New Faces and Fresh Starts in Springfield

Springfield is buzzing with changes, from new leaders to exciting venues. The Library Center's Hatch Auditorium is set to open on January 16, featuring a striking new sculpture called "Vistalation" by local artist Michael Stelzer. This piece, part of the Sculpture Walk Springfield program, was made possible by a generous donation from the Hatch Foundation. The auditorium, which seats 500, promises to be a hub for events and activities, kicking off with a weekend of festivities. Meanwhile, 1 Million Cups, a popular gathering for entrepreneurs, is moving to the Sunshine Event Center. This weekly event, which connects local business owners with their community, will continue its tradition of free coffee and networking. New volunteer organizers, including Kim Rippy, David Sims, and Samuel Knox, are stepping up to lead the charge. In other news, Madison Woods has joined Visit Springfield as the new communications manager. With a background in journalism and public relations, Woods brings a wealth of experience to the role. She previously worked at Bass Pro Shops Big Cedar Lodge and KY3 News, where she honed her skills in media relations and storytelling. Drury University has named Michael Boone as the new executive director of its Law Enforcement Academy. Boone, a veteran of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He will oversee day-to-day operations and update the firearms curriculum, which now includes rifle, handgun, and shotgun components.The Friends of the Springfield Art Museum has named Kate Francis as its first executive director. Francis, who previously served as the museum's affairs officer, played a key role in establishing the Foundation and raising funds for the museum's renovation and expansion. She also launched the popular Pops in the Park concert, which drew over 4, 000 attendees in its first year. Matt Coats has been named assistant director of the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. Coats, who has 25 years of experience with the Park Board, will oversee multiple divisions within Park Operations. He previously served as superintendent of special facilities and park ranger administrator. The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Troop D in Springfield announced two promotions. Cpl. Matthew Cook was promoted to sergeant and will supervise Zone 11, which serves Jasper County. Trooper Sean Goostree was promoted to corporal and will serve as the assistant supervisor of Zone 6, which serves Lawrence and Dade counties. After 25 years, Angela Smith has transferred ownership of ADsmith Marketing & Advertising to longtime colleague Ken Taylor. Smith founded the company in 2000 and grew it into a full-service agency. Taylor, who joined the company in 2018, has been leading the day-to-day operations and will continue to do so under the new ownership. Branson Bank has promoted Jonathan Arnold to senior vice president-credit administration and risk management. Arnold oversees the Credit and Loan Operations departments and contributes to the bank's Asset/Liability Committee. He is also involved in Enterprise Risk Management, Interest Rate Risk Modeling, and Vendor Management.