Tampa Bay Local Business News | Bay Area Business Magazine

	M. Javier Zuniga recently joined PDR Certified Public Accountants. Javier has four years experience as a tax accountant including experience with a large CPA firm in New York City and a St Petersburg CPA firm. Javier focuses on corporate tax, state tax and business consulting. Javier has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the State University of New York. He is a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is a Junior Achievement mentor. He is also a member of ALPFA.
	Vertical IT Solutions, Central Florida’s leading provider of outsourced information technology, announced today the addition of – Danny Hannon as a Senior Engineer.“Danny is a great addition to our team and our clients will certainly benefit from his experience,” said Cohen. “He’ll be an advanced resource to quickly resolve any escalated problems our clients face, so they experience minimal impacts to their business.”
	Vertical IT Solutions, Central Florida’s leading provider of outsourced information technology, announced today the addition of – Kim Brown as care4IT Account Manager. “We are very glad the long wait to add our fourth care4IT Account Manager is now over with the arrival of Kim,” said Andrew Cohen, CEO & president of Vertical IT Solutions. “Her personality, experience and technical background makes her a great fit for this position.”
	The Law Offices of Sari M. Friedman P.C., a firm concentrating in matrimonial and family law, is expanding with the hire of Steven Goldman. Steven Goldman joins Friedman’s firm after working for the Law Offices of Robert W. Dapelo, P.C. and interning for the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office.“I am very excited to have Steven join my law firm,” said Friedman.
	The Law Offices of Sari M. Friedman P.C., a firm concentrating in matrimonial and family law, is expanding with the hire of Katherine Kocienda. Some of Katherine’s prior law experience includes working as a matrimonial associate for Reynolds, Caronia, Gianell, Hagney, LaPinta & Quatella, LLP and working for Nassau County’s Family Court where Katherine worked as a law clerk for Hon. Christopher Pizzolo. “I am very excited to have Katherine join my law firm,” said Friedman.
	The Law Offices of Sari M. Friedman P.C., a firm concentrating in matrimonial and family law, is expanding with the hire of Andrea Friedman. Prior to working at Friedman’s office, Andrea Friedman interned for Hofstra University’s Housing Rights Clinic and then for Burberry Limited in New York City where she worked for the company’s intellectual property department.“I am very excited to have Andrea join my law firm,” said Friedman.
	CA Technologies (NASDAQ: CA) today announced that Toni Clayton-Hine has again been recognized by Everything Channel’s CRN Magazine as one of the top Women of the Channel. CRN’s annual list recognizes female executives across vendors’ channel organizations, distributors and solution providers for their accomplishments over the past year and the far-reaching impact they are having on the technology industry going forward. Toni Clayton-Hine leads worldwide marketing for CA Technologies Recovery Management and Data Modeling Customer Solutions Unit.
	The Tampa office of CA Technologies, an IT management software and solutions company, announced that Tracy Balent-Hamrac, VP of Regional Channel Sales, has been recognized for the second straight year as one of the top Women of the Channel and one of the Power100 by Everything Channel’s CRN Magazine, for her achievements and influence in the technology channel. As VP of Regional Channel Sales, Balent-Hamrac has boosted both partner and customer confidence by enhancing sales team alignment, driving adoption of new product releases, introducing partner profitability programs such as the “Backup Wake Up Call,” and launching lead referral campaigns.
	Vertical IT Solutions, Central Florida’s leading provider of outsourced information technology, didn’t need to look far for its new procurement manager, Kristin Keating, who was promoted from inside sales position within the company. “Kristin has been a 6 year contributor to the Vertical IT team, living up to our core values of quality, commitment and integrity,” said Andrew Cohen, CEO & president of Vertical IT Solutions. “We are confident she will continue to provide the best service to our clients, streamlining the procurement process and bringing another dynamic from her experience on the sales side.”
	Human Resources, Inc. Named Outstanding Business of the Year. We are thrilled to receive this award,” stated CEO Scott Buchanan. “We have the finest, most efficient team in the industry. Without them we would not have achieved this recognition.” Human Resources, Inc. (HRI) was judged based on its contributions to the community, its steady growth, employee relations, job creation and response to adversity over the last 15 years. Buchanan has a ‘pay it forward’ philosophy that encompasses his employees, his clients and the community. “Our clients know that they are receiving the highest level of customer service in the areas of payroll, human resources, and benefits administration. HR management is a fast changing and complex arena and we are committed to being experts in our field.”
	Vertical IT Solutions, Central Florida’s leading provider of outsourced information technology, is proud to announce the addition of Erika Buckley as recruiter and human resources generalist to the Vertical IT team. “We continue to experience an exhilarating amount of growth,” said Andrew Cohen, CEO & president of Vertical IT Solutions. With all this new growth, we’ve hired Erika to help us with the many new hires we need to keep up with the demand.” Buckley brings to VIT, more than a decade of experience in HR and recruitment with companies such as Intuit IT Solutions, Blue Ocean Software and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
	Charles Polansky has joined PDR Certified Public Accountants as a Tax Accountant with primary responsibilities in the corporate taxation area. Charles also has experience in the sales tax area. Previously, Charles worked as a tax professional with a Tampa CPA firm. Charles recently passed the CPA exam. He has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from University of South Florida and an MBA with a concentration in International Business from University of South Florida.
	Sandra H. Van Horn, a native of Naples, Fla., has joined Mutual of Omaha Bank as a Senior Commercial Loan Administrator in Naples. Van Horn brings more than 30 years of experience to Mutual of Omaha Bank, most recently serving as a Loan Administrator for FineMark National Bank and Trust in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs, Fla.
	Pinstripe Marketing is proud to announce the appointment of, Jeff Zampino, to the American Advertising Federation local chapter board. Jeff, creative director, was elected programs chairman of American Advertising Federation Tampa Bay. His responsibilities will include organizing monthly programs and events. Zampino has served the AAF for 11 years.
	Pinstripe Marketing is proud to announce the appointment of, Tamara Whittaker, to the American Advertising Federation local chapter board. Tamara, senior project manager, was elected president to the Ad 2 Executive Board of Directors for the 2010-2011 year. Her responsibilities will include chapter management and strategic planning.
	Universal Health Care Group in St. Petersburg, FL is pleased to announce the addition of Keith Singer, M.D., J.D as Medical Director. Universal Chairman and CEO Dr. Akshay Desai stated,“Dr. Singer’s clinical background in patient care and experience in medical management will help Universal continueto provide the highest level of care for our members. We welcome Dr. Singer’s leadership and expertise.” A board-certified internist, Dr. Singer received his medical degree from the Universal of Toledo School of Medicine inOhio, and his Juris Doctor degree from Indiana University School of Law.
	PDR Certified Public Accountants, a CPA firm headquartered in Clearwater, FL, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jay Wadsworth, Certified Public Accountant, to Principal. Jay is a successful contributor to PDR and we congratulate him on his promotion. In his new role as Principal, Jay will continue to provide excellent service to a variety of clients in professional services, manufacturing, healthcare, real estate and other areas.
	Sherri Strazz of Clearwater, a Commercial Real Estate Agent with Klein and Heuchan, Inc. in Clearwater, has been elected the 2010-2011 President of the Tampa Bay Business and Professional Women. Strazz says she sees the priorities for her term as President to be working to achieve the mission of BPW through creating opportunities for advances by women personally, professionally and politically through advocacy, education and information.
	Penny Rogo Bailes, photographer, named the Business Woman of the Year for 2010 by the Tampa/St. Petersburg Chapter of eWomaNetwork. Penny is the President and Founder of MamaRazzi Foto which specializes in event and corporate photography.
	Jim Alex has joined Englert, Inc., a major producer of metal roofing, rainware and environmental building products, as Sales Manager for the company’s Florida region. Jim has more than 15 years of extensive sales management experience in Florida. Alex is also treasurer and a member of the board of directors of the Better Business Bureau of West Florida, serving from the Crystal River area, 70 miles north of Tampa and down to Orlando.
	Cascade Windows, a privately held vinyl window and patio door manufacturer, recently hired Ryan Solari as Territory Manager for the San Francisco Bay Area. Solari joins Cascade Windows with years of experience in selling building products in the Bay Area. “We are excited about the opportunity Ryan will give us in the California market,” says Jim Womble, director of sales for Cascade Windows.
	Celia Renteria Szelwach has earned a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Management from Argosy University. Dr. Szelwach is a senior consultant and program manager for women's health at Atlas Research LLC and the founder of WOVEN Women Veterans Network.
	Paul Manfrey, Branch Manager for Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network in Tampa, has been named by Register Rep, a financial industry publication, as one of 10 “Outstanding Advisors for 2010” for his work with PARC, a non-profit agency in Pinellas County supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities.
	GSP Marketing Technologies (GSP), the leader in strategic marketing at the point of purchase, today announces that Steven Cohen has been selected for the newly created position of Director of Creative Services. “We are excited about Steven joining GSP, it reflects the direction that many of our clients are headed as each retailer competes with a wider array of competition,” says Geoff Neuhoff, CEO of GSP. “Steven will help bring a new standard of excellence to GSP in the area of creative services that we can provide to our clients — helping them stay competitive in food service and other areas of their business.”
	Joe DeLuca, a vice president and Tampa publisher of the St. Petersburg Times, has been named publisher of TampaBay.com.DeLuca will remain as publisher of the Times’ Tampa edition and tbt* Tampa Bay Times, the free daily tabloid. His portfolio also includes production and circulation. DeLuca, 52, joined the Times in 2001. He serves on the company’s executive committee and board of directors.
	President of Focus Management Group (“Focus”), J. Tim Pruban, announces that the nationwide business restructuring firm has bolstered its team with the addition of Anthony Wolf. “We are excited to welcome on board someone of Tony’s depth of experience,” said Pruban. “Tony’s comprehensive financial background, extensive restructuring experience and diverse industry knowledge will complement our team and facilitate the continuation of our firm’s steady growth, both in the South and nationwide.” Wolf will serve as a Managing Director to complement the firm’s growing demand for its turnaround management and corporate restructuring services.
	Karen Ranieri has re-joined First Bank as a Vice President and Branch Manager in the bank’s Dunedin, Florida office. Ranieri previously served at First Bank as a Customer Service Manager before returning to the bank this spring. She has more than 33 years of banking experience. Ranieri is involved with the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the Women Helping Women Network Group.
	Universal Health Care Group in St. Petersburg, FL is pleased to announce the addition of Dennis Kant as its Chief Financial Officer. Universal Chairman and CEO Dr. Akshay Desai commented on the addition of Mr. Kant to the executive team, “Dennis brings over 25 years of experience in managed care and financial expertise to Universal and will be a great addition to our executive team. We are pleased to have attracted an individual of Dennis’ caliber for this critical position and look forward to his hands-on leadership in the finance function.”
	This year marks the 40th anniversary of Electric Supply, Inc. and also of the NAED Education & Research Foundation. To celebrate this milestone, NAED recognized 10 of the most influential people in the Foundation’s history with the Foundation Legacy Award. Electric Supply’s president and CEO, George Adams, Jr., received this award on May 18th at the Foundation’s 40th Anniversary Award Banquet in Chicago. Adams was instrumental in the development of the Certified Electrical Professional (CEP) industry certification program and the first chair of the CEP governing council.
	In an announcement made today by J. Tim Pruban, President of Focus Management Group, Alan L. Weiner has joined the business restructuring firm as a Managing Director. In this role, Weiner will serve the firm’s nationwide client base from its Tampa headquarters. “We are pleased to have Alan join our team and support our company’s efforts in the areas of turnaround management, business restructuring and operational improvements,” said Pruban. “Alan’s significant experience in financial and real estate management combined with his extensive knowledge and leadership in a diverse range of industries will enable him to support our broad range of clients.”
	The Tampa Bay Partnership has named Dave Sobush, CEcD, as Business Intelligence Officer, it was announced by Stuart Rogel, President & CEO. As Business Intelligence Officer, he provides the organization and its investors with insightful interpretation of pertinent information applied to the programs of economic development marketing, public policy, and leadership. “Dave’s background in both research and economic development will help us to continue to move to the next level in achieving our strategic goals,” said Stuart Rogel, President & CEO of the Partnership. “He will be a strong addition to our team.”
	Kimberly Pitts has been named Senior Commercial Banker for Mutual of Omaha Bank in Naples. Based out of the bank’s Florida headquarters at 625 9th St. North (Tamiami Trail), Pitts will work with Naples area businesses, offering a full suite of business banking services, including commercial lending, commercial real estate lending and treasury management services. Pitts brings nearly 15 years of accounting, finance and banking experience in the Naples area to Mutual of Omaha Bank, most recently serving as Vice President and Commercial Lender for TIB Bank in Naples.
	Kingery & Crouse announced the addition of David Hovey to the firm as a Sr. Tax Manager. Previously, he was a Sr. Manager in the International Services area for LarsonAllen LLP, a large regional firm based out of Minneapolis, MN. Dave graduated from California State University, San Bernardino in June of 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Dave began his public accounting career in 1991 in the Minneapolis, MN office of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP where he was a member of the tax department for over nine years.
	Med-Vision, a Tampa-based medical consulting company, announces that Jeffrey A. Gasser, president of Gasser Consulting, has joined the Med-Vision team as a principal and equity owner. Along with the recent addition of Connie Gee as vice president, Gasser’s appointment will enhance Med-Vision’s efforts to provide strategic healthcare cost solutions for self-funded employer groups across the United States .
	Reaching the pinnacle of his profession nationally, Jim Soda of Prudential Palms Realty has been accepted as a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®. More than just a sales-driven recognition, the Top 5 in Real Estate Network® helps buyers and sellers identify the most professional real estate agents in North America. To qualify, each member must first meet a stringent set of criteria, based upon performance, educational and professional skills, and service to the consumer.
	George F. Young, Inc. announces the hiring of Tom Deal, ASLA as Vice President of Planning and Landscape Architecture in the Tampa office. Tom, a Registered Landscape Architect, will lead our Planning and Landscape Architecture operations in the Tampa Office. Tom was previously employed by Heidt and Associates.
	David M. Alvarez, CPA, has recently been promoted to Audit Manager at Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC CPAs and Business Consultants. Alvarez, a Certified Public Accountant, has professional experience in audits of multi-national corporations, privately held companies, as well as not-for-profit organizations. He has worked on multiple carve-out engagements and public company spin-offs. His primary industry experience is in transaction processing, manufacturing and distribution and healthcare.
	George F. Young, Inc. announces the hiring of Paul A. Dolcemascolo, PSM as a Project Manager in the Tampa office. Paul, a Professional Surveyor and Mapper with 39 years of experience, was previously employed by Heidt and Associates.
	George F. Young, Inc. announces the hiring of Al Belluccia, PE as Vice President of Engineering and Office Manager in the Tampa office. Al, a Registered Civil Engineer, will lead our Engineering operations in the Tampa Office. Al was previously employed by Heidt and Associates.
	Mari Roby DeMauro joined The Ross Realty Group, Inc. in September as Transaction Coordinator. DeMauro was formerly with Tavernier Capital Partners in Tampa, Florida. Mari brings her 15 years of commercial real estate lending and mortgage banking experience to The Ross Realty Group, Inc. to specialize in investment sales.
	Leo Mackesy joined The Ross Realty Group, Inc.in August as Company Accountant. Mackesy was formerly a Financial Anaylst with Baycare Health Systems in Clearwater, FL. Leo brings over 2 years experience in finance to the company along with financial planning and sales experience. Additionally, Leo holds degrees from University of South Florida and Ohio University.
	Karen Temmen also joined The Ross Realty Group, Inc. in August as Marketing and Research Assistant. Temmen was formerly with Colliers Arnold in Clearwater, FL. Karen brings 12 years of commercial real estate experience to The Ross Realty Group, Inc.
	Burr & Forman LLP today announces that Denise D. Dell- Powell has joined the firm as a partner in the Central Florida office. She will enhance the firm's bankruptcy, creditors¹ rights, distressed property and inventory finance litigation efforts across the Southeast and nation. Dell-Powell was most recently serving clients in the banking and financial services industry as a shareholder at the Akerman Senterfitt law firm.
	Melissa Wikle has joined Universal Health Care Group of St. Petersburg as Vice President of Finance. Universal Chairman and CEO Dr. Akshay Desai stated, “We are pleased to have someone with Melissa’s extensive accounting and finance background help Universal continue to grow and maintain strong financial controls.”
	PeakBiety branding + advertising proudly announces the recent appointment of Kathryn Clark as art director. A native of the Tampa Bay area, Kathryn is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the area of Advertising Design and minor degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship.
	Kady Lutz has joined CornerStone Title as Administrative Services Coordinator. She is responsible for supporting company principals and closing managers in office management, business development, client liaison and real estate closings. Lutz has many years of experience in office administration, including serving as administrative assistant with a customer-contact training and consulting firm in Lutz, FL, and office assistant with a real estate firm in Bradenton, FL. A Bradenton native, she has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of South Florida in Tampa.
	Kingery & Crouse announced the addition of Jeffrey Bauman to the firm as a Sr. Audit Manager. Jeff previously worked as the accounting manager for an international publicly-held company in Tampa where he was responsible for SEC reporting, accounting research, international statutory reporting, internal controls and accounting policies after having spent 8 years in public accounting with 2, Big Four accounting firms.
	Williams Schifino Mangione & Steady P.A. announced today that Catherine Verona has joined the firm as an associate. Verona concentrates her practice in the area of auto and premises liability claims, civil rights litigation and personal injury protection. Verona is an active member in the Young Lawyers Division of The Florida Bar and The Hillsborough County Bar Association. She is admitted to practice in all State Courts of Florida and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
	Retail Sense announced today the appointment of Joe Port to the positions of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Port, who has 28 years of experience in industries including marketing services, industrial and high tech manufacturing and outsourced logistics, will report directly to Tom O’Reilly, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman.
	Erin M. Clark has been named Chief Operating Officer of Edward Kennedy Mason Financial, an independent financial planning firm at 1990 Main St., Suite 750, Sarasota, FL 34236. She previously served as Director of Client Relations. Clark has a B.S. in Psychology from the University of South Florida at Tampa, where she served as an undergraduate research assistant.
	VR Business Sales located in Clearwater, the area’s premier firm specializing in the sale of small to mid-sized businesses worldwide, recently announced Michael S. Vargo, a professional business intermediary with more than 10 years of experience, has been promoted to president and senior managing partner.
	The Tampa Bay Advertising Federation (TBAF) awarded a $1000 scholarship to Marti Martin of Tampa at the monthly TBAF luncheon on July 24 at the Rusty Pelican, 2425 N. Rocky Point Drive in Tampa. Martin, a junior at the International Academy of Design & Technology in Tampa, was chosen from 15 applicants from across the Tampa Bay area.
	Stacy Dinucci Kitchell recently joined Commercial Partners Realty in St. Petersburg, FL. Stacy is a commercial real estate professional, specializing in office leasing and sales. She comes to Commercial Partners Realty with over 20 years of commercial real estate experience and a unique background in leasing and property management, as well as financial analysis for companies such as MetLife Real Estate Investments and Equity Office Properties REIT.
	Pinstripe Marketing is pleased to announce that Tamara Whittaker has been promoted to senior project manager. Her responsibilities include account management, business development, media planning and buying, and the firm’s public service advertising campaigns. She joined Pinstripe as project manager in August 2007.
	Michael A. Lewis, Senior Vice President, Energy Delivery, Progress Energy Florida has joined the Board of Directors of Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc. Mr. Lewis brings with him years of experience in operations and management with Progress Energy, a company that is committed to innovation and corporate responsibility.
	Ms. Eileen Rodríguez was recently appointed as the Regional Director for the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida. Ms. Rodríguez has been working with the SBDC since 1997. She came aboard as a Certified Business Analyst, providing one-on-one confidential counseling and teaching seminars in English and Spanish. Her areas of specialty include small business start-up, international trade, and women/minority certification.
	Leading business performance improvement expert Sheri’ A. Taber, founder and president of The Peak Performance Group Inc., has received the prestigious 2009 Business Woman of the Year award from the eWomenNetwork affiliate of Greater Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg, Florida.
	Cheryl R. Shafer, M.D., Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, has joined Universal Health Care Group in St. Petersburg as Chief Medical Officer. Universal Chairman and CEO Dr. Akshay Desai stated, “Dr. Shafer’s extensive experience and expertise in health care and managed care will help Universal continue to provide the highest level of services for our members.”
	Harden & Associates is pleased to announce that the Insurance Institute of America (IIA) presented the Distinguished Graduate Award in the Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI®) Program to Chris Huber. Huber is an Account Director in Harden & Associates’ Tampa office, responsible for originating and retaining client relationships; defining and articulating client objectives; and leading efforts to provide the best solutions for clients.
	Whitney National Bank has named Jeff Joyner, CFP, to be the Tampa Bay region’s Vice President in Private Banking for Clearwater. Joyner had served as a Relationship Manager at Wachovia Wealth Management in Clearwater.
	The Warrick Dunn Foundation (WDF), a Tampa based not-for-profit, recently hired Jennifer J. Maxwell as executive director. Maxwell is a University of Central Florida graduate with a master’s degree in exceptional student education from the University of South Florida. Maxwell also obtained a certificate in nonprofit management and innovation from the University of Tampa. As executive director, Maxwell will manage the operations of WDF and oversee fundraising, outreach and program development.
	Schifino Lee Advertising & Branding (Schifino Lee) announced today that it has hired Kathleen Heston to serve as account manager. In this capacity, Heston is responsible for uniting client business solutions with their target constituents.
	Schifino Lee Advertising & Branding (Schifino Lee) announced today that it has named Jessica Culbreath media and public relations coordinator. She is responsible for assisting team members daily with client needs, maintaining the purchasing and trafficing of advertising, and helping to secure positive exposure for the agency’s public relations campaigns.
	College of Business Accounting Professor James Fellows, PhD, has been named the Bank of America Endowed Professor in Business for the 2009-2010 academic year. Named by the Florida Institute of CPAs as the 2005 Florida Educator of the Year, Fellows’ commitment to community affairs has enhanced the academic experiences of his students.
	Attorney Kenneth W. Lockwood has joined The Rothman Law Offices. Mr. Lockwood will be providing legal services in the areas of Lemon Law, Breach of Warranty, Consumer Protection, and Unfair Debt Collection and Harassment.
	Whitney National Bank has named Larry Cuervo Jr., to be the Tampa Bay region’s Vice President, Private Banking, it announced today. Previously, Cuervo served as Vice President/Relationship Manager at Wachovia Wealth Management for Wachovia Bank in Tampa. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Cuervo’s responsibilities will include managing a team that advises high net worth customers across the region’s 17 branches as part of the private banking division, a sector in which the 125-year-old Whitney has traditionally excelled.
	Paul Manfrey, Branch Manager for Wachovia Securities Financial Network in Tampa, has been awarded United Way Volunteer of the Year – Leadership Category for his work with PARC, a non-profit agency in Pinellas County supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities. Mr. Manfrey serves on the PARC Board of Directors, Development Committee and supports many of PARC’s day program activities. Mr. Manfrey resides in Largo, FL with his wife Jennifer and one daughter.
	Sam Schwartz Engineering (SSE) is pleased to announce that Jeff Trim, a Consulting Engineer with 24 years of roadway design experience, has joined the firm. Jeff previously worked for Wade Trim in Tampa, Florida and served as their Transportation Market Segment Lead for work being done in Florida, Michigan and Ohio.
	Williams Schifino Mangione & Steady P.A. announced today that Colleen E. Elrod has joined the firm as an associate. Elrod practices in the area of insurance coverage.
	Williams Schifino Mangione & Steady P.A. announced that Scott Brown has joined the firm as Of Counsel. Brown practices in the areas of real estate law, real estate development, real estate finance and real estate leasing. Within his practice, Brown represents individuals and institutional clients in the acquisition, development, financing, sale and leasing of commercial real estate, shopping centers and office buildings.
	The Sembler Company welcomes Seth Layton as vice president of asset management, working in the St. Petersburg office. Layton’s responsibilities will include long-range planning and financial reporting for Sembler’s property management division, which is currently operating a management portfolio of over 10 million square feet.
	Whitney National Bank announced that Tom Moseley has been promoted to Area President for Pinellas County. Moseley had most recently served as Area President of the Whitney’s Bradenton region overseeing the business development and operating activities of the Manatee/Sarasota market including commercial lending, retail banking, business banking and private banking services.
	Whitney National Bank recently hired Tramm Hudson. A 27-year banker in the area and former special advisor to Coast Bank of Florida, he is now Whitney’s Area President for the Manatee/Sarasota region which now has seven full service branches.
	Whitney National Bank has hired Mark H. Edmunds to be the Tampa Bay region’s Senior Vice President, Private Banking Manager, it announced today. Edmunds had previously served as the Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Wealth Management, for Wachovia Bank in Tampa, a position he held for 14 years.
	Tampa, Florida-based JBM of Marcus & Millichap announces that Matt Mitchell has joined the firm’s Downtown Tampa office as transaction manager. He joins JBM of Marcus & Millichap from Transwestern, where as Associate Director of the Investment Services Group he closed nearly $800 million in institutional-quality real estate transactions by leveraging his depth of experience in creative capital structuring, underwriting, and debt and equity sourcing. While at Transwestern, Matt was awarded both the Young Professional of the Year Award and the Presidents Award.
	The public accounting firm of Pender Newkirk & Company, LLP is proud to announce that tax manager, Will Rodriguez, CPA has recently been awarded the Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) Credential by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The ABV Credential, established in 1998 by the AICPA, is granted to qualified CPAs with considerable professional experience in financial forensics.