•Independent Alliance Banks has named Paul Grandlienard executive vice president and chief credit officer. He will be responsible for strategic direction and management of loan operations, credit, loan review and compliance for both Grabill Bank and MarkleBank. He earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from Purdue University and completed the graduate school of banking in Madison, Wis., as well as the Ohio Banker's Association Schools of Banking, Agricultural Lending, Commercial Lending and Advanced Commercial Lending. He has more than 25 years of banking experience.
•Huntington University announces the retirement of the following faculty members. Chaney Bergdoll served the university for 35 years as professor of Bible and religion. He received a bachelor's degree from Huntington College, a master's in Palestinology from the Institute of Holy Land Studies in Israel and a Ph.D. in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is an ordained minister in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. Bill Bordeaux has served the university for 25 years as a professor of chemistry. He received a doctorate of arts in chemistry from the University of Miami, Fla. Jim O'Donnell, who serves as the Luke J. Peters professor of business, is a published author and will still carry on in his role as the executive-in-residence at the university. All have been granted emeritus status by the board.
In addition, the following have been granted continuous tenure: Bryan Ballinger and Steve Leeper in the digital media arts department; Susie Burson, who teaches education; and Carla MacDonald, who teaches social work.
•Do it Best Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Taylor has been elected to the board of managers of LDI. He has more than 35 years of experiences in the hardware retail and distribution business. He will join Michael L. Smith, retired chief financial officer of WellPoint and director of multiple other enterprises, as an outside director on LDI's board.
•Allen County Board of Commissioners has named Janette Jacquay director of the county's human resources department. She has more than 17 years of experience in the human resources field. She succeeds Cathy Serrano who left to become the executive director of the Fort Wayne Metropolitan Human Relations Commission.
•Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance
has hired Shelby Longenbaugh as an agent based at 10307 Dupont Circle Drive West, Suite A. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree from Ball State University.
•North Eastern Group Realty welcomes Jane White and Nick Harris to the group.
In addition, Realtor Joni White recently earned her accredited buyers representative designation. •Catalyst Marketing Design has hired Kylie Kucinsky as a marketing associate. She will assist the account team with market research, client interaction and project management. She earned a bachelor's degree in biology with an emphasis in ecology from Loyola University, Chicago.
•Erin's House for Grieving
Children announces that Rachel Burkholder has been hired as marketing director. She earned a bachelor's degree in journalism advertising from Ball State University. Audrey Ehle has been promoted to special events coordinator. She graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School and is enrolled at IPFW where she is majoring in hospitality management.
•Huntington University vice president for strategy and innovation Troy Irick has been named to Who's Who Among Students by Regent University's School of Education. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration with majors in accounting and economics from Huntington College, a master degree in organizational leadership from Crown College and a certificate of advanced graduate studies from Regent University. He is a CPA and currently working on his dissertation to complete a doctoral degree in higher education at Regent.
•U.S. Small Business Administration recently presented awards to the following. Local winners are Young Entrepreneur of the Year Michael Schott, president/owner of Intergalactic Toys. He turned a hobby into a home-based business, which now is operating out of a freestanding building. The company sells action figures and pop culture characters, and he is working on his own toy line. Financial Services Champion of the Year is Dennis D. Tratnyek, an employee of STAR Financial Bank who spends hours in classrooms and one-to-one settings to educate business owners about how to start or keep their business financially secure. Women in Business Champion of the Year is Cheryl S. Heller, a business owner for 25 years who advises women how to start and grow their own small businesses.
