-up of innovation including a new management and monitoring platform with advanced analytics. This is accompanied by a host of other significant announcements this week at Integrated Systems Europe 2019 (ISE) in Amsterdam, February 5 to 8, 2019.

"It's the right time for Utelogy to bring in someone like Kevin to take the company to the next level," said Utelogy co-founder and former CEO Frank Pellkofer. "With our global expansion and rate of growth, there is massive opportunity and the time is right to take advantage of Kevin's vast experience with both the investment community and management of high-growth technology companies."

"I'm delighted to join Utelogy at this pivotal point for the company," said Morrison. "The company has a great future and we are focused on the continuous development of our enterprise-class platform which is attracting huge interest from the end user and integrator community. I am looking forward to a very exciting period ahead."

Co-founder and former CEO, Frank Pellkofer, will assist Morrison as he transitions and Pellkofer will take over as President and will continue to lead the sales organization.

Utelogy, ranked 984 in the 2018 INC 5000, won a Commercial Integrator 2018 Top New Technology Award at ISE 2018 for its control platform and U-Command, its video wall solution. You can find Utelogy in Stand 14-M170 at ISE.

About Utelogy Corporation:

Utelogy Corporation publishes an enterprise-grade software platform for managing and controlling connected workspaces. This hardware-agnostic platform revolutionizes productivity for end-users and enables advanced services for integrators and other service providers.

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

Utelogy Corporation, the leading software company in Enterprise Management & Control, announced today that it has appointed industry veteran Kevin Morrison as Chief Executive Officer to lead the company through its next phase of innovation and growth.

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

Bank of Southern California NA Appoints John E. Chung as Group Managing Director

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, has announced the appointment of John Chung as Group Managing Director of Business Banking. He will be responsible for leading the team's impact of meeting the banking needs of small to medium sized businesses throughout Southern California.

Mr. Chung is an accomplished and effective team leader with more than 17 years of commercial banking experience. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President, National Sales Director for Crossroads Small Business Solutions. Prior, he maintained leadership positions with Banc of California and City National Bank. Mr. Chung holds a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University.

"John is a deeply rooted and experienced banker with a long history of developing and leading successful banking teams," said Tony DiVita, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer. "The addition of John to our business banking group further complements our experienced and growing team as we continue to expand our presence in Southern California," 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 ten branches in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, as well as production offices in Orange County and West Los Angeles.

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

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

Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, has announced the appointment of John Chung as Group Managing Director of Business Banking. He will be responsible for leading the team's impact of meeting the banking needs of small to medium sized businesses throughout Southern California.

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

Mark Maher and David Nielsen Assume Leadership Roles at JenCap Holdings LLC

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- JenCap Holdings LLC (JCH), a specialty insurance business, announced that Mark P. Maher has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer and that David Nielsen had recently joined the firm as Corporate Chief Financial Officer.

In his new role, Maher will work with the JenCap management team in developing strategic plans, managing carrier and key broker relationships, and will work with divisional business leaders to achieve an effective cross sale protocol while maintaining a high service level throughout the organization.

Most recently Maher was President of JenCap's NIF Group, a managing general agency, program manager and wholesale insurance brokerage based in New York with offices in the Northeast and West. He has been with NIF for 30 years.

Dave Nielsen has joined JCH as Corporate Chief Financial Officer and brings the firm a unique mix of operating and financial experience, operational and financial integration knowledge, and significant private equity experience.

Nielsen has spent his entire 30+ year career in the Financial Services Industry, serving as a Chief Operating Officer in Wells Fargo's wholesale business, and more recently, as Chief Financial Officer of CommunityOne Bancorp. Dave graduated with a BS in Accounting from the University of Virginia and an MBA in Finance from Darden.

John F. Jennings, President and Chief Executive Officer of JCH commented, "I am excited to have both Mark and Dave on the senior JenCap team. They bring added strength, expertise and leadership capabilities that will be essential as we continue to transform and grow our company."

About JenCap Holdings, LLC:

JenCap Holdings is a premier national specialty insurance distribution platform that includes program management businesses, managing general agencies, specialty program underwriters and transactional wholesale brokers. JenCap Holdings has assembled a management team with the sector insight and experience to drive organic growth and strategic acquisitions leveraging technology and advanced data analytics. JenCap Holdings is headquartered in New York.

For more information on JenCap, visit: http://jencapholdings.com/

JenCap Holdings LLC (JCH), a specialty insurance business, announced that Mark P. Maher has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer and that David Nielsen had recently joined the firm as Corporate Chief Financial Officer.

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

Transformational Mortgage Solutions Appoints Michael Barrett as Mortgage Executive Consultant

AUSTIN, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Leading mortgage industry management consulting firm Austin, Texas-based Transformational Mortgage Solutions (TMS), today announced that it has brought on Michael Barrett as mortgage executive consultant. In this role, Barrett will apply his more than 17-years of mortgage business and product development expertise to helping TMS clients improve process efficiencies, execute digital mortgage transformation strategies and expand profit margins.

"As the name Transformational Mortgage Solutions suggests, our mission is to transform the legacy processes and ways of thinking that are holding lenders back," said TMS Founder and Chief Transformational Officer David Lykken. "Michael's keen eye for process evaluation and business development strategy make him especially well-suited for a role at TMS. We look forward to working with him."

Before entering the field of mortgage management consulting, Barrett was senior vice president, retail direct platform at top-10 lender AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC., where he built out their consumer direct lending channel in the Orange County, California market. He also served as vice president, business development at Guaranteed Rate and director of product strategy at Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS). Barrett has earned Mortgage Bankers Association designations as an Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP) and a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB).

"In this tight market, many lenders need to evaluate their business model and back office processes with fresh eyes in order to make the kinds of informed and effective decisions that will keep their business viable," said Barrett. "I'm excited to join the stellar team at TMS, and contribute to their reputation as a firm that can cinch the belt on any lending operation by coaching for intentional, disciplined performance."

About Transformational Mortgage Solutions:

Transformational Mortgage Solutions (TMS) is a management consulting firm providing a full range of advisory services to owners and executives of companies in the mortgage lending business. Our clients include banks, credit unions, and independent mortgage lenders, as well as companies providing financing / solutions / services to mortgage lenders. We are able to help companies regardless of size. We provide three main advisory services: consulting, coaching and communications.

Also, as a public service, TMS is dedicated to informing and educating industry professionals through the weekly "Lykken on Lending" podcast as well as providing speakers at conferences and other industry events and consumers through "Today's Mortgage Minute" and through appearances on national television networks such as the FOX Business Network.

More information: https://transformationalmortgagesolutions.com/.

Twitter: @DavidLykken #mortgagebanking #digitalmortgage

Leading mortgage industry management consulting firm Austin, Texas-based Transformational Mortgage Solutions (TMS), today announced that it has brought on Michael Barrett as mortgage executive consultant. In this role, Barrett will apply his more than 17-years of mortgage business and product development expertise to helping TMS clients improve process efficiencies, execute digital mortgage transformation strategies and expand profit margins.

Continuing Its Growth, VLP Law Group Welcomes Partner Jim O’Hare to the Firm’s Corporate Practice Group

BOSTON, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that Jim O'Hare has joined the firm's Corporate Practice Group as a partner based in the Boston area. Mr. O'Hare brings over 30 years of experience as a trusted adviser to companies, investors, management teams and boards of directors. He has served as a valued resource for businesses and investors across each stage of a company lifecycle - from emerging growth through multinational organization.

Focused on technology-based companies, Mr. O'Hare represents companies and their investors in a variety of organizational, governance and transactional matters, including M&A, complex financings, reorganizations, restructurings, technology licensing, joint ventures, strategic investments and venture capital investments. His clients include start-ups, family-owned, institutionally-financed and publicly-held businesses.

Christopher La Chance, Chair of the firm's Corporate, Emerging Growth Companies & Venture Capital, Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities & Capital Raising Practice Groups said, "We are delighted that Jim is joining VLP. Jim and his practice align ideally with our corporate group, and we are confident that he will flourish at VLP as he continues to service his impressive roster of clients in the sophisticated transactions in which they are consistently involved."

"I look forward to working with VLP's team of accomplished corporate lawyers in the technology sector," said Mr. O'Hare. "VLP's track record of delivering strong results for clients across the life-cycle of technology companies, together with its commitment to client service, will be enormously valuable for current and future clients."

Prior to joining VLP, Mr. O'Hare was a partner with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. He began his technology-focused practice in 1985 with Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault in Boston and, from 1996 to 2000, served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Cambridge Technology Partners, Inc., headquartered in Cambridge Massachusetts.

About VLP:

Founded in 2008, VLP is a business and transactional law firm that delivers top quality legal services from experienced attorneys through an efficient platform. The firm has a broad practice, reaching across many industry sectors, including high tech, life sciences, clean tech, retail, consumer products, edtech, and real estate. VLP has continued its strong growth and is made up of noted attorneys with significant experience who believe VLP's unique, client-oriented model is the best platform for their practice.

Our partners are regularly recognized by their peers as outstanding attorneys, and the firm has been recognized as a top company for its promotion of quality of life in the workplace. VLP partners represent clients that vary in size from individual executives and early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies. Our clients include public and private corporations, venture capital investors, private equity funds, educational institutions and companies, nonprofits and individuals.

We provide general corporate, licensing, contract, intellectual property protection and counseling, securities regulation, financing, merger and acquisition, real estate, commercial lending, tax, employment and other legal services.

Visit us at https://www.vlplawgroup.com/.

VLP Law Group LLP ('VLP') is pleased to announce that Jim O'Hare has joined the firm's Corporate Practice Group as a partner based in the Boston area. Mr. O'Hare brings over 30 years of experience as a trusted adviser to companies, investors, management teams and boards of directors.

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

EPIC Insurance Brokers adds Brandon Rich in Houston Texas

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that Brandon Rich has joined the firm's Property & Casualty practice as a Client Advocate, reporting to EPIC Managing Principal and Director of the Southwest Region, KJ Wagner.

Brandon, based in Houston, 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.

Brandon joins EPIC from Upstream Brokers (an Acrisure Partner Company), where he served as a Vice President. Prior to that, he spent most of his career with Arthur J. Gallagher and Co. With a strong risk management background, Brandon brings nearly 10 years of industry experience to the EPIC team.

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

Brandon Rich can be reached at brandon.rich@epicbrokers.com or 281-734-7886.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & 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 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property & Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed 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')announced today that Brandon Rich has joined the firm's Property & Casualty practice as a Client Advocate, reporting to EPIC Managing Principal and Director of the Southwest Region, KJ Wagner.

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

Strategic Benefits Advisors Promotes Three Consultants to Director Level

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors (SBA) today announced the advancement of retirement plan consultants Kim Shumate, David Runsick and Harry Souder to the role of director. Shumate, Runsick and Souder were promoted in recognition of their sustained contributions to SBA, including their proven success leading complex projects to high-value outcomes and fostering strong client relationships.

Kim Shumate
Shumate joined SBA as a senior benefits consultant in 2011, bringing with her over 28 years' experience as a retirement plan consultant. Since joining SBA, she has spearheaded numerous key projects, including the recent transitions of a Fortune 500 plan sponsor's defined contribution (DC), defined benefit (DB), health and welfare and non-qualified plans to new outsourcing providers.

David Runsick, Q.P.A.
Runsick joined SBA in 2005 as a senior benefits consultant. He possesses over 20 years of benefits industry experience specializing in DC plans. David is expert in many areas including complex error correction and compliance issues.

Harry Souder
Souder has been a benefits consultant at SBA since 2003. A nearly 30-year practitioner of actuarial and outsourcing consulting, he has extensive experience working with both DB and DC plans of all sizes. Harry is exceptional at large-scale data projects and complex benefit calculations.

"Strategic Benefits Advisors works hard to cultivate a team of deeply knowledgeable and effective leaders in employee benefits consulting," said SBA Co-Founder and Principal Mindy Zatto. "We are pleased to elevate Kim, David and Harry to the director level and look forward to their continued contributions to the success of SBA and our clients."

About Strategic Benefits Advisors:
Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) is an independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm focused on creatively and effectively solving complex benefits issues for clients ranging from 500 to over 250,000 employees. Founded in 2002 by veteran consultants Mindy Zatto and Andy Adams, SBA provides practical consulting recommendations and expert implementation of solutions for all types of employee benefits programs, including retirement, health and welfare, financial wellness and employee recognition.

With an average of over 20 years in the field, SBA's team of actuaries, consultants and systems specialists is among the most experienced in the industry.

For more information, visit http://www.sba-inc.com/.

Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors (SBA) today announced the advancement of retirement plan consultants Kim Shumate, David Runsick and Harry Souder to the role of director. Shumate, Runsick and Souder were promoted in recognition of their sustained contributions to SBA, including their proven success leading complex projects to high-value outcomes and fostering strong client relationships.

Related link: http://www.sba-inc.com/

Bank of Southern California, N.A. Names Bill Lamison Vice President, Underwriter

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, has announced the appointment of Bill Lamison as Vice President, Underwriter. He will join the company's established business banking team and will be responsible for structuring, analyzing and underwriting commercial credit for new clients as well as managing an existing portfolio of customers.

Mr. Lamison brings nearly 40 years of industry experience covering all aspects of commercial, consumer and real estate lending. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President, Senior Credit Analyst for the Commercial Real Estate Group at Silvergate Bank. Active in the community, he is a member of the La Jolla Rotary Club and supports fundraising efforts for La Jolla YMCA and United Way. Bill holds a bachelor's degree from Eisenhower College in New York.

"We are excited to welcome Bill to our business banking team," said Tony DiVita, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer. "Bill's depth of underwriting knowledge and industry experience will be instrumental as we continue to expand our reach and provide financing for even more small to mid-sized businesses throughout Southern California," 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 ten branches in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, and the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, as well as production offices in Orange County and West Los Angeles.

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

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, has announced the appointment of Bill Lamison as Vice President, Underwriter. He will join the company's established business banking team and will be responsible for structuring, analyzing and underwriting commercial credit for new clients as well as managing an existing portfolio of customers.

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

EPIC Insurance Brokers adds Judith Paredes in Dallas, Texas

DALLAS, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that Judith Paredes has joined the firm's Property & Casualty practice as an Account Executive, reporting to EPIC Managing Principal and Director of the Southwest Region, KJ Wagner.

Paredes, based in Dallas, will be responsible for supporting 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.

Parades joins EPIC from McGriff, Seibels & Williams, Inc. (a subsidiary of BB&T Insurance Holdings, Inc.) as a result of McGriff's merger with her prior employer, Regions Insurance Group. Prior to her previous role as an account executive, she spent time as an associate underwriter with AmWINS and a senior account manager and team lead with USI.

"We are thrilled to continue the growth of our Property & Casualty team in the Southwest region with Judith's addition," said KJ Wagner. "She brings a strong risk management background that adds tremendous value to our clients and our organization as a whole. Judith will be a terrific addition to EPIC."

Judith Paredes can be reached at judith.paredes@epicbrokers.com or 323-683-3269.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & 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 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property & Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed 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 announced today that Judith Paredes has joined the firm's Property & Casualty practice as an Account Executive, reporting to EPIC Managing Principal and Director of the Southwest Region, KJ Wagner.

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

EPIC Insurance Brokers adds Krista Aburrow in Dallas TX

DALLAS, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants announced today that Krista Aburrow has joined the firm's Property & Casualty practice as a Client Advocate, reporting to EPIC Managing Principal and Director of the Southwest Region, KJ Wagner.

Aburrow, 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.

Aburrow joins EPIC from McGriff, Seibels & Williams, Inc. (a subsidiary of BB&T Insurance Holdings, Inc.) as a result of McGriff's merger with her prior employer, Regions Insurance Group, where she was one of the team's commercial lines producers.

"We are thrilled to continue the growth of our Property and Casualty team in the Southwest region with Krista's addition," said KJ Wagner. "She brings a strong risk management background that adds tremendous value to our clients and our organization as a whole. Krista will be a terrific addition to EPIC."

Krista Aburrow can be reached at krista.aburrow@epicbrokers.com or 214-566-8973.

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property & 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 1,400 team members operating from 50 offices across the U.S., providing Property & Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 20,000 clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $400 million, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Backed 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 announced today that Krista Aburrow has joined the firm's Property & Casualty practice as a Client Advocate, reporting to EPIC Managing Principal and Director of the Southwest Region, KJ Wagner.

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