Business Digest: Lawley joins Airnet Holdings

photo Michael Lawley

Lawley joins Airnet Holdings

Michael Lawley has joined Airnet Holdings as chief operating officer.

Prior to joining Airnet, Lawley was the vice president of information technology and security at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and vice president of information technology and security at Emdeon (formerly known as WebMD). Lawley's career includes more than 20 years of building, transforming and leading high-performing organizations and deploying cutting-edge business technology solutions.

Lawley graduated from Troy State University with a B.S. in technologies management and is expected to graduate from UTC's executive MBA program with a concentration in international finance in December.

In his new role, Lawley will guide the new smartPBX System product line being launched by SMARTech, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Airnet Holdings.


photo Angela Smith Ballard

Ballard joins Derryberry PR

Derryberry Public Relations has added Angela Smith Ballard as an account manager.

Ballard was formerly chief learning officer for WTCI-TV, director of marketing and public relations at Chattanooga Goodwill Industries and president of Originality Public Relations.

Most recently, Ballard has spent her time in the classroom at UTC, serving as an adjunct professor while working toward her doctorate in learning and leadership. When she's not in the classroom, Ballard can be heard on the airwaves of Sunny 92.3 as the station's weekend host.

In addition to her professional resume, Ballard brings has an array of volunteer experience, currently serving as president-elect for the Junior League of Chattanooga and is active with United Way of Chattanooga, UT Board of Directors and Chattanooga Women's Leadership Institute. Ballard was recognized by Chatter Magazine as one of Chattanooga's top 20 professionals under the age of 40 and has been the recipient of multiple Incline Awards from the Lookout Chapter of the PRSA.

Ballard earned her B.A. in communications from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and her M.S. in public relations from University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She is accredited in public relations by the Public Relations Society of America.


Gala recognized for work

Don T.D. Gala, a Hixson consultant and trainer in corrections and law enforcement, has received the International Association of Correctional Training Personnel (IACTP) President's Award.

Dr. Gala, CEO and chief research consultant for The Gala Group Inc., in Chattanooga, was recognized for spending hundreds of hours in developing the processes for the IACTP and American Jail Association Correctional Trainer Certification.

Gala spent seven years on the Correctional Trainer Certification Commission. Prior to leaving the commission as the co-chair, Dr. Gala ensured that the re-certification process was developed. During his tenure on the board of directors, he was instrumental in pursuing nonprofit status with the IRS.

Gala also was recognized for his publications in the IACTP journal, Correctional Trainer, and his numerous presentations during past IACTP conferences.


photo John Brock

John Brock joins BIA

Brock Insurance Agency (BIA), has added John Brock, son of Mark Brock, as a business and personal lines agent. In his role, Brock will assist businesses and individuals in finding the right coverage for their needs.

Brock is a third generation insurance agent in the firm founded by his grandfather, John W. Brock. He is a graduate of the University of Mississippi with a major in risk management. Brock spent a year with a regional carrier in San Antonio, Texas, as a commercial underwriter.

"My experience as a commercial underwriter helped me to not only develop industry knowledge, but also decide that this is the career path for me," John Brock said. "What better way to this than with my family in my home town?"


photo Curtis Powell

Siskin Hospital adds Powell

Curtis Powell has joined Siskin Hospital as the new vice president of quality.

Powell has served in hospital administrative and management roles for the past 31 years. He was previously administrator of the Transitional Living Center, assistant hospital administrator and director of respiratory therapy services at Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation in Pomona, Calif. He also served as the assistant administrator, interim CEO, director of quality and risk management and director of respiratory care at Kindred Hospital Ontario in California.

Powell maintains his respiratory therapy license in both Tennessee and California. He has a broad clinical experience, including working and supervising in cardiac, pulmonary, trauma, neurotrauma, pediatric and neonatal intensive care units. Additionally, he has served as a member of flight teams and code blue teams.

Powell has a master's degree in health administration from the University of La Verne and is holds the registered respiratory therapist credential from the American Association of Respiratory Care.


Slavik tapped by Chattanoogan

Spa industry professional Bradley Slavik has been hired as the new spa director at The Spa at The Chattanoogan. Slavik will be responsible for the overall management, operations and marketing of the boutique spa.

For 14 years, Slavik was the director of operations for Blue River Canyon Day Spa and Store in Brentwood, Tenn. Blue River was the largest full-service, five-star day spa in the Nashville area during his tenure. In that role, Slavik managed spa operations, budgets, purchases, inventory control, A/R, advertising and public relations. He also directed a staff of more than 30 employees. Under his direction, the 20-treatment room Blue River Canyon Day Spa and Store was recognized by O, The Oprah Magazine as being one of the Best Spa Havens in America.

Compiled by Wesley Holloway, wholloway@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6613.

Upcoming Events