ATHLETICS
The University of Arkansas has announced the promotion of Patrick Pierson from associate communications director to assistant athletics director for communications.
BANKING
Burt Hicks has been promoted to investor relations officer for Simmons First National Corp.
EDUCATION
Carolyn Floyd Ishee has been named the director of planned giving for the University of Central Arkansas.
INSURANCE
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has announced several additions. They are Melvin Hardy, vice president of Information Technology, Matthew Creasman, manager of Consumer Marketing, William Hankins, manager of eMarketing, Debbie Cooley Huff, manager of Utilization Management, Judy Lohmar, director of Learning and Development, and Cheryl Avants, clinical pharmacist of BlueAdvantage National Accounts.
USAble Life has named Peter Zornik as regional sales director to lead Dental, Life and Disability sales efforts in Arkansas for group and individual businesses.
LEGAL
The Arkansas Bar Association has announced officers for the 2015-16 bar year: Eddie H. Walker Jr. of Walker, Shock & Harp PLLC in Fort Smith, president; R. Scott Zuerker of Ledbetter, Cogbill, Arnold & Harrison LLP in Springdale, board of governors chairman; Denise R. Hoggard of Rainwater, Holt & Sexton in Little Rock, president-elect; F. Thomas Curry of McMillan, McCorkle, Curry & Bennington LLP in Arkadelphia, secretary; Shaneen
K. Sloan of Hyden, Miron & Foster PLLC in Little Rock, treasurer; and Matt Frayar of Cypert, Crouch, Clark & Harwell PLLC in Springdale; young lawyers section chairman.
MEDIA
Salem Media Group has announced that Randy Bush has been appointed as general manager for KDIS-FM, KHTE-FM and KKSP-FM.
MEDICAL
Shannon Fleming has been named senior director of development for the Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.