Montgomery joins Four Bridges Capital
Ralph Montgomery, a veteran middle-market investment banking professional, has joined the Chattanooga-based investment banking firm, FourBridges Capital, as managing director.
Montgomery previously served as principal of his own firm, Loring Advisory Group, where he worked helping businesses with mergers, acquisitions, recapitalitzations or growth capital. Prior to forming his own firm, Montgomery served as director of SunTrust Humphrey's Business and Technology Services Group. There, he developed the firm's first middle and commercial market-focused platform and helped build a team focused on driving M&A and capital markets activity to SunTrust's 3,000-plus lower-middle market clients.
"Having specialized in middle-market transactions for the majority of his career, Ralph understands the value of a good coach to lead families and entrepreneurs through what are often life-altering transactions," said Frank Williamson, FourBridges' managing partner. "That specific perspective and experience makes Ralph a perfect fit for our team."
Montgomery holds a master's of business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Business School and a bachelor's of science in finance from James Madison University College of Business
D&Z names Hickman as vice president
Bill Hickman, a former vice president of industrial services for Tennessee Valley Authority, has been named vice president of nuclear operations for the TVA contract with Day & Zimmermann.
In his new role, Hickman will be responsible for oversight and execution of D&Z's work at TVA's three nuclear facilities.
Hickman has more than 25 years of power industry experience and a strong background working with operating utilities. Prior to joining D&Z, Hickman spent more than four years with TVA. His industry experience also includes 10 years with Progress Energy in various leadership roles in the construction division and 10 years managing work at Carolina Power & Light's Brunswick Nuclear Plant.
Hickman earned a bachelor's degree in business from Mount Olive College in North Carolina.
Farmer joins Sandler Training
Ashley Farmer has joined Sandler Training in Chattanooga as a client services specialist.
Previously, Farmer worked at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee as a customer service expert. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a business marketing degree.
At Sandler, she is responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly, from on-boarding new clients to supervising the Sandler online component, to facilitating office administration for the firm.
"Ashley plays a key role in our commitment to continue to provide the personal attention our clients deserve and have come to expect," said Lisa Nausley, owner of Sandler Training.
Sandler Training has a network of over 600 trainers and consultants across the globe with short- and long-term programs that offer continuous coaching, training and support for management, sales and customer service professionals.
Riggs promoted at Ameriprise
Jody B. Riggs has become an Ameriprise Financial Private Wealth Advisor. Riggs, with an office in Chattanooga, is one of approximately 6 percent of the nearly 10,000 Ameriprise financial advisors to achieve this status.
Riggs is part of Riggs & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisors provide personalized client service and are dedicated to meeting the complex and unique financial needs of their clients.
The Tennessee Economic Development Council (TEDC) announces its board officers for 2013-2014. The officers were elected by the membership at TEDC's annual fall conference held in Brentwood, Tenn.
Lawson elected to TEDC board
Gary Farlow, president and CEO of the Cleveland/Bradly County Chamber of Commerce, and Andrew Lawson, a consultant in field operations for TVA, have been named to the Tennessee Economic Development Council for the next year.
TEDC is a statewide organization for both public and private sector professionals involved in economic development. TEDC provides professional development opportunities for its 364 members and works with state officials to maintain an attractive business environment in Tennessee.
Leamon joins local lumber firm
Todd Leamon, formerly a pro-sales specialist at Lowe's in East Brainerd, has joined the staff of East Chattanooga Lumber Co. as outside sales rep. Leamon has worked in the truss and engineered wood industry for the 20 years.
East Chattanooga Lumber operates a 5,000-square-foot showroom on 10 acres in East Chattanooga.