business briefs

• Chase Kerby, CFP, of Rather & Kittrel has earned the certified financial planner designation, one of the industry’s most prestigious and demanding designations, reflecting his consistent commitment to client service and educational rigor.

• The United Way of Greater Knoxville announced its 2019 board members and chair, who were elected April 25. They are Cynthia Gibson, chairwoman, and members Tony Benton, CEOs of Knoxville Metro and Physicians Regional Medical Center; Chris Parrott, Regions Bank onsite banking coordinator; Casey Pruitt, Knoxville community volunteer; and Ventrice Hodge, community driver for KTRANS Management and officer of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1164. 

• Lori Messinger, professor in the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s School of Social Work, has been named dean of the University of Tennessee’s College of Social Work starting July 1. She succeeds interim dean Dave Dupper, who has served in the interim role since August 2017, when former dean Karen Sowers retired.

• More than 250 East Tennessee volunteers and other community members kicked off National Volunteer Week as they were honored in April for their service at the 4th Annual East Tennessee Volunteer Recognition Awards at Bridgewater Place.