Morgan Stanley announced that Will Hunt, a financial adviser in the firm’s Wealth Management office in Chattanooga, has been promoted to executive director. Hunt, a Chattanooga native, has been with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management since 2001. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Louisiana Monroe in 1994.
HHM CPAs names Denton new director
HHM CPAs has added Sarah Denton, CPA, as a director, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in corporate taxation, tax policy and complex regulatory matters to the firm.
Denton previously served as a managing director at a regional CPA firm, where she advised clients on complex tax and regulatory issues, led major tax planning initiatives and guided teams through compliance and reporting across multi-entity and multi-jurisdictional environments.
At HHM, Denton will support tax planning and advisory engagements while contributing to the continued growth of the firm’s tax practice.
Denton holds a master’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in taxation from Kennesaw State University and is a certified public accountant licensed in Tennessee.
Tennessee Aquarium adds four trustees
The Tennessee Aquarium has added four new members to its board of trustees, expanding its leadership as the organization begins shaping a long-term strategic plan aimed at broadening its reach across the Southeast.
The new trustees – Dr. Rebecca Ashford, Jay Dale, O’Mally Foster and Brittany McKee East – joined the board effective Jan. 15, increasing its membership to 16. Aquarium President and CEO Andy Wood said the appointments reflect a strategic effort to strengthen the board with leaders from both the public and private sectors.
Ashford, president of Chattanooga State Community College since 2017, brings extensive experience in education and civic leadership. Dale, market president of First Horizon Bank, offers more than 30 years of banking and community leadership experience. Foster serves as chief people officer at Vision Hospitality Group, overseeing workforce and culture initiatives, while East is vice president of quality and research and development at McKee Foods Corporation.
Aquarium officials said the new trustees collectively bring institutional knowledge, corporate expertise and community engagement as the nonprofit moves into its next phase of growth.
East Hamilton High selects football coach
East Hamilton High School has appointed Patrick Liner as head football coach, marking a return to the program for a coach who helped shape one of the Hurricanes’ most successful eras.
Liner, a two-time Offensive Assistant Coach of the Year at East Hamilton, brings a championship resume that includes eight postseason appearances and two region championships in Tennessee and Georgia. He previously played a key role in the school’s offensive development and returns to lead football operations.
In addition to coaching duties, Liner will oversee Larry Henry Stadium, which features new turf, a track and a 2,100-seat expansion. Principal Brent Eller said Liner’s energy, leadership and commitment to the program stood out during the hiring process.
Under Liner’s leadership, the Hurricanes will introduce Spring Football on Hurricane Hill, a player-focused development model emphasizing a high-tempo offense, a physical defense and the use of sports science, including GPS performance monitoring and professional-grade strength and nutrition standards.