Roanoke, New River Valley business names and changes

EDUCATION

Michele Deramo has been named director of diversity education and initiatives at Virginia Tech.

Robert Smith has been appointed head of the sustainable biomaterials department at Virginia Tech.

Brian Bolton has been named director of the Cranwell International Center at Virginia Tech.

Jeremy Ruch has been named the middle and upper school dean of students at Faith Christian School.

ENGINEERING

MB Contractors has announced that Stephen Bowers has been hired as eastern region operations manager and Ken Graham has been hired as small projects manager.

Robert Grisso Jr., associate director of Virginia Cooperative Extension and professor and extension engineer at Virginia Tech, has received the 2013 SMV Technologies Ergonomics, Safety and Health Award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

FINANCIAL

Josh Mattox has been granted the title of senior portfolio manager by Morgan Stanley.

HomeTown Bank announced the following additions and promotions: Debra Baliles has been hired as banking officer, executive assistant; Ann Brindle was promoted to assistant branch manager of the downtown Roanoke location; and James Little was promoted to assistant branch manager of the South Roanoke location.

LAW

Several area law firms announced lawyers named to the Best Lawyers in America listing for 2014:

Gentry Locke: Rudy Austin, Thomas Bondurant Jr., Matthew Broughton, Franklin Flippin, William Gust, Gregory Haley, Guy Harbert III, Kevin Holt, Paul Klockenbrink, Todd Leeson, Brett Marston, Monica Monday, S.D. Roberts Moore, Michael Pace Jr., David Paxton, William Rakes, Anthony Russell, Scott Sexton, Bruce Stockburger, Charles Williams Jr., Clark Worthy and Kathleen Wright.

Glenn Feldmann Darby & Goodlatte: Harwell Darby, Maryellen Goodlatte and Paul Beers.

Glenn Robinson & Cathey: Mark Cathey.

MEDICAL

Psychological Health Roanoke announced the following additions: Tesia Gardner, licensed clinical social worker; Linda Snead, licensed professional counselor; and Laura Ely, licensed clinical psychologist.

ORGANIZATIONS

Kit Hale was elected chairman of the Virginia Housing Development Authority Board of Commissioners.

The Western Virginia Workforce Development Board announced the election of the following members: Joyce Kessinger, chairwoman; William Jones Jr., vice chairman; Carroll Gentry, treasurer; Joe Brinley, secretary; Hiawatha Nicely, immediate past chairman; Paul Paradzinski, youth council chairman; and Wayne Flippen, oversight committee chairman.

OTHER

Freda Smith has been named chief operating officer of the education and recreation divisions of McLeod Enterprises LLP.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Roanoke County Fire and Rescue announced the following promotions: Barry Hurley, battalion chief of operations; Brian Witt, battalion chief of the training division; Jonathan Blank, captain at North County Station No. 1; Michael Martin, captain at Fort Lewis Station No. 9; John Ferron, lieutenant at Fort Lewis Station No. 9; Brandon Sheppard, lieutenant at Masons Cove Station No. 10; and Brad Zollman, lieutenant at Clearbrook Station No. 7.

Weather Journal

2 days ago

1. Britney Spears spotted at Lynchburg restaurant

2. Roanoke resource officer's quick action saved young girl

3. One person injured in Friday night shooting in Roanoke

4. East Carolina poses new challenge for Virginia Tech football 

5. Captive in Roanoke County describes harrowing time with angry friend

6. Lowe's tapes may hold clues to Roanoke woman's death

7. William Byrd stuns Salem in football win

8. Roanoke County electrical short quiets 5 Wheeler radio stations

9. Concert review: Timeless Willie Nelson plays to appreciative crowd

10. History says this one will matter for Virginia Tech