Text Request’s vice president of marketing, Kenneth Burke, has been named Executive of the Year in the Business Intelligence Group’s 2023 Public Relations and Marketing Excellence Awards.
According to the Business Intelligence Group, this awards program “identifies and recognizes agencies and corporate departments alike who accelerate their brand’s growth through exposing and promoting great business stories.” Burke was one of only two winners in the “Executive of the Year” category nationwide.
“Kenneth was one of Text Request’s very first hires, and it’s been a true joy to watch his career grow and evolve over the last nine years,” says Brian Elrod, CEO of Text Request. “Kenneth has been a critical part of the team over the years, his inquisitive nature and tenacity are second to none, and we are proud of him for achieving this external validation for his efforts.”
Just last year, Burke was also recognized as Tech Marketer of the Year by the Chattanooga Technology Council, as well as one of Chattanooga’s 20 Under 40 by Chatter Magazine. This is his first time earning an award for his individual contributions at the national level.
“I’m humbled, really,” says Burke. “It’s an individual award, but I certainly don’t work alone. Thank you to everyone who has helped, invested in me, and created opportunities over the years. I hope to repay the favor by doing the same for others.”
Loza joins Girls Inc. in development
Girls Inc. of Chattanooga has announced the appointment of Jocelyn Loza as the organization’s new Chief Development Officer, effective Oct. 23.
With a wealth of experience in fundraising and a passion for empowering communities, Loza brings a unique blend of skills and dedication to her new role. Girls Inc. of Chattanooga is a nonprofit that inspires and equips all girls to be strong, smart and bold leaders within their families, their community and society.
As the founder and former president of Latina Professionals of Chattanooga, Loza spearheaded all fundraising efforts, partnerships and programs that empower Latina women and girls. At Hoopla Marketing Now, among other accomplishments, Loza worked with various brands, where she developed, implemented multicultural marketing strategies, and delivered tangible results for her clients.
“I have been and continue to be a strong advocate for issues facing women and girls, which is why I am excited to continue my work with an incredible organization like Girls Inc,” Loza says. “Their mission aligns with my values and vision, and I can’t wait to share further about how we can partner to make a lasting impact on the lives of young girls in our community.”
Loza holds a Master of Science degree in marketing from Walden University and a Bachelor of Arts in public relations/international languages from Andrews University.
Two physician assistants join Erlanger East
Two new physician assistants have joined Erlanger Dermatology and Erlanger Primary Care–East.
• Lisa Carroll is a physician assistant joining Erlanger Dermatology. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Carroll earned her physician assistant degree from the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program. She is experienced in general and surgical dermatology, infectious disease laboratory and microbiology/mycology.
Lisa is a member of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA and is an active member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Associates. To make an appointment with Lisa Carroll, call 423-778-5693.
• Angelina Sheridan is a physician assistant joining Erlanger Primary Care–East. She received her Bachelor of Science in biology with a concentration in premedicine from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Her physician assistant degree was completed at Lincoln Memorial University at the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate.
Sheridan has participated in multiple Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinics across Tennessee providing care to underserved and poverty-ridden populations. She has been nominated to “Who’s Who of Professional Providers” annually since 2014. To make an appointment with Angelina Sheridan, call 423-778-8909.
Brandao named chair of WTCI board
Julie Betts Brandao was named board chair of the Greater Chattanooga Public Television Corporation board of directors, the governing board of WTCI-PBS. Her term began July 1. The Greater Chattanooga Public Television Corporation holds the FCC license to operate and govern WTCI-TV PBS, Chattanooga’s public television station.
Joining Brandao on the 2023-2024 Executive Committee are Cindy Todd, vice-chair; David Barrett, treasurer; Florence Pipkins, secretary; Danny Fell, past chair; James Tanner, chair of development committee; and Bob Culkeen, WTCI president/CEO.
Brandao is a Chattanooga native who graduated from Girls’ Preparatory School and Vanderbilt University. She joined Huffaker & Associates in 1991 and has been with the same firm, now known as McGriff Insurance Services, for 32 years.
She inherited a passion for community service and philanthropy from her parents Cliff and Sally Betts, and has shared her time, talent, and treasure with multiple nonprofit organizations for over 30 years. She is an active member of St Paul’s Episcopal Church, and the proud mother of two daughters.
Brandao was appointed to WTCI’s board of directors in 2019 and has served on the Executive Committee in 2020-21.