Business Digest: Smiley promoted at BlueCross unit

Smiley promoted at BlueCross unit

BlueCare Tennessee's Chief Financial Officer Reid Smiley has been promoted to vice president of state and government finance.

Smiley is responsible for oversight of financial planning and administration of BlueCare's Medicaid contracts with the Bureau of TennCare. He is playing a key role in BlueCare's work to expand operations into Middle Tennessee as part of its new TennCare contract which begins in January.

"Reid has been a valuable and trusted part of our leadership team since coming to BlueCare in 2011," said Scott Pierce, president and CEO of BlueCare, the Medicaid subsidiary of Blue-Cross BlueShield of Tennessee. "This promotion is a reflection of the value he brings and the increased responsibilities he has taken on over the past three years."

Smiley has been with BlueCross since 2003, serving as a director of valuation and data analytics in actuarial before moving to BlueCare in 2011. Overall, he has more than 16 years of insurance industry experience.

Smiley is a fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries as well as a certified public accountant. He graduated with a bachelor's degree from Rhodes College. He also earned a master's degree in actuarial science from Ball State University and an MBA from Purdue University.

The Chattanoogan receives recognition

The Chattanoogan hotel is one of five properties in the South to be recognized by the editors of ConventionSouth magazine for its commitment to community service. The Chattanoogan is being honored with a Community Action Recognition for Event Services (CARES) Award, an honor bestowed upon event service professionals who strive to better their local community.

"The staff members of The Chattanoogan are truly dedicated to providing assistance to nonprofit organizations and their overall community, making Chattanooga a better place to live, work and meet," said Marlane Bundock, ConventionSouth associate publisher and editor. "From staff members who volunteer in local schools to opening up their ballroom to host a prom for those with special needs, the heart-warming acts of the team at The Chattanoogan are glorious examples of the giving spirit of the meetings and hospitality industries."

The upscale hotel recently renovated its high-tech 25,000 square-foot conference center with comprehensive meeting planning and audiovisual support services. The Chattanoogan has 20 dedicated meeting rooms with five general session rooms accommodating 25 to 100 guests, a 16-seat circular board room with a flat data screen, 12 break-out rooms, a 7,500 square-foot ballroom and an amphitheater with seating for 85.


First Volunteer Bank recognized

First Volunteer Bank was recognized by the Tennessee Bankers Association for educational efforts in teaching high school students during the annual Get Smart About Credit program in 2013.

"We are excited to be able to go out in our communities and teach students and young adults about credit and how important creditworthiness will be in their lives. Our bankers have participated in the American Bankers Association educational programs for several years in area high schools during the fall semester. Each spring, we participate with elementary schools in the ABA's Teach Children to Save program," said Patti W. Steele, president and CEO for First Volunteer Bank.

"First Volunteer Bank employees did an excellent job educating young people in their communities about the wise use of credit as part of the National Get Smart about Credit initiative last fall. First Volunteer held 51 presentations reaching 1,202 people, thus earning the TBA's 2013 Get Smart about Credit Award, said T'Lanie Luu, PEP coordinator for the Tennessee Bankers Association.


Perry joins Meritas board

photo Dana Perry

Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C., a Chattanooga-based law firm, announced that Dana Perry has been appointed to the board of directors for Meritas, a global alliance of independent business law firms. Perry was elected to the position during the alliance's recent annual meeting.

In her role as a board member, Perry will be responsible for reviewing and establishing policy and setting strategy for the alliance. Perry also will act as an organizational leader, serving as a liaison to member firms on administrative issues. She will maintain contact with members, encourage and promote cross communications and gather feedback on Meritas initiatives. Perry will serve a three-year term during which she will serve on the finance committee.

"Dana has always been a strong advocate for the organization, and Meritas will continue to rely on her insights during strategic planning, business development and member recruitment, retention and development efforts," said Tanna Moore, president and CEO of Meritas.

Perry has been involved with Meritas for six years. During that time, she has served on the steering committee of managing partners and helped organize the Managing Partners' Forum in Ft. Worth, Texas, in September 2013. She concentrates her practice on estate planning, special needs planning and elder law and is certified as an elder law specialist by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization.

Compiled by Wesley Holloway. Send Business Digest items to wholloway@timesfreepress.com or call 423-757-6613.

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