Ballard joins law firm of Evans, Harrison, Hackett and other career moves in Chattanooga area

Ballard joins law firm Evans, Harrison, Hackett

The Chattanooga Law Firm of Evans Harrison Hackett PLLC announces that attorney Timothy B. Ballard has joined the firm as a member. Ballard primarily practices family relations and personal injury litigation, according to a press release.

While Ballards practice largely consists of family relationships, he also represents clients in personal injury litigation. He has been recognized by “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch”, an entirely peer-reviewed national publication, for his personal injury litigation work on behalf of plaintiffs.

Ballard is originally from Chattanooga and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He then moved to Columbia, South Carolina to attend law school at the University of South Carolina. While earning his law degree, he worked for the South Carolina Attorney General in the prosecution division.

United Community Mortgage Services Promotes Johnston to Vice President

United Community Mortgage Services announced in a press release the promotion of Courtney Johnston to Vice President, Mortgage Originator to its team in Southeast Tennessee. In this expanded role, Johnston will guide Bradley County customers through the homeownership process with the various mortgage products offered by United.

Photo courtesy of United Community Mortgage Services/ Courtney Johnston

“After years of exceptional production levels, this is an incredible achievement for Courtney. She is an outstanding team player and a vital part of the local real estate community,” said Ryan Hulton, Vice President, regional sales manager in a company statement. . “She has a way of connecting with almost everyone she meets, whether they’re first-time home buyers, retirees or investors.”

Johnston joined United in 2011 as a Mortgage Processor and has since gained extensive experience processing and originating loans for a variety of clients over the past 11 years.

Sawhill joins Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison, PC

The law firm Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison, PC shared in a press release that April Sawhill has joined the firm as counsel.

Contributing photo by Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison, PC/April Sawhill

Sawhill began his commercial litigation and insurance coverage practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan after graduating from the University of Tennessee Law School. She was elected partner at Varnum LLP, before joining her husband on international assignments in Singapore and South Korea.

Upon her return to the United States, Sawhill worked at William & Mary Law School as a senior artificial intelligence researcher for the Center for Legal and Court Technology, where her research focused on the implications of emerging technologies for torts. and other responsibilities, key elements of AI Regulation (legal and ethical) and multidisciplinary responses to cybersecurity.

In 2022, she joined Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison PC as a general civil and commercial attorney and general civil mediator under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31.

Peek, Ditmer and Thurman join local Pinnacle Bank

Pinnacle’s Chattanooga office is adding three more seasoned financial services professionals to its team, according to a bank press release.

Contributed photo by Pinnacle/Scott Peek

Scott Peek and Josh Ditmer have joined Pinnacle as financial advisors in the company’s Client Advisory Group, which serves enterprise and commercial clients. Jim Thurman brought his expertise to Pinnacle as a cash management advisor. All three are based at Pinnacle’s office at 801 Broad St.

Peek had worked for Regions Bank for 20 years. For the past 15 years, he has held the position of Director of Commercial Banking Relations. He also has experience in credit underwriting and branch management. Peek earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. He holds the Certified Treasury Professional designation from the Association for Financial Professionals.

Contributed photo by Pinnacle/ Josh Ditmer

Ditmer worked for Regions Bank for 19 years, with a focus on serving commercial clients and high net worth individuals. He also has experience in branch management and telebanking. Ditmer is a Certified Wealth Strategist and was the Top Commercial Lending Wealth Advisor for Regions in 2021.

Thurman had worked for Regions Bank for seven years, most recently as head of cash management sales. Prior to his tenure at Regions, he worked for US Xpress Enterprises as a senior cash analyst and cash manager. Thurman is a graduate of Wofford College and earned an MBA from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He holds the Certified Treasury Professional designation from the Association for Financial Professionals.

Contributed photo by Pinnacle/ Jim Thurman

Wilson to lead recruiting at BlueCross’ BlueSky Institute

BlueSky Tennessee Institute, a workforce development company with East Tennessee State University offering a bachelor’s degree in computer science in just over two years, chose Haley Wilson as their recruiting coordinator.

Prior to joining the BlueSky Institute team, Wilson taught at East Ridge Middle School in the Hamilton County school system. She also served as Educational Lead for Planning and Development for the Hamilton County Literacy Council during the 2021-2022 school year.

“Haley shares our commitment to expanding opportunities for motivated and talented students to realize their dreams of a career in technology,” said Bradley Leon, Executive Director of BlueSky Institute in a press release. “Her enthusiasm and experience in education and relationship building skills make her an ideal candidate for BlueSky’s recruiting efforts, and we are delighted to have her on our side.”

As Recruitment Coordinator, Wilson will conduct regular outreach activities to educate and engage prospective students and other key audiences on the features and benefits of the BlueSky Institute program. She will connect with counselors and teachers, host regular information sessions and cultivate champions for the program, with a particular focus on schools in Hamilton County.

JHM announces new partners

JHM announces Sherri Anderson and Derek Young as partners.

Anderson joined JHM in January 2004 and has since grown to provide business advice to numerous nonprofits and lead several audits for our nonprofit and construction clients. She has served on numerous boards in the community and is the company’s motivational leader for updating team processes, values and incentives, according to a company press release.

Derek Young joined JHM in December 2003. Young has extensive experience in the housing and government sectors and also received Advanced Single Audit certification in 2017. He is a member of the JHM Peer Review Practice team and maintains procedures for quality control for the company.

Hughes, Droke and Brown join Lawson Winchester

Kay Hughes, Patrick Droke and Kayley Brown have joined Lawson Winchester Wealth Management, a Chattanooga-based financial management and advisory firm.

Contributed photo by Lawson Winchester Wealth Management/ Kay Hughes

Hughes joins the firm as a Senior Wealth Management Advisor and Certified Financial Planner.

Droke joins the team as a financial advisor working closely with his clients to develop a deep understanding of what they really want and need, according to the press release.

Contributing photo by Lawson Winchester Wealth Management/Patrick Droke

Brown joins Lawson Winchester Wealth Management as a Client Service Representative where her goals are to provide all clients with an excellent service experience and to help advisors help their clients plan for their future.