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Movers & Shakers: May, 2026

Read about promotions, new hires, and recognition of talent in our member companies. We feature these six months per year: January, March, May, July, September, and November. We’ll also share Movers & Shakers on the Chamber’s Facebook and LinkedIn accounts. Make a Submission

Movers & Shakers sponsored by:

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Robert Kincade joins Accenture Federal Services as Growth Strategy Managing Director for the Huntsville Department of War/Space market. A recognized leader in the North Alabama defense aerospace and technology community, Robert brings 40 years of high-tech R&D, manufacturing, production and strategic growth expertise to the role.   

Kincade’s deep roots in Huntsville include previously serving as Executive Vice President, Chief Growth Officer for COLSA Corporation, and as a Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he led the U.S. Army Weapons Strategic Programs Office.  

In his new role, Kincade will mobilize Accenture’s commercial experience serving the Fortune 500 and its global innovation engine to support the government’s national security and space priorities. He will advance efforts to fuse commercial space innovation and mission requirements with AI-powered capabilities, also ensuring the government has access to an expanded space ecosystem to deliver scalable, layered defense solutions. 

Kincade holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics/Engineering Physics from Northeastern State University, a MBA degree in International Business from the University of Tennessee and a MSE degree in Systems Engineering from Southeastern Institute of Technology. He also holds a Graduate Diploma in Maintainability Engineering from the U.S. Army Materiel Command’s School of Engineering & Logistics.

Accenture Federal Services is pleased to welcome Stephanie Hoaglin to their team, where she will drive mission outcomes for the Army and Pentagon clients by leading complex logistics modernization and sustainment initiatives. With a career focused on transforming Army programs and logistics operations, Stephanie brings deep expertise in managing complex portfolios, optimizing sustainment activities, and integrating enterprise systems to advance modernization across the Army. Her background uniquely positions her to help federal clients accelerate the transformation of the Organic Industrial Base (OIB) and strengthen mission readiness.

Most recently, Stephanie served as Director of the Army’s OIB Modernization Task Force, where she ensured the Army OIB remained prepared to support continuous transformation and deliver the surge capacity required by the National Defense Strategy. She also developed and led execution of the AMC 15-Year Modernization Implementation Plan (MIP) which launched in FY24.

Stephanie coordinated closely with OSD, Army and the other services to streamline modernization initiatives across the DoW. Her accomplishments include authoring and securing legislative change proposals, aligning modernization efforts with Army transformation priorities, incorporating emerging technologies into installations, and engaging Congress and Professional Staff Members to ensure enterprise-wide alignment.

AlexandHR LLC is excited to announce that Bree Hines has joined their team. With seven-plus years of experience in Recruiting and Staffing, Bree is currently undergoing an internship with AlexandHR to learn more about the compliance and employee relations side of Human Resources. She is currently working to receive her Bachelor of Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources.

AlexandHR is excited to have her on the team, and says they know she will do amazing things!

Avion Solutions is proud to announce the promotion of Ben Streit to Project Manager, leading Avion’s support to the U.S. Army Systems Readiness Directorate (SRD) Maintenance & Engineering contract. Since joining Avion in 2013, Ben has built a strong technical foundation while contributing to critical programs within the SRD portfolio for more than a decade.

A graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Computer Engineering, Ben has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, innovation, and mission success. In 2023, he began transitioning from a technical role into leadership, bringing his program knowledge and collaborative approach to managing complex efforts and supporting customer needs.

With more than 10 years of experience on SRD contracts, Ben’s technical expertise and leadership insight position him to effectively guide teams and deliver quality solutions for the Warfighter.

Avion Solutions is proud to announce the promotion of Caroline Shanahan to Marketing and Communications Specialist, where she supports corporate communications, branding, digital marketing, and business development efforts. In this role, she advances Avion’s visibility and engagement across the defense and local business communities.

A Huntsville native, Caroline previously served as an Avion Team Manager, leading a team of employee-owners while providing administrative and operational support to the U.S. Army’s Aviation Turbine Engines Project Office. She played a key role in coordinating high-visibility events, supporting stakeholder engagement, and leading internal and external communications.

Caroline brings experience across government and corporate environments, with a background in operations, strategic communications, and marketing. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing, with a minor in Communications, from Auburn University.

Avion Solutions is proud to announce the promotion of Ryan Falwell to Task Order Project Manager over the Attack branch of the Assault and Attack Division, and the Special Operations Aircraft branch of the Lift Division, within the Army Maneuver Air Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE).

A Huntsville native, Ryan has spent more than 22 years in the information technology industry, including 16 years supporting Army Aviation enterprise application development within PAE Maneuver Air. He is a respected thought leader in digital transformation and Army Airworthiness, working closely with some of the Army’s brightest engineers to deliver advanced technologies to the warfighter and develop custom digital tools that make their missions more effective and efficient.

Ryan earned a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2003 and remains deeply connected to the community that shaped him.

He is a devoted husband and father to his wife and their four children—Harper, Haddie, Holden, and Hank (who will join the family this July). Ryan believes that using his talents to serve others wherever God places him is one of the most important examples he can set for his children.

Bradley attorney Schyler B. Burney has been named a recipient of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Sixth Annual Emerging Young Lawyers in Healthcare award, which recognizes young lawyer members of the ABA’s Health Law Section who exemplify a broad range of achievement, vision, leadership, and legal and community service in health law. Ms. Burney was presented with the award at the ABA Health Law Section’s Emerging Issues in Healthcare Law Conference on April 10 in Nashville.
 
“Schyler is a talented young attorney who has built a strong foundation in healthcare litigation and consistently demonstrates a commitment to client service. We are pleased to see her recognized by the ABA for her leadership and her contributions to the legal healthcare community,” said Bradley Huntsville Office Managing Partner Benjamin W. Hutton.
 
An associate in the firm’s Huntsville office, Ms. Burney has a broad range of litigation experience at both the trial and appellate levels, with a focus on healthcare litigation, Medicare Advantage regulatory disputes, government investigations, and toxic tort litigation. She is an active member of the ABA’s Health Law Section and serves on the Huntsville Hospital Foundation’s Development Council. She serves on the Young Lawyers Board of the Huntsville Bar Association and is a member of the Alabama State Bar Association. Ms. Burney was selected to the second cohort in 2026 of Momentum’s Upward leadership class in Huntsville, a nine-month program focused on professional and personal development for early to mid-career women.
 
Ms. Burney received her J.D., summa cum laude, from the University of Mississippi School of Law and earned her B.S., magna cum laude, from Auburn University. While attending law school, she served as an executive notes and comments editor for the Mississippi Law Journal and worked as a student attorney in the Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice Clinic.
 
The ABA’s Health Law Section is a community of attorneys, students, and related professionals who represent clients in all segments of the healthcare industry. The section serves as a source for legal professionals committed to the rule of law surrounding the most pressing issues of the healthcare bar.
 
About Bradley
For over 155 years, Bradley has combined skilled legal counsel with exceptional client service and unwavering integrity to assist a diverse range of corporate and individual clients in achieving their business goals. With 13 offices in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and the District of Columbia, the firm’s more than 750 lawyers represent regional, national and international clients in various industries, including banking and financial services, construction, energy, healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, real estate, and technology, among many others.

Cahaba Federal Solutions is pleased to announce Stefanie Fitzgerald as our new Human Resources (HR) Lead, overseeing our HR department and strategy. In this role, she drives process improvements, reporting, and data integrity while supporting efficient and compliant HR operations across the enterprise.

Stefanie has 10 years of HR experience, with a strong background in benefits administration and a proven track record of employee care. Known for her collaborative approach and warm personality, she partners across our multiple locations to support people-focused initiatives and enhance employee experience.

Stefanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Montana and a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University.

Cahaba is proud to welcome Stefanie to the team!

Cahaba Federal Solutions would like to congratulate Tim Sitterson on his promotion to Chief Operating Officer (COO). Since joining the company, Tim has provided consistent leadership and has played a key role in strengthening our day-to-day operations. His attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and focus on building an effective and efficient organization have made a significant impact. Tim brings more than 20 years of experience supporting the Department of War and the Intelligence Community, earning increased leadership responsibilities over the years through his strong performance and dedication.

As COO, Tim will help ensure our programs, contracts, and internal operations continue to run effectively as we continue to grow and diversify. He will lead efforts across program and contract execution, operational infrastructure, compliance, and risk management. These efforts are critical to maintain operational excellence across the company and for our ability to position for future scaling.

Calhoun Community College proudly announces the appointment of Michelle Falcon as Director of its newly established Radiologic Technology Program. Falcon officially joined the College on August 4, 2025, and will lead the development, accreditation, implementation, and evaluation of the program, which is slated to launch in Fall 2027.

With more than 25 years of experience in radiologic health sciences, Falcon brings extensive expertise in healthcare education, clinical instruction, accreditation compliance, and student recruitment. Prior to joining Calhoun, she served as Clinical Coordinator for Huntsville Hospital’s School of Radiologic Technology from 2004 to 2025, where she played a key role in curriculum development, clinical coordination, student assessment, and maintaining compliance with JRCERT accreditation standards. Earlier in her career, she worked as a radiologic technologist at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children and at UTMB Health Children’s Hospital in Galveston, Texas.

In her new role at Calhoun, Falcon is responsible for all aspects of the Radiologic Technology Program, including strategic planning, curriculum development, accreditation compliance, faculty leadership, and student recruitment. She will also serve as liaison with regional healthcare partners to ensure strong clinical placement opportunities and workforce alignment.

Falcon holds a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration from Bellevue University, a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Health Sciences from AdventHealth University, and an Associate of Applied Science in Radiography from Galveston College. She is a Registered Technologist in Radiography through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and a certified Basic Life Support Instructor through the American Heart Association. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree at Faulkner University.

An active leader in her profession, Falcon serves on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Society of Radiologic Technologists and is an active member of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. She has presented at state conferences, chaired public relations and marketing committees, and served on numerous local, state, and national professional committees.

Falcon’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Calhoun Community College as the institution expands its Health Sciences Division to meet the growing workforce demands of North Alabama’s healthcare sector.

The City of Madison is pleased to announce that James Manasco has been hired as the Government Affairs Officer in the Mayor’s Office. In this role, James will serve as a key liaison between the City and government entities at the local, state, and federal levels, working to identify funding opportunities, build coalitions, and support Mayor Ranae Bartlett’s programs and initiatives to strengthen and grow Madison. He will also oversee the City’s Civic Awareness Academy.

James brings over a decade of experience in government relations to the role, most recently serving as a Field Representative for Congressman Robert Aderholt, where he focused on veterans’ issues, broadband, and rural development across North Alabama. Mayor Bartlett’s office is excited to have him on the team!

COPT Defense Properties (CDP) congratulates Chris Verbeek on his promotion to Assistant Project Manager. Chris transitioned from the CDP San Antonio team to Huntsville in 2022, where he split his time supporting both operations and construction teams. Following his shift to the construction team full-time in 2025, he immediately made a significant impact.

He took on multiple projects as the lead manager while also supporting other Project Managers across additional assignments, demonstrating both initiative and reliability. His communication with contracted vendors and tenant contacts has been consistently effective, fostering smooth coordination and positive working relationships. Chris’s natural attention to detail has been a tremendous asset to the entire team, elevating the quality and consistency of work.

COPT Defense Properties (CDP) is excited to announce the promotion of Melanie Knight as Property Manager. Melanie has been an integral contributor to the ongoing development and success of Redstone Gateway since joining the company in April 2014. With more than 17 years of industry experience, she brings deep expertise and a strong operational perspective to her role.

Melanie also holds the IFMA Facility Management Professional (FMP) designation. She is responsible for the direct management of approximately 650,000 square feet of Class A office space serving leading organizations in the defense, aerospace, and research sectors. Her knowledge, dedication, and leadership continue to support the high standards of service and performance at Redstone Gateway.

COPT Defense Properties (CDP) would like to congratulate Vic Poole on his promotion to Senior Project Manager. Vic consistently demonstrates and develops his leadership and management of every aspect of the project process with confidence and precision. He delivers highly specialized, mission critical facilities that enable the nation’s leading defense contractors to execute national security operations and sustain key missions at Redstone Arsenal.

Throughout his career, Vic has played an important role in improving internal processes and procedures, elevating quality and consistency across the team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and an MBA in Real Estate from the University of Alabama. Vic approaches challenges head on with creativity and determination and has built a strong reputation not only within CDP, but also among contractors, vendors, and tenants.

COPT Defense Properties (CDP) would like to congratulate Will Crosby on his promotion to Director, Construction + Development. Over the past 14 months, Will has served as the company’s lead development and construction professional in Huntsville, where he has consistently delivered mission critical office space to essential defense contractors performing national security activities.

Will approaches projects with the full life cycle in mind, playing a critical role in supporting leasing efforts and delivering high quality core & shell, and tenant improvement projects that support these key missions.

Crestwood Medical Center and Huntsville Hospital Health System announced on April 8, 2026 that Kyle Buchanan, current president of Helen Keller Hospital and Red Bay Hospital, has been named president of Crestwood Medical Center.

Buchanan is a Tuscumbia native and a proven, community-focused leader with more than 20 years of experience delivering strong results across operations, patient care, and workforce engagement. In his current role, he has strengthened overall hospital performance, including significant gains in physician engagement and stability, including several new physician partnerships.

“Kyle is the right leader to support the excellent team at Crestwood,” said HH Health CEO Jeff Samz. “It was important to us to find someone with deep roots in North Alabama and a genuine commitment to this community. Kyle brings that, along with a strong track record of supporting caregivers and advancing high-quality care. He will build on the great work already happening at Crestwood and help strengthen its future as part of our nonprofit health system.”

Buchanan will report to Tracy Doughty, HH Health executive vice president of Madison County operations, and will work closely with the Crestwood Board and senior leadership team to support team members, expand access to care, and more fully utilize the capacity of Crestwood Medical Center.

“I’m excited about the leadership and energy Kyle will bring to Crestwood,” Doughty said. “He is a true servant leader who understands that strong patient care starts with strong teams. His focus on people, culture and performance will support Crestwood’s continued success and reinforce its role as a trusted community hospital.”

Buchanan succeeds Justin Serrano, who accepted a new leadership role with Community Health Systems in Naples, Florida. The remainder of Crestwood’s senior leadership team will remain in place.

“Crestwood has a longstanding reputation for caring for this community, and I’m honored to be part of that,” Buchanan said. “I know this has been a time of change, and I want our patients and team members to feel confident in what comes next. Crestwood remains Crestwood — your physicians, your care teams and the experience you trust are not changing. We will build on that strong foundation and continue investing in our people and services to best serve this incredible community.”

Prior to serving the Shoals community, Buchanan led Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children, Alabama Community Care and Lawrence Medical Center. He is committed to the communities he serves, with leadership roles at both the local and state level, including Leadership Alabama, the University of North Alabama Board of Trustees and the Shoals Chamber of Commerce. His impact has been recognized with Citizen of the Year honors from both the North Alabama African Heritage Festival and the Sheffield Kiwanis Club. He is also active in his church, where he serves as a Sunday school teacher and deacon board vice-chairman at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Alabama and master’s degrees in Health Services Administration and Business Administration from the University of Michigan and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, respectively.

Buchanan’s first day at Crestwood will be Monday, April 20.

As Buchanan transitions to Crestwood, leadership in the Shoals will continue without interruption and remain in experienced hands. Sherry Sands will step in as interim president for Helen Keller and Red Bay Hospitals. Sands joined the hospitals’ leadership team in March 2020 as vice president of patient services and chief nursing officer, and brings 25 years of nursing and leadership experience. She previously served as CNO of Southern Tennessee Regional Health System in Pulaski, Tenn.

About Huntsville Hospital Health System
Huntsville Hospital Health System is a comprehensive network of community-based, nonprofit hospitals that serves as the premier provider of services and the health care safety net for more than 1.5 million people in northern Alabama and southern Tennessee. HH Health includes hospitals and related facilities in Huntsville, Madison, Athens, Decatur, Boaz, Fort Payne, Guntersville, Moulton, Red Bay, Sheffield, and Scottsboro, Ala., and Fayetteville, Tenn. Total employment across Huntsville Hospital Health System is more than 21,000. For more information, visit hh.health.

About Crestwood Medical Center
Crestwood Medical Center is a fully accredited, 180-bed acute care hospital serving nearly 400,000 people in Huntsville and across the surrounding region. Crestwood provides a broad range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, women’s health, heart care and intensive care. The hospital employs approximately 1,000 health care professionals. Crestwood Medical Center is part of Huntsville Hospital Health System, a locally owned, nonprofit health system serving North Alabama and southern Tennessee. For more information, visit crestwoodmedcenter.com.

Karen Williams is a driving force in Huntsville’s technology and defense ecosystem—an accomplished cybersecurity leader, educator, entrepreneur, and mentor whose impact reaches across industry, academia, and the broader community. With more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity engineering and risk management, including 19 years supporting the U.S. Department of Defense, Karen has been instrumental in securing mission critical systems across the Space, Missiles, and Aviation Technology sectors.

As a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer at Five Stones Research Corporation, Karen provides strategic and technical leadership that strengthens cyber resilience for highly regulated defense programs. Her expertise in risk management frameworks, cybersecurity governance, and secure systems lifecycle development directly supports program execution, customer trust, and long term business growth—making her a trusted voice in protecting technologies essential to national security.

Beyond industry, Karen is the Founder and CEO of Cyber Brews LLC, a Huntsville based cybersecurity training and networking organization recognized for its innovative “Mind Melding for Cyber Professionals” approach. Through workshops, community events, and collaborative learning experiences, Cyber Brews has become a catalyst for workforce development, professional growth, and cross sector collaboration within the region’s cyber community.

Karen’s influence also extends into education. As an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) College of Business, she teaches Cybersecurity Management and Information Systems Strategy, bridging real world defense experience with academic rigor. Her commitment to preparing future leaders earned her the Adjunct Instructor of the Year Award, further underscoring her impact on Huntsville’s talent pipeline.

A passionate advocate for mentorship and diversity in tech, Karen actively invests in the next generation of professionals. She has served in leadership roles with ISACA, WiCyS, and ISSA, and recently participated in the Women in Defense (WID) Mach 6 Micro Mentorship Program, guiding aspiring cybersecurity professionals navigating career pathways in a competitive and evolving field.

Karen’s contributions have been widely recognized, including honors such as Employee of the Year, Top 22 Women in Tech in Alabama, and Women to Watch in Huntsville’s Tech Scene. Through her leadership, service, and vision, Karen Williams exemplifies what it means to be a true “Mover & Shaker” in Huntsville—shaping the future of technology, empowering people, and strengthening the community she serves.

DCS’s Dennis Hamilton has been promoted to Computer Engineer II, continuing his support of mission-critical ground vehicle robotics programs for the U.S. Army. Since joining DCS, he has contributed to projects within the Ground Vehicle Robotics section, specializing in software development, systems integration, and modeling and simulation in close coordination with government customers.

In his new role, Hamilton will support the design, integration, and advancement of software systems for next-generation ground vehicle robotics platforms. He works closely with Army stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams to translate mission requirements into scalable, high-performance solutions while supporting system architecture and technical execution across programs.

DCS has named Shane Sizemore as Branch Manager of the newly formed Space Selection and Training Branch. Since joining DCS in 2021, Shane has consistently demonstrated excellence as a technical expert, project leader, supervisor, and dedicated contributor to the success of both DCS and its customers.

In his new role, Sizemore will oversee DCS’s expanding portfolio of training and personnel selection initiatives for the U.S. Space Force Enterprise Talent Management Office. He currently leads a multiyear competency modeling effort for this customer and manages a project to enhance the Army’s Common Cyber Capabilities Assessment in support of the U.S. Army Research Institute.

EarlyWorks Children’s Museum is pleased to announce the appointment of Whitney West Elliott as its new Director of Development, effective January 5, 2026. In this role, West will lead fundraising, donor relations, grants, and strategic development initiatives to support the museum’s mission of inspiring learning through play.

Whitney West Elliott brings more than 18 years of experience in business development, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership. A new resident of North Alabama, she previously lived and worked in Palm Beach County, Florida, where she built a distinguished career in community and economic development. Whitney is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, holds a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, is an alumna of Florida Atlantic University’s Women in Executive Leadership Program, and is a 2022 graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County.

“I am thrilled to have Whitney on our team,” said Beth Goodwin, CEO of EarlyWorks Museums. “She brings a wealth of experience in building partnerships and relationships. I look forward to introducing her to the community. The future is bright for EarlyWorks and Whitney is the missing piece.”

As Director of Development, Elliott will focus on expanding philanthropic support, cultivating partnerships, and strengthening donor engagement to ensure EarlyWorks continues to provide meaningful educational experiences for children and families throughout the region.

“I am honored to join EarlyWorks Children’s Museum and be part of an organization that so beautifully inspires curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning,” said Elliott. “Huntsville is a community at the forefront of innovation and education, and I look forward to building meaningful partnerships that expand access to engaging, hands-on experiences for children and families across our region.”

First Horizon Bank (NYSE: FHN or “First Horizon”) announced on April 7 that Forrest Harrington has joined its Huntsville Commercial Banking Team as Senior Vice President, Senior Commercial Banking Relationship Manager.

Harrington comes to First Horizon with 30 years of commercial banking experience and an extensive background in commercial real estate. He is a strategic partner, providing customized financial solutions that help clients achieve their goals.

“Forrest has a track record of long-standing client relationships and strong community connections,” said Brian Daniels, Huntsville Commercial Banking Group Manager for First Horizon Bank. “His client-first mindset and dedication to serving the community will be a great addition to the Huntsville team.”

About First Horizon
First Horizon Corporation (NYSE: FHN), with $83.9 billion in assets as of December 31, 2025, is a leading regional financial services company, dedicated to helping our clients, communities and associates unlock their full potential with capital and counsel. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, the banking subsidiary First Horizon Bank operates in 12 states concentrated in the southern U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries offer commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage banking services. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation’s best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank. More information is available at www.FirstHorizon.com.

Stephanie Nielsen has been named Vice President of Sales for Gone For Good Huntsville and Stored For Good. In this role, she works with businesses and organizations across North Alabama to provide secure document destruction, scanning, and digitization services while advancing the company’s mission of creating meaningful employment opportunities within the community.

Originally from Apple Valley, California, Stephanie began her career in sales in 2015, building experience in the mortgage and insurance industry before transitioning into her current leadership role. Since relocating to Huntsville in 2021 she has become actively involved in the local business and nonprofit community.

Stephanie serves as an Emissary for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and is involved with several community organizations, including Rotary and United Way of Madison County. She is passionate about building relationships, supporting local businesses, and serving wherever she is needed.

Alexis Wiltfong graduated from Madison County High School before continuing her education at Auburn University, completing a Bachelor of Science in Ecology. When her time at Auburn concluded, she then moved to Knoxville, Tennessee to pursue her Master of Business Administration at the University of Tennessee. During this time, Alexis was awarded Young Professional of the Year at her previous company.

Thus far in her career, Alexis has worked as a biologist, environmental scientist, and currently serves as GTEC’s Assistant Environmental Department Manager. She married her wonderful husband, Jacob, in 2023. You can usually find them exploring a deep cave, fly fishing on a cold creek, or building mountain biking trails.

The Heart of the Valley YMCA is pleased to announce the hiring of Sarah Ruttmar as the organization’s new Controller, beginning March 23. Sarah brings extensive financial leadership experience and a strong commitment to the YMCA’s mission of strengthening communities.

In her role as Controller, Sarah will oversee the YMCA’s general ledger operations, manage financial reporting, and support internal and external reporting requirements. She will also serve as the primary liaison for the organization’s annual audit in partnership with third-party CPA firms and support financial reporting for YMCA of the USA and other stakeholders.

Sarah brings more than six years of financial accounting experience across multiple industries, including manufacturing and healthcare. She previously served as Director of Finance at the YMCA of the Treasure Coast in Florida, where she supported the organization through financial stewardship, process improvements and strategic decision-making.

A graduate of Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, Sarah developed a strong foundation in finance and nonprofit operations. She says she is excited to continue her work within the YMCA movement and contribute to the Heart of the Valley YMCA’s impact across the Huntsville community.

“Joining the Heart of the Valley YMCA is an exciting opportunity to support an organization that makes such a meaningful difference in the community,” said Sarah. “I’m grateful to be part of a team dedicated to strengthening lives and expanding access to programs that help people grow and thrive.”

Rob Gray, President and CEO of the Heart of the Valley YMCA, welcomed Sarah to the leadership team.

“Sarah brings both strong financial expertise and a deep understanding of the YMCA mission,” said Gray. “Her experience within the Y movement and her commitment to thoughtful financial stewardship will help ensure we continue to serve our community with transparency, accountability and impact.”

In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors with her dog, hiking, biking, kayaking, traveling, reading and sharing a good laugh.

About the Heart of the Valley YMCA
The YMCA is a community-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. By providing a welcoming and inclusive environment, the YMCA offers programs and services that strengthen the community and help individuals reach their full potential.

Tracy  Cook, recently promoted to Vice President of Plant Science and Conservation at Huntsville Botanical Garden, oversees horticulture operations, nursery and greenhouse, plant conservation, and collections curation and mapping at Huntsville Botanical Garden. 

Tracy has 20 years of experience designing, installing, and maintaining landscapes and gardens, from single-family residences to botanic gardens. She has two advanced degrees: Plant and Soil Science from Alabama A&M University and Horticulture from Auburn University, specializing in landscape design, nursery and greenhouse management, and conservation geography. She has served on the Alabama Invasive Plant Council board and is a project lead with the Alabama Plant Conservation Alliance for Clematis morefieldii, for which she has done extensive fieldwork. She serves on the Southeastern Partners for Plant Conservation steering committee and is a Species Steward with the Global Conservation Consortium for Oaks (GCCO) for Quercus boyntonii. Her research focus is ex-situ conservation of plants and applying conservation horticulture techniques to safeguard vulnerable plant species and enhance regional ecosystem health.

Tracy’s passions include conserving rare native plants, reveling in Alabama’s unique natural habitats, and helping people choose well-adapted and native plants to solve problems and enhance sustainability in residential landscapes.

The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber is thrilled to welcome Ema Smith to the team as our Event Specialist. In this role, she assists with the planning and execution of a wide range of Chamber events by coordinating vendors, handling attendee registrations, managing logistics, and providing on-site support to ensure events run smoothly.

Ema is from Madison, Alabama, and has over three years of experience working in the events industry. In December 2025, she graduated summa cum laude from Auburn University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management with a concentration in Event Management and a minor in Business. Throughout her studies, Ema embodied the Auburn Creed, especially the words, “I believe in work, hard work.” During her senior year, she received the 2025 Outstanding ePortfolio Award from Auburn University in recognition of her creativity, storytelling, and attention to detail. She was also recognized on the Dean’s List each semester throughout her undergraduate career.

In her free time, Ema enjoys running, taking on various artistic projects, such as flower preservation, and spending time with her cats, Banjo and Daisy May. She is also a notable Swiftie and serves as a volunteer Firefighter/EMT with the Monrovia Fire Department.

“Many of my endeavors in life have been fueled by my calling to serve others,” said Ema. “This passion of mine led me to become a volunteer Firefighter/EMT, major in hospitality management, and now, work for a nonprofit organization. One of the aspects I find most meaningful about working here is that it is rooted in service. I am absolutely thrilled to bring my event planning expertise to the Chamber and play a part in supporting the businesses in my hometown.”

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is pleased to welcome Sherry Brukner as Public Relations Director.

Sherry brings a strong background in public relations, communications, marketing, branding, community engagement, and media, along with a passion for connecting organizations with the people they serve.

Her experience includes work in broadcasting as well as developing multi-channel campaigns, leading public relations efforts, and building partnerships that strengthen visibility and impact.

She has previously helped shape messaging across both traditional and digital platforms at the Madison Chamber of Commerce and the Huntsville Museum of Art, while also building meaningful relationships throughout the community. In her new role, Sherry will focus on amplifying the library’s voice, expanding its reach, and advancing its mission: “This is the public’s library. We empower individuals to create their own futures, explore the universe of ideas, and connect with our community and the world.”

Dee Dee Mathis joined Hville Blast in January as the Market Prosident. She is a dynamic media and marketing leader who most recently led local sales for WVTM 13 in Birmingham. Her career spans digital and traditional media, with a strong track record of helping brands grow through strategy, storytelling and community connection. In her new role, Dee Dee will oversee multiple facets of the operations for Hville Blast, including profit/loss responsibility for the Huntsville market.

InSight Strategic Solutions welcomes Zach Tannett as Director of Client Strategy & Operations. With more than 20 years of experience in operations, financial strategy, and business development, Zach is known for helping companies turn complexity into clarity and strategy into results.

At InSight, Zach works directly with clients and the consulting team to translate financial insights into actionable plans, strengthen operations, and drive sustainable, profitable growth. He plays a key role in leading client engagements, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring execution follows vision.

Before joining InSight, Zach served as President of Flourish Consulting Services, where he led financial strategy and operations for a growing consultancy. His practical, hands-on approach and ability to align teams around clear goals make him a strong addition to both the InSight team and the Huntsville business community.

Dan Crishon has joined Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3) in Huntsville as a Senior Production Program Manager, where he leads production-scale manufacturing efforts for defense systems supporting time-critical national security priorities.

Crishon brings more than 15 years of experience in program and manufacturing leadership, supporting complex defense and industrial programs in highly regulated environments. He has led cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain to deliver safety-critical systems. He has managed cost, schedule, and performance across programs and portfolios exceeding $200 million.

Prior to joining i3, Crishon spent over a decade with Teledyne Brown Engineering, where he held leadership roles spanning program management, manufacturing management, and engineering. He led production and delivery of complex naval systems, supported certification efforts with U.S. Navy technical authorities, and played a key role in scaling manufacturing operations for first-of-a-kind platforms from development into full-rate production.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Saginaw Valley State University and an Associate of Science in Welding Engineering from Delta College. Crishon is also a Six Sigma Green Belt and Shainin Red X certified practitioner.

Active in the community, Crishon is a member of the Rotary Club of Madison County and volunteers with ENABLE Madison County, the Food Bank of North Alabama, and the Downtown Rescue Mission. He also serves on the Madison City Schools Career Technical Education Advisory Committee.

As ITAC Solutions continues to expand its presence in the Huntsville market, one of its newest partners, Amber O’Hanian, is helping lead that growth.

O’Hanian recently became a part-owner of ITAC Solutions following a significant ownership transition that made the staffing and recruiting firm fully employee-owned. The shift reflects a broader commitment to investing in internal leadership and positioning the company for long-term success in key markets like Huntsville.

With a strong background in recruiting and client partnership, O’Hanian has built a reputation for delivering talent solutions that align with the evolving needs of businesses across North Alabama. Her work focuses on connecting organizations with high-impact professionals across a range of staffing models, including contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire.

Now as a partner, O’Hanian is playing a larger role in shaping ITAC’s strategy and growth in the Huntsville region. Her leadership supports the company’s continued investment in relationships, talent access, and market expansion.

As Huntsville’s business landscape continues to accelerate, particularly across technology, engineering, and government sectors, O’Hanian remains focused on helping organizations navigate the competitive hiring environment and secure the talent needed to drive results.

Her promotion to partner not only recognizes her contributions to the firm but also reinforces ITAC’s long-term commitment to the Huntsville market and the clients and professionals it serves.

Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne P.C. recently promoted Stephanie Hall to Shareholder in the Litigation practice group. She focuses her practice on general civil litigation, taking a pragmatic approach to representing individuals, businesses, and municipalities in a broad range of litigation and pre-litigation matters. As a former business owner, Mrs. Hall brings a unique and practical perspective to her legal practice.

Mrs. Hall holds a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and then went on to obtain her J.D. from Samford University, Cumberland School of Law, where she graduated cum laude. Mrs. Hall was selected on the 2026 list of the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America in the areas of Civil Rights Law, Commercial Litigations, and Litigation-Labor and Employment. She is licensed in both Alabama and Tennessee.

Maynard Nexsen recently welcomed Reeves Jordan, Government Solutions Shareholder, to the Huntsville office.

Reeves is an Associate in Maynard Nexsen’s Litigation Section with significant experience litigating cases at both the trial and appellate levels. A substantial part of his practice is devoted specifically to appellate and post-verdict work. In federal court, he has handled appeals in the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eleventh Circuits and has drafted a petition for writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court. He also maintains a broad civil litigation practice in federal and state trial courts across the country. He has handled discovery and pretrial proceedings in a variety of matters, winning dispositive motions on several occasions. Reeves litigates cases on both sides of the “v.”, with recent experience filing multiple lawsuits and defending against many others.

Before joining the Firm, he clerked for the Honorable Elizabeth L. Branch of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the Honorable Samuel H. Mays of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee.

Reeves holds a B.A. from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and earned his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School, where he was a Managing Editor of The University of Chicago Law Review.

Maynard Nexsen is a full-service law firm with almost 600 attorneys in 31 locations from coast to coast across the United States. Maynard Nexsen formed in 2023 when two successful, client-centered firms combined to form a powerful national team. Maynard Nexsen’s list of clients spans a wide range of industry sectors and includes both public and private companies.

MDW Associates is pleased to announce that Ron Raby has joined the firm as Director of NASA Programs, effective March 16, 2026.

In this role, Ron will provide senior leadership and execution oversight across MDW’s NASA portfolio, supporting disciplined program delivery, stakeholder engagement, and cross functional coordination across NASA Centers and mission partners. Ron’s focus will include strengthening operational rigor, scaling best practices, and ensuring MDW continues to deliver high impact support aligned to NASA mission priorities.

Ron brings extensive experience leading and integrating complex NASA engineering and program teams, including Space Launch System propulsion support across multiple NASA Centers and contractor locations. His background includes spacecraft and payload integration systems engineering, requirements development and verification insight for flight hardware, and long-standing expertise in requirements management environments supporting major NASA human spaceflight systems engineering and integration efforts.

“Ron’s arrival is a significant step for our NASA portfolio,” said Scott Phillips, Vice President, Information Systems. “He brings the rare combination of NASA systems engineering credibility and leadership across complex, multi center efforts. Ron will immediately strengthen how we align technical execution to customer priorities, scale repeatable delivery disciplines, and accelerate mission outcomes for our NASA stakeholders.”

Merit Bank is thrilled to acknowledge Angela Palmer on her promotion to Senior Vice President. This achievement reflects the significant impact she has across the organization. Angela is a driving force behind the bank’s culture and a leader who brings people together through strong communication and connection. As head of Human Resources, is dedicated to fostering an environment where employees can thrive and succeed as a team. In her role as Corporate Secretary, she plays an integral role in supporting corporate and shareholder operations. We congratulate Angela on this achievement and look forward to her continued leadership and success!

Merit Bank is proud to recognize Fulton Hamilton as he steps into his new role as Mortgage Operations Analyst. In this role, Fulton will manage the end-to-end workflow and compliance of mortgage loans, helping ensure a smooth and accurate process from application to closing. Known for his strong work ethic, collaborative spirit, and keen attention to detail, Fulton is a well-respected and valued team member whose dedication continues to make a meaningful impact. We enjoy his positive energy and look forward to all he will accomplish in this next chapter!

Merit Bank is pleased to congratulate Sean Pepper on his well-deserved promotion to Senior Branch Banking Specialist, where he will help lead branch operations, drive retail business growth, and maintain strong client relationships. Sean consistently demonstrates strong leadership, a commitment to excellence, and a dedication to serving both clients and colleagues, often training new team members to ensure quality and consistency. His contributions have played a key role in the success of the branch and make this next step a natural one. Sean is a client favorite and we look forward to his continued impact in this elevated role!

Dr. Jorge O’Farrill is a Modern Technology Solutions Inc (MTSI) Technical Fellow in the areas of Advanced Tracking Algorithm Development and High Energy Physics.

Dr. O’Farrill has 20 years of experience and supports multiple MDA customers such as MDA/SS, MDA/DVS, and MDA/BCDV as their Tracking Algorithm and EO/IR Modeling SME. In support of these efforts, he developed countless tools and algorithms to support quick pace analysis, complete flight test reporting and consummate tasks for MDA senior leadership.

Dr. O’Farrill has also supported multiple Internal Research and Development projects related to the application of Artificial Intelligence techniques to Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV).

Dr. O’Farrill earned his PhD from Florida State University in Theoretical High Energy Physics.

Dr. Stephen Snarski is a Modern Technology Solutions Inc (MTSI) Technical Fellow in the areas of Advanced Sensing Systems for ISR and autonomous systems applications.

Dr. Snarski has over 30 years of experience leading engineering research, development, test and evaluation programs involving advanced sensing systems for defense/commercial situational awareness and autonomous systems applications across all domains (air, ground, maritime, space). Dr. Snarski’s expansive expertise includes Infrared search and track (IRST) hostile fire detection (HFD) and counter rocket artillery and mortar (C-RAM) systems; Armed overwatch ISR demonstration; Counter sUAS; Augmented reality for soldiers; GPS-denied navigation and sensing for cruise missiles; Space-based kill assessments; Celestial sensing/navigation for missiles and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS); Underwater unmanned vehicle navigation using all-source data; Electromagnetohydrodynamic (EHMD) sensing and flow control; and Next-generation conformal acoustic arrays.

He has over 35 technical publications and is nationally recognized as a technical innovator with a strong vision and excellent analytical, problem solving, and leadership skills.

Ms. Ruby Cummings, affectionally known in MTSI as “Ms. Ruby” serves as the Senior Industrial Security Administrator. In this role, Ms. Ruby provides critical support for the company’s security operations, ensuring compliance with government regulations and internal policies related to classified information and secure facilities.

This senior-level role emphasizes specialized security functions, including visitor management, document control, foreign travel coordination, and meeting organization, while also supporting broader aspects of the company’s industrial security program. Ms. Ruby also designs and develops creative and highly effective materials to strengthen the company’s Security Education, Training, and Awareness (SETA) program.

Amanda Dimuxio’s title says that she serves as the lead Instructional Assistant at Next Step Farms, but if we are truthful, she is much more. After relocating to Huntsville from Long Island, Amanda sought ways to give back to her new community. A series of fortunate events, lead her straight to Next Step Farms where she serves as the glue to holds all of us together.

Next Step Farms is an adult special needs day habilitation program that teaches adults with intellectual disabilities to live as independently as possible using a small family farm as a theme. Amanda assists in helping to steer the unique local nonprofit in a direction that benefits everyone — four and two legged!

ShaVonne Cammack serves as the Business Development Manager for Omni2Max, Inc., where she oversees strategic growth initiatives, market development, and client engagement across Alabama and the surrounding region. With more than 17 years of experience in IT modernization, organizational transformation, and program management, Mrs. Cammack brings a disciplined, mission-focused approach to advancing Omni2Max’s strategic objectives.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Cammack has demonstrated a strong capacity for leading complex initiatives, building high-performance teams, and establishing partnerships that strengthen operational outcomes. Her professional background spans government, higher education, and nonprofit sectors, where she has consistently guided organizations through large-scale transformation efforts while enhancing service delivery and operational excellence. This breadth of experience positions her to effectively support Omni2Max’s continued expansion and long-term growth strategy.

Mrs. Cammack holds degrees and professional certifications from Alabama A&M University, Cornell University, CompTIA, ITIL, Microsoft, and PMI. She is also committed to advancing community and workforce development efforts across the region. She currently serves as Vice President of the Drake State Community & Technical College Foundation Board and volunteers as a mentor and advocate with the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Alabama and YMTF, supporting educational advancement and career preparedness for emerging scholars.

ServisFirst Bank, a subsidiary of ServisFirst Bancshares (NYSE:SFBS), is pleased to announce the promotion of Jonathan Ceci to Commercial Banking Officer for ServisFirst Bank Huntsville.

“We are proud to see Jonathan step into this role,” states Jim Holtkamp, Executive Vice President, Regional CEO of ServisFirst Bank Huntsville. “His commitment to serving our clients and supporting both his team and the community has already made a meaningful impact. We look forward to seeing him continue to grow and contribute to the success of our commercial banking team in Huntsville.”

Ceci first joined ServisFirst Bank as a summer and winter intern in 2022 while attending the University of Alabama, where he graduated summa cum laude in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance. After graduation, he joined the Bank full-time as a Credit Analyst and quickly advanced within the organization, later being named Assistant Relationship Manager and Banking Officer in June 2025. In his current role, Ceci supports ServisFirst Bank’s commercial banking team and continues assisting the Credit Department with underwriting. He is also a member of Leadership Greater Huntsville’s Connect Class 28, representing the next generation of business leaders in North Alabama.

ABOUT SERVISFIRST BANK
ServisFirst Bank is a full-service commercial bank focused on commercial banking, correspondent banking, treasury management, private banking and the professional consumer market, emphasizing competitive products, state-of-the-art technology and a focus on quality service.

Recently, the Bank announced that its assets exceed $18 billion. The Bank offers sophisticated treasury management products, Internet banking, home mortgage lending, remote deposit express banking, and highly competitive rates.

ServisFirst Bank was formed in May 2005, and has offices in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. In April 2015, and annually thereafter, ServisFirst Bank has earned investment- grade ratings and a stable outlook from Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA), which measures companies’ financial fundamentals. ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. files periodic reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies of its filings may be obtained at www.servisfirstbancshares.com.

Currently the President of Tennessee Valley Pain Consultants, Dr. Michael Cosgrove is an anesthesiologist double board-certified in pain management. He specializes in the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of common spine, nerve and musculoskeletal conditions as well as acute and chronic pain disorders.

Dr. Cosgrove provides the latest interventional spine procedures including epidural steroid injections for the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, caudal epidural injections, facet and sacroiliac joint injections, medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation. He also provides implantation of neuromodulation devices at the spinal cord and/or dorsal root ganglion for patients experiencing more severe and chronic pain. He also conservatively manages medications when appropriate. Dr. Cosgrove has extensive experience treating the injured worker and focuses on assisting in patients return to the workplace.

Dr. Cosgrove provides patients with a thorough evaluation, diagnosis and individualized treatment plan with a goal of treating pain at the source.

Bailey Martin, a Huntsville native, recently joined Touronimo Destination Management Group as Systems and Efficiency Manager, bringing a strong blend of operational strategy and execution to the team. She leads the development of streamlined systems, scalable workflows, and process-driven solutions that support Touronimo’s continued growth.

Over the past five years, Touronimo has grown into Huntsville’s premiere destination management company, specializing in corporate events, transportation logistics, and curated local experiences that connect people to the culture of the city. As demand has increased, Bailey has been instrumental in building the infrastructure behind the scenes creating efficiencies that allow our team to scale while maintaining a high-touch, concierge-level client experience.

Bailey plays a major role in the company’s growth, and we are thrilled to have her on our team. She has a natural ability to bring clarity to complex operations, and her impact is already being felt across both our internal systems and client delivery.

Jason Sewell has been promoted to Executive Director of Acquisitions at Trideum Corporation. He has a proven track record in planning, management, and strong business acumen. Jason drives profitable growth and sustainable margin enhancement through the development and execution of disciplined strategic and data-driven revenue strategies in complex, cross-functional environments.

Over his career, Sewell has been an analytical, detail-oriented, and ambitious leader within the government contracting marketspace. His experience developing winning pricing strategies, implementing successful corporate level initiatives, and leading highly productive teams is recognized for its excellence in the industry. Sewell is noted for mentoring, building, and empowering high-performing teams and for fostering enterprise alignment to maximize market expansion, customer value, and profit margins.

He holds a degree from Auburn University and currently lives in Madison, Alabama.

Rebecca Goodwin, Community & Citizenship Manager for Turner Construction Company in Huntsville, has been appointed to two leadership roles strengthening North Alabama’s workforce development and educational ecosystem.

Goodwin has joined the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce Foundation Board, where she will help guide initiatives focused on education, workforce readiness, and long-term economic vitality. The Foundation plays a central role in aligning regional partners to create opportunities that support students, job seekers, and employers across the community.

In addition, Goodwin has been selected to serve on the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Workforce Leadership Council, a statewide body that brings together industry leaders to help shape strategies connecting education with workforce needs. The Council plays a critical role in advising on programs that ensure Alabama’s workforce remains competitive, adaptable, and prepared for future demand.

Goodwin joined Turner in 2021. She leads community engagement and citizenship efforts across the Huntsville business unit, building partnerships that advance education, workforce development, and volunteerism.

Lisa Chang is the new Manager of Development and Community Engagement at WLRH-FM.

Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Lisa has been a supporter and listener of public media and listener- and community-supported radio across the years. Lisa comes to the station with decades of nonprofit experience, including serving on the leadership team of various issues-driven non-profits, as well as working in fundraising, development, and board management for public television, universities, and issues-driven non-profits in Washington, DC, Baltimore, Houston, St. Louis, and Huntsville. She has consulted on strategic planning, major gifts, and capital campaigns for non-profits across the United States, and she has served on grant review panels in both St. Louis and Cleveland. Lisa brings a specific expertise in engaging diverse communities through informal places of learning and gathering including museums, churches, and more. She applies a strengths-based, data-driven approach to her work guided by the ethics and best practices of social work.

Lisa earned her BA in Computational and Applied Mathematics from Rice University in Houston, Texas, and completed her Masters in Social Work at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis.

Lisa is active in both the Huntsville and Birmingham music scenes and is an enthusiastic supporter of the creative talents and opportunities found in North Alabama.

“Lisa’s heart for our community and public radio will be a great asset to our development team as she shepherds listeners and donors who want to support our mission into our next 50 years,” said Erich Brukner, WLRH General Manager.

Mike Keeley is the new host of Morning Blend at WLRH-FM.

Mike is originally from Philadelphia (but has moved around a lot) and is a new Huntsville resident. He is a musician and attended Ithaca College in New York, the University of Tennessee and George Mason University.

He served as a trumpet player in the U.S. Marine Corps Band in Quantico, VA and also the U.S. Navy Band in Washington, DC. Recently, he retired after a long career as a Church Music Minister in Virginia, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee.

He is married to Shelley and they have two children and four grandchildren, including newborn TRIPLETS! Now you know why they moved to Huntsville!

Mike looks forward to sharing a lifetime of experience in music with Tennessee Valley friends each weekday on “Morning Blend”.

“We are excited to continue the longstanding tradition of Morning Blend with Mike,” said Erich Brukner, WLRH General Manager. “His knowledge of and passion for classical music will enable WLRH to continue serving our classical music community for years to come.”

(YSG) congratulates Easton Brock, our Help Desk and SharePoint Administrator, on reaching an incredible five-year milestone with the company.

Over the past five years, Easton has demonstrated consistent dedication, technical expertise, and a commitment to supporting YSG’s mission through reliable and innovative IT solutions. His contributions have played an important role in maintaining efficient operations, supporting the IT team, and delivering exceptional services across the organization. Notably, his efforts also contributed to YSG’s successful achievement of CMMC Level 2 certification, helping strengthen the company’s cybersecurity posture and compliance capabilities.

About Yorktown Systems Group
Yorktown Systems Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, (YSG), is a leading provider of mission-critical support services to government and defense agencies. With a focus on excellence, innovation, and integrity, YSG delivers customized and adaptive solutions to enhance our clients’ operational readiness for addressing ever-changing global landscapes and challenges.

(YSG) congratulates Jennifer Templeton, Cyber Security Analyst, on earning her CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 certification.
This globally recognized, vendor-neutral certification validates Jennifer’s foundational expertise in securing networks, systems, and data. It reflects her knowledge across key cybersecurity domains, including threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture and design, security operations, identity and access management, and cryptography.
Jennifer mastered both theoretical concepts and hands-on applications through labs, practice exams, and scenario-based problem solving. Her commitment to professional growth and excellence has also contributed to YSG’s successful achievement of CMMC Level 2 certification, further strengthening the organization’s cybersecurity capabilities.

About Yorktown Systems Group
Yorktown Systems Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, (YSG), is a leading provider of mission-critical support services to government and defense agencies. With a focus on excellence, innovation, and integrity, YSG delivers customized and adaptive solutions to enhance our clients’ operational readiness for addressing ever-changing global landscapes and challenges.

(YSG) recognizes Mathew McMillan on his new role as the Director of Intelligence Operations at YSG headquarters.

In his previous role as Program Manager on the TRADOC G-2 Operational Environment contract, Matt led a complex, mission-critical program—overseeing operational planning, contract execution, customer engagement, and workforce performance while ensuring high-quality deliverables that met government standards.

Now serving at the corporate level, Matt brings that same expertise to overseeing and synchronizing intelligence operations across YSG’s portfolio. He plays a key role in supporting strategic planning, enhancing execution, and aligning operational efforts with the company’s long-term growth objectives.

This new role reflects Matt’s leadership and YSG’s confidence in his ability to scale impact across the enterprise. His deep understanding of mission requirements and ability to translate them into effective solutions position him to drive continued success in this new role.

About Yorktown Systems Group
Yorktown Systems Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, (YSG), is a leading provider of mission-critical support services to government and defense agencies. With a focus on excellence, innovation, and integrity, YSG delivers customized and adaptive solutions to enhance our clients’ operational readiness for addressing ever-changing global landscapes and challenges.

(YSG) proudly announces the promotion of Nick Fuller to Executive Vice President of Corporate Integration.

Previously serving in Special Projects and Professional Development as COO Emeritus, Nick has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to advancing YSG’s mission and long-term growth. In his new role, he will lead efforts to align and integrate operations across the organization, ensuring seamless coordination with business development and capture processes.

Nick will also serve as a principal advisor to the CEO and President on growth execution, competitive positioning, and enterprise alignment. His extensive experience and proven ability to translate strategy into action will be instrumental in strengthening YSG’s operational cohesion and driving continued success across the enterprise.

About Yorktown Systems Group
Yorktown Systems Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, (YSG), is a leading provider of mission-critical support services to government and defense agencies. With a focus on excellence, innovation, and integrity, YSG delivers customized and adaptive solutions to enhance our clients’ operational readiness for addressing ever-changing global landscapes and challenges.

Chad Ward has joined Yulista as Group President of Aerospace Systems & Engineering (ASE). Chad is a retired U.S. Army Colonel with 27+ years of service, bringing deep experience across aviation, joint fires, R&D, and advanced defense programs, including work with DARPA and senior defense leadership. In industry, he has led program management and growth across aviation, missiles, space, and Coast Guard portfolios.

He holds degrees from the University of Alabama and Louisiana State University and is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force War College, as well as Leadership Greater Huntsville’s Focus and Flagship programs. Chad brings the leadership, operational discipline, and growth mindset this role demands.

Doug Yarrington has joined YHL as Senior Director of Contracts and Compliance, bringing extensive experience across government contracting, legal strategy, and regulatory compliance. Prior to joining Yulista, Doug served as Senior Director of Contracts, Compliance, Security, and Legal at Leonardo Electronics US Inc. Before that, he held multiple leadership roles at IMSAR LLC, including serving on the Board of Directors as well as General Counsel, Contracts Manager, and Facility Security Officer.

Doug’s background includes deep expertise in contract drafting and negotiation, government contracting, trade compliance, and industrial security under the NISPOM. He also brings experience in corporate governance, litigation management, contractor business systems, intellectual property strategy, proposal development and review, and leading cross-functional teams.

Quick Links

2026 Armed Forces Celebration Events, June

Armed Forces Celebration Luncheon, June 9

C-Suite Speaker Series with Lang Sims, June 10